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Think this race deserves a thread in this section, being a grade 2 and showcasing some exciting chasers new and old. Also sets a good benchmark for the start of the jumps season.
Twist Magic
Somersby
Herecomesthetruth
Chaninbar
Imsingingtheblues
Mahogany Blaze
Cornas
Tcicho Polos
The SawyerI’m naturally drawn towards Mahogany Blaze based on the fact NTD usually has his horses cherry ripe at the start of the season, but probably may come up short. Nevertheless he has ran well at Exeter in the past, and was a solid 4th in this last year behind PoS and 2nd behind AB a year prior. The fact that he hasn’t won since April 2008 is a bit offputting, and the ground probably isn’t ideal (although has won at soft at Exeter at the start of his career). Probably worth an EW shout.
Obviously Somersby is a worthy favourite given his excellent 2nd to Sizing Europe in the Arkle and goes well fresh (won on debut and FTO last year, albeit on good). This probably counts as one of his targets (although Cheltenham in March will be the ultimate). Think he has an excellent chance on these terms but Hadden Frost is first time up on him and while he’s a good up and coming jockey I’d personally prefer to see AP on him. That’s only a minor gripe however and I think he’s clearly the one to beat.
Cornas will be my main bet however as he’s already had a run in Ireland (a winning one at that) and this is definitely one of his main targets having being a close 2nd last year. Atoned for that defeat in a Graduation Chase at the course last December, making light work of the talented Or Bleu and Pasco and I think a small-ish field will play to his strengths (races prominently). Interesting that Geraghty takes the ride and I think he and Somersby can fight out the finish, with Cornas drawing on previous experience to triumph.
My selections:
1st Cornas, 2nd Somersby, 3rd Mahogany Blaze- Total Posts 17716
Herecomesthetruth for me; if he was still with Nicholls he’d be much shorter than 28/1.
He goes well fresh, should be suited by the demands of Exeter and has gone to a more than capable trainer in Chris Gordon.
Herecomesthetruth for me; if he was still with Nicholls he’d be much shorter than 28/1.
He goes well fresh, should be suited by the demands of Exeter and has gone to a more than capable trainer in Chris Gordon.
Good call on that one, his past form suggests he’s more than able in these conditions and the stable changing should compliment his ability. Very appealing price too.
My selections:
1st Cornas, 2nd Somersby, 3rd Mahogany Blaze
Cornas is definitely on an edge here with Geraghty on board, but I’d switch his position with Somersby’s and the other way around as Somersby’s form in relation to starts is far better than Cornas’s.
An exciting race indeed.
- Total Posts 17716
Twist Magic ran well off top weight last year (third) and I think he’s worth an each-way again this year at the price.
twist magic is likely to need the run this season,herecomesthetruth does have bits of form to give him a chance and should not be price he is but cant see him winning this myself.
If somersby is near peak fitness he has to win at these weights.Tchico polis looks a good lay to me probably will trade shorter in running too with his running style.Somersby
Mahogany Blaze
CornasIs my predicted finishing order with an easy victory on the cards for Somersby.
Couldn’t have got that more wrong if I tried!
Tchicho Polos the winner, with Twist Magic an eye-catching second and Somersby a respectable third (probably found the ground a tad too soft).
Cornas and Mahogany Blaze were rather disappointing.
Obviously Paul Nicholls has his horses in fine fettle at present winning the first as well, November could easily be his month to monopolise the big races.
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