14:20 Exeter

Friday 11 March 2022

All13:1513:4514:2014:5515:3016:0516:40

Virgin Bet Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:20 | Winning time: 4m 24.00s

Almost Gotaway¹⁴¹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: David Prichard⁽⁵⁾| T: Nicky Martin

28/1

Getaway gelding who showed ability on debut when fifth in bumper at Newton Abbot (16.8f, heavy) in October. Looked in need of experience that day and shaped like a stayer, so could be one for later on

Form: 5

Captain Rose²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

3/1

Half-brother to 4 winners, including fairly useful chaser Halo Moon and fair hurdler Chantara Rose. Ran to only a modest level when fifth in novice hurdle here (18.5f, heavy) on debut 26 days ago.

Form: 5

Hesque De L'isle¹⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: R Patrick| T: T Lacey

25/1

Has shown ability in a bumper and 3 hurdles this season, showing a bit more when sixth in novice at Huntingdon (15.8f, heavy) 15 days ago. Looks the stable's second-string in the race.

Form: 8556

Imperial Hurricane²⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

8/1

Shaped like a stayer in his bumper and has ran similarly in both his starts in novice hurdles. Will be suited by going up in trip once handicapping.

Form: 564

Light Em Up Nigel⁴⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: James Bowen| T: Nicky Martin

20/1

Better effort in bumpers 9 months apart when runner-up on debut back in March 2020. Not seen for a further 14 months ago prior to finishing well held on hurdling bow at Fontwell 40 days ago.

Form: 2/0-4

Operation Manna²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Stan Sheppard| T: T Lacey

9/4

Overcame run of the race to make a winning debut in a Worcester bumper back in August. Will improve from promising runner-up effort on hurdling bow at Sandown (16f, heavy) 22 days ago. Leading player.

Form: 12

The Brass Man⁹¹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: C Gethings| T: T R George| OR: 119

11/4

Irish bumper winner and progressive over hurdles, second to now-useful sort in C&D novice (heavy) in December 2020. Off a year, reportedly bled when pulled up on chase debut at Doncaster in December.

Form: 315/22-P

Universal Secret²⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 11-6| J: J E Moore| T: Mrs H R J Nelmes| OR: 99

10/1

Shaped better than previously when third in C&D maiden (heavy) in January. Improved again when runner-up in novice at Wincanton (15.2f, soft) 20 days ago. Further progress needed in this contest.

Form: 96032

Markmyword¹⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: David Noonan| T: J Tickle

300/1

Didn't show a great deal in Irish bumpers back in 2018. Runner-up on third and final start between the flags the following year, but showed little in both starts for new yard this year.

Form: 5832/PP

Non-Runners

Airtothethrone¹²⁴

Weight: 11-6| Age: 6

T: Tim Vaughan J: Alan Johns

Huflower⁸⁷

Weight: 11-6| Age: 5

T: P F Nicholls J: H Cobden

Mister Marbles¹⁶

Weight: 11-6| Age: 6

T: P Hobbs & J White J: T J O'Brien

Forecasts

Operation Manna (9/4), The Brass Man (11/4), Captain Rose (3/1), Huflower (7/2), Mister Marbles (4/1), Airtothethrone (7/1), Imperial Hurricane (8/1), Universal Secret (10/1), Light Em Up Nigel (20/1), Hesque De L'isle (25/1), Almost Gotaway (28/1), Markmyword (300/1)

OPERATION MANNA has made a bright start to his career, making a winning debut in a Wincanton bumper before shaping with promise sent hurdling at Sandown last time following 6 months off. He can step up on that effort to go one better. Mister Marbles is feared most on his second start since a wind op, while Huflower was sent off as favourite when last seen and could bounce back in a tongue strap.