Paul Nicholls: The verdict on my Exeter and Towcester runners

After a monster Saturday it's a little more low-key the following day but winners are winners so read these verdicts before striking your Sunday bets

13:00, Exeter
Far From Blonde
Has been off the track for a long time with leg problems. Hasn't shown a great deal in four starts for us but her handicap mark of 98 fully reflects that; in fact, she must be the lowest rated horse in the yard but at least that gives us plenty of options. I would expect her to need the run.

13:30, Exeter
Minella Stars
We looked after him last season because he was still filling into his frame, and I hope our patience will be rewarded in this campaign. Dual point winner who won a 2m7f novice hurdle in the heavy at Hereford before finishing third at Newbury. Has been schooling and working well and I would be hopeful that he can make his presence felt off a mark of 125 here, especially if it stays soft.

14:00, Exeter
Flaming Gorge
Had a breathing operation after coming to us and makes a quick reappearance after finishing a neck second at Plumpton on Monday. The more rain that falls the better for him, as he won in the heavy at Chepstow over hurdles and finished a good second in the soft in a handicap chase on this card last season.

13:45, Towcester
Harry The Viking
Staying looks his strong suit and it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up in the four miler at Cheltenham. Battled well for his Chepstow win and the form of his two length defeat of Forgotten Gold there (with a further 24 lengths back to the third) was franked when the runner-up won at Ludlow last time. Has to give weight away here but looks to hold strong claims all the same.

Paul Nicholls / 20 Nov 2011