[Hwjb]

Still no idea what's going on on the Flat, will try and catch up after the National I think, but have gone through a couple of the handicaps at Exeter this afternoon where there look to be a couple of decent bets.

The 19f handicap hurdle is an interesting race where I'm looking to take on the likely favourite Jigsaw Dancer, as I try and do with anything ridden by the appalling Mark Grant! Much will depend on the well-being of Rood Report, who's been off over 4 months but looks potentially well in on his handicap debut. I might look to save on him whilst backing Top Ram and Purple Patch, but this means backing three in a 9-runner race, the alternative to which is to just back Top Ram e/w (Purple Patch hasn't been the most consistent in his time, is 10, and may find even this on the sharp side). Top Ram hails from the yard of Jim Old which is obviously a negative straight away, but he did have a winner recently and this one has two solid runs to its name where he's shaped as if this sort of trip would suit him much better. In addition the excellent Jason Maguire takes over from the decidedly unexcellent Tony Evans in the saddle and he can be backed at 9/1. Simply too big.

2pts e/w Top Ram @ 9/1.


The handicap chase which follows isn't quite so clear cut but again involves me looking to take on a Mark Grant-ridden favourite in the form of Squire Lane. It was a most uncompetitive race which he won at N Abbot last time and even though the return to a right-handed track may prove in his favour, there are others who still make appeal. Namely Charlies Future, Cash King and Potts of Magic. The first two-named have both been priced up about right at around 4/1, but there's some value to be had in backing Potts of Magic. He must be backed each-way, however, as he showed a distinct disinclination to win at Ludlow last time having travelled the best throughout. Nevertheless he's well enough treated on hurdles form to make him well worth supporting at 8/1.

2pts e/w Potts of Magic @ 8/1.