PNicholls

13:50 Exeter

Rocky Creek

Is a full brother to Tell Massini (a very smart hurdler/chaser who sadly died in the Newbury race won by Aiteen Thirtythree last season) and won his only start in an Irish point back in February, beating Rolling Aces by four lengths, and the runner-up went on to win next time up - in fact we liked Rocky Creek's win so much we bought the first two home. Clearly, chasing will be his game but this trip over hurdles is a good introduction for him under Rules. We have decent hopes for him.

14:20 Exeter

Jump City

A middle distance winner on the Flat in France in 2009, he had his problems before making his debut for us at Wincanton in February. To be honest, he hadn't been showing us that much before then but he certainly ran a race full of promise to finish second to the smart 1-4 chance Smad Place there, some 33 lengths clear of the third. Hopefully that run didn't flatter him at all, and we hope to be winning races with him this season, after putting him away to preserve his novice status after Wincanton. May need further in time than the 2m1f but should go close here.

14:50 Exeter

Ghizao

Needed the run and experience first time out last season but I shall be disappointed if he fails through lack of fitness here, as I have trained him for the race, though it is a very high class and competitive renewal for sure. Was one of my rare bets when beating Captain Chris by ten lengths off levels at Cheltenham in November and followed up by beating the same rival by four-and-a-half lengths giving him 10lb next time - and we get 5lb off him here. He failed to fire in the Arkle and then a blunder two out cost him dear when beaten two lengths by Finians Rainbow at Aintree. We have high hopes for him in the better races up to 2m4f this season, and he is in good form coming into this. Did a good piece of work with Celestial Halo on Saturday.


15.20 Exeter

Sam Winner

Proved himself one of the best juveniles of last season with two impressive wins, and when running an extraordinary race from off the pace to finish fourth to Zarkandar in the Triumph, but we have always viewed him as a chaser. And I expect him to take high rank in the novice department this season, so let's hope he can get off to a winning start, getting the allowances here. However, the opposition could hardly be any stiffer first time up, with Menorah in opposition, and the priority is to get him to jump nicely and safely round, rather like Silviniaco Conti at Chepstow first time up. There will be bigger prizes down the line but I am happy with him.

My best chance of the day would be Ghizao.

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