The one race you do not want to miss on Thursday

2.20 Exeter
Read Davy Russell's Exclusive Blog Starsportsbet.co.uk Handicap Hurdle | 2m2½f | 3yo+ | RTV

Why is it interesting?

One of two valuable handicaps on the card, this contest centres around Trans Express, who has become a regular fixture in the race for local trainer Sue Gardner.

For the last three years Trans Express has claimed this prize, and is back again to try and complete a four-timer for Gardner, with her daughter Lucy once again aboard.

Trans Express thrives at the course with five wins from 13 starts, along with three seconds and two thirds. The nine-year-old's last victory came over the course and distance in March, and though winless in six subsequent starts, Trans Express is now only 1lb higher than that win.

What do the stats say?

Philip Hobbs does well at Exeter and this season is no exception, with four winning hurdlers from 11 runners at a 36 per cent strike-rate. The trainer is represented by Dostal Phil, a course-and-distance winner back in March.

Venetia Williams is in excellent form with 12 winners from her last 28 runners, including a double at Ludlow on Wednesday. She runs The Crooner, who was successful last week at Leicester.

What do the trainers say?

Harry Fry, trainer of Sir Ivan
It has been a while since he last won but he's been coming down the weights and ran well over this course and distance back in the spring. Hopefully he can run significantly better than he did at Wincanton last time.

Noel Williams, trainer of Vinnie Dev
I think he's a progressive horse. He caught us out a little at Ascot as he was still really green. I thought he ran a nice race against some good horses and it looks like nice form. I'm toying with the idea of sneaking him in to something like the Lanzarote but he would have to earn the right to run in it and take another step forward. The ground shouldn't be a problem and I'm very happy with him.

Noel Williams: has high hopes for Vinnie DevCredit: Edward Whitaker

Lucy Gardner, jockey for Trans Express
He's been a little legend and has done really well for us. He's 1lb higher than when he won it last year and he seems in good heart at home. There's younger horses coming through but he's very well and we're hoping he's going to run well.

David Pipe, trainer of Ghost Serge
He refused to race last time at Lingfield so we want him to jump off this time. I'm not sure if two miles two furlongs round Exeter will be ideal but it's local and we've got to start somewhere.

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