13:40 Exeter

Friday 8 March 2024

All13:4014:1014:4015:1015:4016:10

CRS Building Supplies 'National Hunt' Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 13:42 | Winning time: 4m 20.60s

Another Fine Mess^h⁴⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Bryan Carver| T: J Scott

4/1

Has an ordinary pedigree but is a good type and showed ability in bumpes. Likely to improve from his low-key hurdling debut at Newbury, so could feature in this lesser race.

Form: 347

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Bredon Hill Dart¹⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Lucy Gardner| T: Mrs S Gardner

16/1

Bettered previous efforts under Rules when fourth in a C&D novice a fortnight ago but much more required if he's to be involved in the finish.

Form: 7474

Can't Say³⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 11-5| J: James Davies| T: C J Down

16/1

Unpromising in points and well held only outing in bumpers. Yet to make an impact over hurdles and probably more of a handicap type.

Form: 597P/55

Isocrate²²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J & A O'Neill

10/11

Ex-pointer who stepped up on previous Rules efforts when second in a novice at Sandown 22 days ago. Likely to do better still and already sets the standard, so obvious claims.

Form: 44/45-52

Optimistic Joe²⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: M G Nolan| T: P Hobbs & J White

13/2

£60,000 purchase after finishing third in a point last March but underwhelming so far over hurdles, pulled up at Wincanton last time. Others make more appeal.

Form: 3-9P

Pirates' Tale²⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Bryony Le Clerc| T: J D Frost

9/2

Excellent start when runner-up in a bumper at Newton Abbot in October but both subsequent runs have been disappointing, including on hurdling debut at this course last time. Too soon to write off.

Form: 284

The Cypriot¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Jordan Nailor| T: Evan Williams

50/1

Modest form in 2 bumpers and sent off at long odds, offered little starting out over hurdles at Taunton 2 weeks ago.

Form: 359

Victor Haze

Age: 7| Weight: 11-5| J: Conor Ring⁽³⁾| T: P C Dando

150/1

Arvico gelding. Dam (h72), maiden hurdler, half-sister to bumper winner/smart hurdler (2m-2¾m winner) Bella Haze and fairly useful hurdler (stayed 3m) Driftwood Haze. Likely to need time.

Form:

Confused Again¹⁴

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: David Noonan| T: Miss J Du Plessis

200/1

Not much promise in two hurdling outings to date. Set for another struggle.

Form: 66

Forecasts

Isocrate (10/11), Another Fine Mess (4/1), Pirates' Tale (9/2), Optimistic Joe (13/2), Can't Say (16/1), Bredon Hill Dart (16/1), The Cypriot (50/1), Victor Haze (150/1), Confused Again (200/1)

ISOCRATE took a marked step forward when runner-up at Sandown 22 days ago and, with more to come, he should be able to open his account in this lesser event. Another Fine Mess is open to improvement and looks the main threat, with Pirates' Tale also not fully dismissed.