Exeter best bet: Venetia Williams and Charlie Deutsch to continue winning spree with Haut Folin
- John Fearn
- 25 March 2024
On a quiet Monday at the races we take a closer look at the betting options in one of the most competitive looking handicaps at the afternoon jumps meeting at Exeter.
16:20 Exeter: Kenn Handicap Chase (3 miles 54 yards)
Only seven runners head to post for this three-mile chase, and if the early market is a reliable indicator then proceedings should be dominated by Bampton Star and Gingerbred, who are vying for the favourite mantle at around 2/1.
Bampton Star was sent handicapping after a 10-month lay-off and wasted no time in converting a promising season debut runner-up spot into a narrow victory over this course and distance when last seen in first-time cheekpieces 17 days ago.
It took five attempts for Gingerbred to taste his first success over fences at Ffos Las in February, and the strong form of that race brought another decent run when the six-year-old was runner-up at Wincanton 18 days ago.
Should either of the two principals falter, then there are several with the credentials to make their mark, and with several bookies paying out on this seven-runner affair, there are some decent each-way options to consider.
Born At Midnight landed back-to-back successes at Plumpton earlier this month, the second win under a seven-pound penalty, and his limits will be challenged again under a further nine-pound hike as he steps up in grade here.
Causing more of a stir within the Tipstrr community, however, is the top-weighted Haut Folin, who was enjoying an eye-catching winter campaign before uncharacteristically blotting his copybook when pulled up in heavy ground at Wincanton last time out 18 days ago.
Suggested best bet: Haut Folin in the 16:20 at Exeter
If that blip can be forgiven, then there is plenty to like about Venetia Williams’ seven-year-old, who kicked off the season by landing the odds in impressive style at Ffos Las in November, and was subsequently placed on each of his next three appearances.
Williams’ partnership with Charlie Deutsch has been in red-hot form recently, as they teamed up to land a hat-trick at Bangor on Saturday, before rounding off the weekend with another win when 11/4 shot Martator won at Ascot in their only ride on Sunday.
- Tip advised by SmallField Punting on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Exeter racing tips: Best bets for Monday March 25
