At Exeter the 2.30 looks to be between Giles Cross and Our Bomber Harris and the latter may just have the edge here for the Nicholls yard. He is the stables only runner of the day and the single mount of Ruby Walsh which suggests he might be expected to win. This horse has been in good form, winning a bumper at Uttoxeter back in October on his first run and then making a successful hurdles debut at Fontwell in a two and a quarter mile novice event. Stepped up in class next time out he was fourth behind strong Cheltenham fancy Karabak over two and a half miles and up in trip again here, which should suit, he seems to have the one main rival to beat.

In the 5.00 Noun De La Thinte is trained by the in-form Venetia Williams whose horses are flying and will be ridden by the very capable William Biddick. He put up an encouraging run at Plumpton after a long lay off when third in a two mile five furlong handicap hurdle eight days ago and is dropped back in trip today which should suit him. He is certain to strip a lot fitter for that run and looks the one to be on this afternoon.

At Newcastle in the 4.20 the Richard Fahey trained Mighty Moon, a decent stayer on the flat who has progressed with each of his three runs over hurdles to take a two mile novice hurdle here last time out. The heavy ground probably brought his undoubted stamina in to play that day and after winning over two and a half miles on the flat you would have to say he is crying out for this step up in trip. He seems to jump well enough and with underfoot conditions ideal he will take some stopping round here.