Three-runner contests do not generally set the punters’ pulses racing, but the graduation chase at Exeter on Thursday could be an exception as it pits the very useful L’Ami Serge, third home in the JLT Novice Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, against Le Prezien, who took the Grade Two novice at Cheltenham’s Open meeting on his second start over fences.
Oscar Sunset, who was rated 142 for his chasing debut back in February, is also in the field but only the most devoted followers of the “outsider of three” system will waste what little cash they have left on the nine-year-old. This is very much a head-to-head and the market is struggling to separate the principals, with L’Ami Serge currently top-priced at even money but Le Prezien attracting support to move in to 6-5.
L’Ami Serge has more experience over fences than Le Prezien, and was placed in the Grade One Manifesto Novice Chase at Aintree following his excellent run behind Black Hercules at Cheltenham. Le Prezien (2.00), however, has already progressed towards a similar level of form with his win at the Open meeting, and done so in just two chase starts. He was placed in Grade One company over timber at Aintree and gets 4lb from his only serious rival, which could well be enough to tip the balance in his favour.
Tagrita (1.30) was scratched from a Listed event at Warwick a week ago on the morning of the race, but she was an 8-1 chance in the early betting and should account for a lesser field without too much trouble today. Castarnie (2.35) should also go well on the same card, while Airton (2.20) could be the bet of the day on the Tapeta at Newcastle.
James Bethell’s three-year-old has put up a couple of decent performances on this track already, and the form of his recent second over this track and trip looks particularly strong. Both the winner and third went on to win next time out, and the field facing Airton today has less depth.
Fingal’s Cave (1.20) is interesting at a decent price earlier on the card, as he did not get home over an extended mile at Wolverhampton last time but has plenty of form back at seven furlongs that gives him a live chance this afternoon.
Yanmare (1.40) is all stamina and will be difficult to beat in the three-mile handicap chase at Towcester, while the veteran Corporal Maddox (5.15) is fairly priced at around 8-1 for a seven-furlong handicap at Chelmsford City this evening.
