15:30 Exeter

Friday 21 February 2025

All14:0014:3015:0015:3016:0016:3017:05

Nick Ansell, Devon National Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:30 | Winning time: 8m 56.07s

Fortescue^b³⁵

Age: 11| Weight: 12-0| J: H Cobden| T: H D Daly| OR: 127| C

9/1

Winless for 3 years and poor efforts last 2 starts after a decent return. This veteran is not easy to recommend.

Form: 220-245

Art Decco^p³³

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: Harry Kimber| T: R Walford| OR: 126

9/2

Resumed progress on his return when narrowly failing to complete a 4-timer in C&D event in December. Creditable fifth to Planned Paradise off 5 lb higher at Windsor since and should be in the mix again.

Form: 7111-25

Pimlico Point^p1,t¹⁷

Age: 8| Weight: 11-10| J: Liam Harrison| T: Kerry Lee| OR: 123| C

11/2

Low-mileage 8-y-o who got off the mark in this sphere in 4-runner handicap here a year ago. Very nearly added to that at Uttoxeter in May and easy to excuse his comeback run at Taunton 17 days ago. Not taken lightly in first-time headgear over a trip which should suit.

Form: 241U-25

Jacks Parrot^p,t²⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-6| J: Henry Brooke| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 119| BF

4/1

Has improved since joining this yard, winning at Uttoxeter and Perth in April, and upped his game further when good second in Tommy Whittle at Haydock in December. Not disgraced at Newcastle since but may need testing ground to be seen to best effect.

Form: 411-724

Planned Paradise³³

Age: 9| Weight: 10-13| J: Jack Tudor| T: Christian Williams| OR: 112

6/1

Perth winner in July and resumed winning ways at Windsor last month, looking suited by the return to a marathon trip (jumped better than usual). Respected for all he's not an obvious type to follow up.

Form: 2833P1

Good Work^p,t²⁷

Age: 9| Weight: 10-12| J: William Shanahan⁽⁵⁾| T: O Greenall & J Guerriero| OR: 111

14/1

Finally off the mark at Uttoxeter last month, another good effort under this rider. However, 3 lb higher mark in better race makes him easy enough to take on.

Form: 2-P3321

Gold Clermont^p¹⁴

Age: 9| Weight: 10-11| J: S Bowen| T: A Irvine| OR: 110

6/1

Won a couple of staying chases at Fakenham and Fontwell last season and returned to form fitted with this headgear when third at Bangor 2 weeks ago. Needs to build on that in this better race, though.

Form: 6-64PP3

Neo King³⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-7| J: Adam Wedge| T: Evan Williams| OR: 106

5/1

Multiple point winner who made first real impact for this yard when third on handicap chase debut here (3m) last month. Return to better ground will be a help over this longer trip and he's one to consider.

Form: 12-3683

Non-Runners

Inis Oirr¹⁹

Weight: 11-11| Age: 8

T: Miss Lucinda V Russell J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Jacks Parrot (4/1), Art Decco (9/2), Neo King (5/1), Pimlico Point (11/2), Planned Paradise (6/1), Gold Clermont (6/1), Inis Oirr (6/1), Fortescue (9/1), Good Work (14/1)

PIMLICO POINT is an interesting contender stepping up in distance and could be the answer in what looks an open staying contest. Neo King shaped much better than he had been doing over hurdles when third here last month and he can progress again under less testing conditions.