*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
13:30 Down Royal – Saylavee
Willie Mullins has four runners in this race and all of them deserve plenty of respect. I really like Saylavee, the daughter of Shantou, who bolted up at Gowran Park. She had won two bumpers previously and she looked really good when winning easily at Gowran. I am just a little worried about the ground but her dam was useful for Gordon Elliott and loved the soft. Liberty Dance is interesting for Gordon in here as this is a meeting he does really well at.
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13:50 Exeter – Ma Belle Noire
Ben Bromley claims 7lbs on Ma Belle Noire and she is well handicapped even before taking that into account. Ma Belle Noire will handle conditions but last year’s winner Martha Brae has to rate as a danger with trainer Dan Skelton going well.
14:05 Down Royal – Pied Piper
It will be a major surprise if Gordon Elliott doesn’t win this, and the handicapper can’t split his two runners, but Pied Piper was so good at Cheltenham on his seasonal debut that it’s hard to look past him.
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14:25 Exeter – Thyme Hill
This looks a perfect opportunity for this son of Katara. Thyme Hill likes nice ground and has plenty in hand on official ratings against his two rivals. The previous winner over fences in the line-up, Press Your Luck, is penalised for his win at Chepstow and actually has to conceded weight to Philip Hobbs’ one-time high-class hurdler.
14:40 Down Royal – Alice Avril
I went all around the houses when looking at this race and, in the end, I went for Alice Avril who has some good form to her name and has won on all sorts of ground. She gets the vote.
15:00 Exeter – Masters Legacy
Masters Legacy only got beaten ten lengths by Knappers Hill at Chepstow in a good handicap hurdle on his seasonal debut. He looked outpaced early and kept on well in the end. He is a lovely, big, chasing type and could just come Into his own over fences. A mark of 130 looks fair for him in this handicap chase.
15:35 Exeter – War Lord
We all know Greaneteen is the best horse in this Haldon Gold Cup but he also looked like he needed the run in this contest last season, before going onto better things when winning the Tingle Creek afterwards. War Lord is the one I am going for now though. Last year’s winning Tizzard team are responsible and there is very little between him and Third Time Lucki on running at Sandown. He should be ready to win first time out and that could be crucial difference. He gets the nod in this fascinating contest.
Mick Fitzgerald’s Friday racing Tips
Down Royal 13:30 – Saylavee
Exeter 13:50 – Ma Belle Noire
Down Royal 14:05 – Pied Piper
Exeter 14:25 – Thyme Hill
Down Royal 14:40 – Alice Avril
Exeter 15:00 – Masters Legacy
Exeter 15:35 – War Lord
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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