Jumps Action From Exeter and Clonmel

Wednesday’s action at Fairyhouse has definitely left jumps punters with plenty to ponder as the antepost markets for the Cheltenham Festival begin to see a bit of a shuffle. Mention must be made of the dearly-departed Twist Magic and it is obviously a sad day for the Nicholls yard and fans of the sport in general.

Attention turns to Clonmel and Exeter for our daily dose of National Hunt racing. 

1:50 at Exeter

On paper you’d say that Chapoturgeon ticks all the boxes and is a justifiable top-weight. However, his mediocre string of results on the Grade 3 circuit last year doesn’t inspire much confidence in his ability to deal with plucky opposition. The other Nicholls’ entry, ROYAL CHARM won at course and distance last time out on his seasonal debut against beginners and he will exploit a full seven pounds against this field.

2:35 at Clonmel

Keeping in line with the impressively-sized fields for the day at Clonmel, this beginners chase goes 2m4f and we should have a field of 15 set for this one. There aren’t many with particularly accomplished records here and we’ll be siding with FEN GAME who gets AJ McNamara up for the trip. The eight year-old Eoin O’Grady charge is a son of Montjeu and he’s been knocking on the door as of late and could progress against a mediocre lineup in this one.

2:50 at Exeter

Another smaller field for this class 4 novice chase going 2m3f110y. Simon Willes’ six year-old chestnut miss Easter Legend is considered the top-weight and will likely take some money with Sam Thomas up. We’re going to try and beat her though by opting with Jonjo and AP who team up with SWAY, who scored last time out at Ludlow. She looks to have found her form over fences and will likely be a solid price.

3:05 at Clonmel

Top-weight ISLAND WOOD looks a step above the competition here and could be set to capitalize with the softer going. He’s never won at Clonmel, but has acquitted himself supremely well in his last three going 212 and he was a beaten favourite last time out at Thurles when headed on the line. Thereisathingwrong could be the outside play for those looking for a spoiler. Don’t ignore L’Acajou’s course and distance references but he will need a huge step up in performance. 

3:20 at Exeter

This one is all about six year-old WYMOTT who hasn’t finished outside the top two since a disappointing tenth place in a Grade 2 flat race at the Aintree Grand Natinoal meet. It’s the only time he’s ever finished off the board and the Trevor Hemmings-owned gelding looks a great shout from a ratings perspective. He is a co-top-weight with formidable Adams Island, but we reckon he’s got more than enough to keep the momentum going here.

3:35 at Clonmel

We’ve got a bumper going 2m110y to close out the day, as is traditional in Ireland. Willy Mullins POPCORN gets the nod on the day and he was a beaten favourite at 8/13 last time out at Thurles. This is an indifferent-looking field with few boasting anything resembling form. Unless he’s beaten by one of the debutants, this should be easy money for the Mullins yard.