Friday 21st February 2025
3.30 Exeter: Nick Ansell, Devon National Handicap Chase: My first selection of the day on Friday comes within the 3.30 at Exeter and this is the Devon National which is a Class 3 handicap chase over three miles and six and a half furlongs. I’m with Art Decco here for Robert Walford and Harry Kimber. He notched up a string of victories last spring and has returned to the track in good health this term with a fine neck second here back in December, before finishing fifth in a competitive handicap at Windsor last month. He shouldn’t have any issues with today’s trip and looks to be a very solid contender. Art Decco – 5/1 (Each-Way)
4.30 Exeter: South West Rail Solutions Ltd Handicap Hurdle: I’m staying at Exeter for my second selection and this comes within the 4.30 which is a Class 5 handicap hurdle that’s ridden over a distance of two miles and five and a half furlongs. I’m taking a chance on Nollyador here for the team of Emma Lavelle and Harry Cobden. He returned to the track following a layoff when finishing a very encouraging third of eight at Huntingdon back in December on what was his handicap debut. He remains unexposed and on the same mark here and can make his presence felt if he comes on for his return run. Nollyador – 9/1 (Each-Way)
6.15 Southwell: Weekly £5 Free Bet With BetUK Handicap: My third and final selection of the day comes from Southwell and the 6.15 which is a Class 4 handicap on the all-weather over six furlongs. I’ve come down on Flying Fletcher in this for Richard Fahey and Warren Fentiman who takes off seven pounds. He ran a great race last time out at Newcastle when finishing half of a length third of eight despite not getting the easiest of trips. He’s effectively six pounds lower for this assignment when taking the rider’s claim into consideration and that makes him a big player. Flying Fletcher – 13/2 (Each-Way)
