15:00 Exeter

Friday 4 November 2022

All12:4013:1513:5014:2515:0015:3516:08

Betway 'Challenger' Stayers' Handicap Chase

Off time: 15:06 | Winning time: 6m 3.1s

One More Fleurie²¹⁶

Age: 8| Weight: 12-2| J: C J Todd| T: Ian Williams| OR: 132| D

50/1

Four-time winner at up to 3m in 2020/21 but failed to fire in 4 starts last term, albeit later found to have cracked a hoof when pulled up in Scottish Grand National final start. Starts the new campaign off a workable mark at least.

Form: 11/8P0P-

Pileon¹⁸¹

Age: 8| Weight: 12-1| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams| OR: 131| C

18/1

Some good efforts over hurdles last season, winning at Sandown and only just denied at Cheltenham. Disappointed final start for Philip Hobbs and badly let down by jumping both starts in chases 2 years ago but potentially on a good mark on hurdles form.

Form: 41702-0

Masters Legacy²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 130

7/1

Useful over hurdles. Scored on return at Chepstow (2m) in 2021/22. Ended last season out of form but shaped well in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow on return. Chase debut.

Form: 25200-6

Killer Kane^t²⁰⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 130| C| D

7/2

Much improved since fitted with a tongue strap, landing handicaps at Kempton and Sandown. Far from disgraced in Grade 3 handicap at Aintree final start and remains low mileage.

Form: 336113-

When You're Ready^p²⁰⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 12-0| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 130

25/1

Generally progressive over hurdles and better for chase debut when scoring at this course (19.5f) in December. Ran well back there later that month but failed to complete both starts since (reportedly lame after falling heavily last time). Off 6 months.

Form: 8312PF-

Neon Moon^b,t¹⁸¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-12| J: T Scudamore| T: D Pipe| OR: 128| D

9/1

Progressive over hurdles last season, recording his third win at Wincanton (21.4f, good) in April. Bred to make a chaser so is an interesting chasing debutant (winning Irish pointer).

Form: 71711-6

Sizing Cusimano^b,t⁴⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 11-9| J: Freddie Gingell⁽⁷⁾| T: J Tizzard| OR: 125| D

40/1

Better than ever when wide-margin winner over fences at Newton Abbot in May but gone backwards since, including over hurdles.

Form: 6-1P956

Sizable Sam^p²⁰⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: Lorcan Williams| T: J Scott| OR: 124

9/2

Had a disappointing spell over fences last season but looked at least as good as ever back over hurdles after. Bit to prove back in this sphere on return. however.

Form: 5P3126-

Gats And Co^t²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: C Brace| T: D Brace| OR: 124| D

8/1

Really got his act together earlier this year, landing 4-timer. Possibly amiss when pulled up in more competitive event at Uttoxeter but back on track after a break when third at Chepstow last month. One to consider.

Form: 111-1P3

Minella Buster¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-1| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: Miss E C Lavelle| OR: 117| D

9/2

Irish point/hurdles winner who took a big step forward when making a winning chase bow at Kempton on return 3 weeks ago, his jumping improving through the race. 9 lb rise seems fair and open to further improvement.

Form: 64134-1

St Erney¹⁶³

Age: 11| Weight: 10-13| J: Harry Kimber⁽⁵⁾| T: Miss J Du Plessis| OR: 115| CD

9/1

Made a winning return in this race last year under this rider off 5 lb lower. Below form last 2 starts 5 months apart but no surprise if he fared better here back from another break.

Form: 3P/129-3

Forecasts

Killer Kane (7/2), Sizable Sam (9/2), Minella Buster (9/2), Masters Legacy (7/1), Gats And Co (8/1), St Erney (9/1), Neon Moon (9/1), Pileon (18/1), When You're Ready (25/1), Sizing Cusimano (40/1), One More Fleurie (50/1)

Plenty to consider but KILLER KANE won at a higher level than this last season so shades the vote. Minella Buster made an impressive debut in this sphere at Kempton on return and should have more to offer, with Gats And Co another for the shortlist.