2:55 Exeter Tips

Noble Blue has been a prolific winner in points and switched back to rules. He ran respectably in second place here under Harry Cobden and should go close again.

This D. Skelton-trained 6-y-o gelding has improved, finishing second in his last two races over hurdles. The latest was over three miles and one furlong on soft ground at Plumpton 36 days ago, when beaten 4¼ lengths by the A. J. Honeyball-trained Ferret Jeeter. Now down in trip and with Harry Skelton doing the steering, he can open his account today.

I like Eton Mes in this. He has won a couple of races on heavy and soft going, but his action is that of a good-ground horse. I think that the ground at Exeter will be more good than soft (looking at the amount of rain they've had and the forecast), and he will run a better race. He has been very competitive in testing ground, so if I'm correct he should win.

Reliable and commands respect due to a strong track record of recent performances. The lightly raced 7-year-old carries the lowest weight and has shown good form despite defeats. His recent second place at Taunton was validated by the winners' subsequent success. A strong each-way bet at 8/1.

Encouraging run latest at Southwell on handicap debut. Doesn't scream out he's well handicapped but dropped a pound for this, and given yard's current form is good value to be in the frame.

Looks a fair race for the grade, but I am drawn to PYLEIGH MASTER at a current top price of 16/1. He made all and got the better of two subsequent 120+ horses, albeit the current 137-rated Scorpio Rising was making his hurdle bow. Regardless, an opening mark of 117 looked fair and he looked to hold every chance on his handicap/seasonal bow at Chepstow 101 days ago but for making two bad mistakes in the home straight. The seven-year-old was a bit too keen on that step up in distance and a drop back in distance looks ideal. I like to think that they won't be wasting any more time given the season is almost over.

Just two runs over hurdles for the 7yo, both in maiden races. He didn't land a blow, finishing 3rd and 4th, but he ran well for a good way and was up against some useful rivals. Good yard and jockey. Improvement possible, a decent opening handicap mark, and he might get a more suitable pace in this race.