Straw Bear, verging on Champion Hurdle class, is the star of the show on his fencing debut at Exeter today. But with reports that he has been "careful'' in his schooling at home, he might be one to take on, for all his obvious ability. The strong-galloping Pasco (3.10) is made for chasing, and as Sunday at Kempton showed you cannot write off anything champion trainer Paul Nicholls runs in these races — he has such a choice of talent at this level.
Keep an eye on Gauvain in the novice chase. Charlie Mann's runner may not be good enough to worry the first two, but he is rated a useful prospect.
The Nightingale is another strong contender from the Nicholls' yard, but in a highly interesting novice hurdle Alan King may have the final say with Shalone (2.40). His short-head second to Diamond Harry at Newbury represents some of the best bumper form of last season. Diamond Harry skated up on his hurdles debut at Uttoxeter last week and Shalone is said to jump hurdles really well.
Nicholls may well have stacked up a few winners by the time Oracle Des Mottes (4.40) lines up, meaning the gelding goes off at a false price. But Oracle Des Mottes is back with the champion trainer on a good mark following a spell in hunter chases and point-to-points.
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