Otago Trail 9/4 @ Exeter

Paul Ferguson has one selection for us on Friday; Otago Trail in the Exeter 13:10. Compare odds and bet.

OTAGO TRAIL (1:10) lacks experience compared with some of today’s rivals, but he is an unexposed chaser who relishes testing ground and can land Exeter’s Foot Anstey Handicap Chase.

A smart novice hurdler last winter, Venetia Williams’ seven-year-old went down by half-a-length on his recent chase debut at the track (winner won again since) and the step up in trip will suit.

Available at 4-1 and 7-2 first show (Thursday evening), he was already beginning to shorten at the time of writing.

Later on the card, I’m looking forward to seeing Monbeg Theatre make his chase debut, but Jamie Snowden’s horses haven’t exactly been firing of late and he also debuts in a hot race on ground softer than ideal. At the prices (should he continue to ease overnight – was 4-1 at the time of writing), I’d be looking to side with Tea For Two as an each-way alternative to market leader Calipto.

At Sandown, the Grade 2 novices’ hurdle doesn’t look as strong as usual and the pair I like the look of most are Clondaw Cian and Captain Chaos, both of whom made winning debuts over timber recently. Both need to step forward quite a bit, however, and the race is best watched.

Friday’s selection:
1:10 Exeter – Otago Trail; 9/4 bet365

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