Wonford Inn Exeter 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 17:50 | Winning time: 4m 27.5s

Ballon Onabudget⁷⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 122

11/4

Landed Tramore bumper for previous connections in October and went very close to winning hurdles bow for new handler at Ludlow in January. Ran poorly next time at Market Rasen and not seen for 79 days. Chance if back to Ludlow form.

Form: 00128-

Jaytrack Parkhomes^t1⁵⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 113

4/1

Won heavy ground Fontwell bumper on debut last season but has looked short of pace in three starts so far on easy ground over hurdles. Interesting he turns out here on forecast better surface and that might bring about some improvement for top yard.

Form: 10/5965-

Pilot Station¹³²

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: G Sheehan| T: H Whittington

15/8

Ex-Irish maiden hurdler makes debut for new connections having gone close at Down Royal last time, beaten just half a length over two miles. Steps up a little in trip and tongue-tie not declared this time. Worth a market check.

Form: 7/75F62-

Rococo River²¹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: Chester Williams⁽⁷⁾| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 110

11/4

Yard has won with 2-3 of late so horses are clearly in good heart. Has shown promise on all three starts so far and was fair third here over furlong less last time. Rider's claim helps the cause and looks to have decent prospects.

Form: F/63-

Spinolo²³

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Tom Cannon| T: N J Hawke

100/1

Sprint bred Piccolo gelding who cost just £600. Showed little on only start so far when well beaten in Wincanton bumper. First try over hurdles but makes little appeal.

Form: 0-

Forecasts

Pilot Station (15/8), Rococo River (11/4), Ballon Onabudget (11/4), Jaytrack Parkhomes (4/1), Spinolo (100/1)

ROCOCO RIVER seems to be going the right way and the slightly longer trip should be to his liking. He can win this at the main expense of Ballon Onabudget who would go close if reproducing his effort of two starts ago. A first time tongue-tie may help the cause of Jaytrack Parkhomes, while a bold show from ex-Irish Pilot Station is not ruled out either.