'He's feeling well' - last year's hero Samuel Jackson out to win big prize again

3.50 Exeter
Virgin Bet Devon National Handicap Chase | 3m6½f, 5yo+ | RTV

Two former winners of this race, Samuel Jackson (2021) and Dawson City (2018, 2019), are among 13 runners for a highly competitive contest.

Samuel Jackson competes off the same mark as when successful 12 months ago, while the teenager Dawson City has slipped to the rating off which he landed the Somerset National at Wincanton last January.

Both are likely to run well, but the standout in terms of pure handicapping is the Venetia Williams-trained Snuff Box, who is officially 2lb well in under a 7lb penalty for last week's Lingfield romp over 3m5f.

This rates a more competitive contest, but Lucy Turner’s 7lb claim wipes out the penalty, and both trip and ground appear ideal.

Wayfinder, who still boasts relatively low mileage for an eight-year-old, had no answer to Dr Kananga at Chepstow last time over 3m2f, but gives the impression he could improve for this marathon trip.

Dr Kananga gave his form a timely boost when romping home from three rivals at Sandown last Thursday.

What they say

Nicky Martin, trainer of The Two Amigos
We’ve had a problem with the horses this winter not scoping clear, but The Two Amigos was clear yesterday. He is handicapped to run a big race. He’s got a big weight, but Dave Pritchard takes off 5lb and the horse has won over the course and distance. The ground should suit him and he goes there with a definite chance. I’d say the Venetia Williams horse [Snuff Box] is the one we all have to beat.

The Two Amigos: 'He goes there with a definite chance'Credit: Alan Crowhurst

Polly Gundry, trainer of Dawson City
We've given him a bit of a break as he had an inflammatory response and his coat fell out. We've done lots of work with him and tried to get him as lean as we can. He tells us he's happy and still loves his job. The ground was ideal for him at Wincanton last season when he won the Somerset National; he doesn't want tacky, dead ground so I'm hoping it doesn't dry up at Exeter.

Richard Mitford-Slade, trainer of Samuel Jackson
He ran a good race at Lingfield last month behind The Galloping Bear who, of course, franked the form last Saturday. He runs off the same mark as when he won the Devon National last year, and the ground should suit. There are plenty of positives towards his chance. He's feeling well and this is a race we've had in mind for a while. We did enter him for the Eider, but Exeter was always the plan unless the ground was unsuitable.

Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Classic Ben
He fell at Exeter last time, but has schooled well since. He was running a big race when he fell three out and I'm very hopeful.

Tom Weston, trainer of The Late Legend
He ran in snatches at Market Rasen on Boxing Day so we're putting cheekpieces on to help him. He ran well at Exeter over this trip on his previous start, and we've had this race in mind for a while. He's been freshened up and I hope he goes well.

Racing Post Live is your ultimate racing watchalong every Saturday and during major festivals. Our experts offer uninterrupted tips, analysis and reactions to the ITV action. Subscribe to the Racing Post YouTube channel here and never miss a minute