23rd October 2012

The current hot streak continued yesterday with Willie The Whipper landing the prize at Pontefract. Although a good win on the flat, it's beginning to be very evident that the times are changing with the racing as winter approaches. Tomorrow's most attractive racecard is a national hunt meeting from Exeter, and although the Racing Post Trophy is arguably the highlight of the weekend, Aintree welcomes us to the new season with their first meeting. The national hunt season is where my passion really lies, and I can't welcome it back enough. Already Cheltenham is on the mind and if you have been following the twitter page at @thehorsewhisp you would already know I've got involved in the Big Buck's/Quevega double to win their respective races again. I have also already backed Sir Des Champs for the Gold Cup, Darlan for the Champion Hurdle and more of a speculative bet on Al Ferof to win the King George on Boxing Day. That's not to say that we've completely forgotten about the flat. Hearing the news yesterday that Frankie would be taking a crack at the jockeys championship next year has meant that the 25/1 currently available with Paddy Power has to be taken whilst it's available, considering he is as low as 10/1 with some bookmakers.

This sport never ceases to amaze me. As each season draws to a close, there are thoughts that the next one will never be as good as the last. 'What could possibly be better?' Something that I'm sure many are thinking especially with the culmination of Frankel's racing career. But year after year, a new batch of horses come along to join the ranks of our old favourites, and yet again it lives up to the billing and it's tremendous. I can't wait to see how this season is going to unfold, and how those special 4 days in March in particular pan out again. Let's just hope it can be a profitable one.

14.40 Exeter

This novice hurdle certainly holds some interesting entries, with the attention naturally drawn to Mr Mole and Melodic Rendezvous. The latter represents Jeremy Scott and has certainly made a good impression from his two bumper runs last year, winning the first with plenty in hand before coming second behind Champagne Fever in Punchestown's Champion Bumper. He undoubtedly sets the standard here and his price will reflect that, so in terms of value I'll be looking elsewhere. Mr Mole represents the illustrious McManus stable, but is paired up with Paul Nicholls rather than usual trainer Jonjo O'Neill. McManus appears to be becoming involved with a few more trainers this season so this shouldn't put you off the horse. Another convincing bumper winner, his trainer rates him a good prospect, but whether he has enough to trouble the favourite I'm unsure. Instead, at the likely prices I am going to take DOM LUKKA each way. These novice events can often be very messy, with the horses still learning their way over the obstacles so to have a proven chase winner in your corner is very interesting. He should have no problem with the going, and he looks set to give a good account of himself. He may just come up against a better horse in Melodic Rendezvous, but until we see them race we won't know how much better the favourite may be. With the emphasis now on jumping, the French import should be in the places, and if anything happens to the favourite, this will be his for the taking. 15/2 Stan James, 11 Betfair

15.10 Exeter

This is another exciting race as although over 17.5 furlongs, plenty of these will stay further so I'm not quite sure how the race will be run. It may end up as a sprint if no one goes for it, but I'd think instead they may go at a bit of a gallop to find each other out. I'm sure it will be useful in interpreting early novice chase form for this season with some really promising types on show. Once again the big yards contain the horses we should focus on here with Bold Henry topping the racecard and with a course and distance win as well. He certainly is in with a chance but may still have to improve to beat some of these on hurdling form. Johns Spirit representing Jonjo O'Neill, looks to continue where he left off at Market Rasen 191 days ago, winning over soft ground and is another who should perform well, but the same can be said for Pantxoa and Rebel Rebellion. The latter is of particular interest returning after over a year off the track, but may just need this run and is one of those who in particular would probably prefer further. As a result MODULE remains the worthiest contender. He beat a great field at Cheltenham, staying on up the hill and with some concerns over the fitness of Nicholls' horse this should be his for the taking. 3/1 Betvictor, 4.1 Betfair

16.40 Exeter

Another cracking encounter, this beginner's chase contains another couple who are likely to catch the eye for the season. Rocky Creek and GULLINBURSTI reoppose with Lavelle probably wishing the latter didn't have to face his Doncaster conqueror from last year first time out over fences. However he is massively rated by his trainer who has been desperate to get him over fences, and with the 4 pound reversal in the weights he enjoys today I fancy him to land this from Nicholls' horse. Rocky Creek is certainly another who I'm sure will have a lot to say at this level this year but revenge is a dish best served cold and I'm sure Emma Lavelle is keen to win this one. Harry Topper as a result warrants a second look, finishing ahead of the selection at Aintree, but back fresh at the start of the new season I expect a reversal. Thehillofuisneach racked up a great hattrick last year but faces a stern task on his chasing debut against some well regarded types. 5/2 several, 3.75 Betfair

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer