Oliver Sherwood: Jersey Bean could be banging on the door

3.25 Exeter
Harcombe Handicap Chase | Class 3 | 3m | 4yo+ | RTV

Exeter is known as a track that tests stamina, with a long drag up the straight which rises almost 40ft from the home turn to the line.

It also tends to get notably heavy in winter, although that can go either way at this stage of the season, and the going is reportedly good ahead of forecast overnight rain.

It appears that plenty of the 18 declared runners are reliant on a bit of rain, in terms of either their best ground or simply putting enough emphasis on stamina.

Of course, it is possible that a handful will tighten up for the run, with the Haldon Hill (formerly the Devon Marathon) over 3m6f due to be run back here in a month's time.

There is one potential clear exception. Killer Clown was pulled out at Newton Abbot last week on account of heavy ground, which was deemed unsuitable.

Unexposed with a fairly stout pedigree, he has never properly run in a handicap having been wiped out early on at Uttoxeter on his recent chasing debut.

He is not the only unexposed runner in the field and not the only one of longer-term interest. The Philip Hobbs-trained pair of Larkbarrow Lad and Truckin Away are worthy of particular consideration.

Richard Johnson is on the former, who is a bit quirky but is at least race-fit from a spin over this course and distance a month ago.

Truckin Away is seemingly well regarded and has had another wind operation. He struggles to see his races out and it may well be that clear wind will be the key to him.

Polydora (left): 'Flatter track will suit him better than Carlisle'Credit: Getty Images

He sits alongside Classic Ben and Polydora as horses with talent deferred, all three having looked quite promising before their quiet campaigns in 2019-20.
Keith Melrose, betting editor

What they say

Stuart Edmunds, trainer of Classic Ben
He's ready to start back but the ground may well be a bit too lively for him. His main target is the London National at Sandown next month.

Henry Daly, trainer of Fortescue
He's a course-and-distance winner and this looks the right race to start him back in. He was running on different ground last season but I think he's quite versatile in that regard.

Robert Walford, trainer of Le Boizelo
It looks a competitive race and he's on a career-high mark, so we'll see how he goes off it. Ideally, he would have liked softer ground.

Tom Lacey, trainer of Polydora
He got crucified by the handicapper for winning an average race at Newcastle a few years ago and he has struggled off his mark since. He was run off his feet at Carlisle last time before pulling up but hopefully this flatter track will suit him better.

Oliver Sherwood, trainer of Jersey Bean
I'm surprised there are so many runners but he won well at Newton Abbot last time and I think we have a bit to play with off his current mark. Hopefully, he'll be banging on the door.

Alan King, trainer of Rebel Royal and Mahlermade
Rebel Royal ran better when fourth at Wincanton last time but needs to come down in the weights. Mahlermade has come on for his comeback and hopefully can get involved.

Noel Williams, trainer of That's A Given
He ran well on his first start over fences at Newton Abbot but has to do it again in this more competitive race. Hopefully, he can build on that.

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