GG Editor Rob Plumbridge runs you through his selections for all 7 live ITV Races on Friday – taking in Exeter and Down Royal.
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13:30 Down Royal – Saylavee – 5/1
A good race to start us off with several of these in great form and boasting multiple wins. Nikini is one of three Willie Mullins runners and if the pick of Paul Townend. She is on a hat-trick after winning a good Mares race at Listowel. However, slight preference here for me on softer going is one of the other Mullins runners – SAYLAVEE who posted a 15 length demolition job at Gowran Park last time. She could be absolutely anything, she’s well bred and I think this 2 mile 1 furlong distance is right up her street, and she will get further in time. She’s an exciting prospect and I think we will see her in full effect today.
1.50 Exeter – Ma Belle Noire – 7/1
This looks wide-open with any number of potential winners. MA BELLE NOIRE gets in here off a very light weight and is further aided by a 7lbs pull from her jockey at the weights. That could put her in a very good position for this, especially given how she was 2nd last time at Chepstow to Grivetena who is now rated 121. She’s at the top of the market, but her case is a compelling one.
2.05 Down Royal – Pied Piper – 5/6
PIED PIPER and Fil Dor are inseparable in terms of ratings and this is very much a match race. I’m siding with Pied Piper narrowly however, given that he has had the benefit of the run and will have that fitness edge. He won well on reappearance and looks to have some big targets ahead.
2.25 Exeter – Thyme Hill – 4/9
Only the three runners for this and it looks like one way traffic. He won’t be much of a price but Thyme Hill will take all the beating here. He’s a mile ahead of these on ratings and should go in without much fuss.
2.40 Down Royal – The Greek – 4/1
THE GREEK was seen to great effect when travelling over to Perth in late summer. Following some tricky runs he bounced right back to form winning by a whopping 27 lengths. He can continue in that vein here with many of his rivals needing a run or out of form. He has plenty of solid form on Soft ground so the extra cut here won’t be a hinderance.
3.00 Exeter – Gats And Co – 9/1
A fairly open contest which sees favourite Minella Buster shoulders a penalty and steps up in grade. That looks about right for me, and i’m happy to take on the Emma Lavelle runner. The one I’m with at a price is GATS AND CO who has been found out in higher company and comes back down to a Class 3. He has the ground and benefit of a recent run his favour and looks to have a great chance here. Any extra pace won’t be an issue as he stays further. He rates a good bet at around 8/1-10/1.
3.35 Exeter – Greaneteen – 11/4
2020 Haldon Cup winner GREANETEEN is going to make a bold bid in this. Paul Nicholls has his string fit and raring to go this season and is picking up the big prizes early. Greanateen is a bone fide Grade 1 horse and much the better of these. His good jumping will stand him in good stead at Exeter, where any frailties in that department will be exposed, especially the free going Third Time Lucki.