TimeformBlog

Elspeth's Boy (13:40) hasn't reproduced the same level of form he demonstrated to land a maiden at Wolverhampton in 2009, but he has had his sights lowered to selling company for the first time this afternoon and should be able to give a good account of himself. Connections obviously had high hopes for Elspeth's Boy earlier in his career, racing him in the 2010 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on just his second start, and at the weights he definitely looks the one to beat this afternoon against some very modest competition. He has shown promise on two of his three starts this year, despite racing too keenly at times, and should retain enough ability to be competitive in this type of contest. His main danger will come in the form of Kingswinford, but that opponent aside, Elspeth's Boy is considered 12 lb superior to the rest based on Timeform ratings.

The Haldon Gold Cup (14:50) sees the return of some of last year's most exciting novice chasers with Captain Chris heading a cast that also includes Ghizao and Medermit. Captain Chris progressed into the leading two mile novice chaser last season and announced his superiority by taking the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, before following up with a further victory in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at Punchestown. His two main rivals in this afternoon's contest were comprehensively beaten at Cheltenham and with conditions to suit this afternoon, there is little reason to believe that the form can be reversed. The rain has stayed away from Exeter racecourse this week, and even though Captain Chris has to give weight to all of his opponents, he should possess enough quality to take this Grade 2 feature.

Nina Rose (15:30) is arguably a little bit better than her current form gives her credit for, and she should be able to record her first victory in what admittedly looks a competitive handicap this afternoon. Her run of form, since her nursery debut in 2009, has meant that she has dropped to a very appealing mark and, having demonstrated promise last time out, can finally open her account. Nina Rose finished a narrow third behind two rivals who seemed reasonably well handicapped on that occasion, and having not received a rise in the weights for her efforts, she should be able to make amends here. Useful claimer John Fahy is booked for the ride taking 3 lb off, and the pair should definitely go close.

Back Elspeth's Boy @ 4.2 in the 13:40 at Redcar
Back Captain Chris @ 3.3 in the 14:50 at Exeter
Back Nina Rose @ 5.7 in the 15:30 at Kempton

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