Timeform Daily: The Devon National Handicap Chase (Class 3), Exeter, Tuesday 3 February, 3.30

Race of the Day Preview / Timeform / 02 March 2009 / Leave a Comment

Fifteen runners are declared for the latest renewal of the Devon National. The lightly-raced Samsbro, trained by local trainer Victor Dartnall, heads the Timeform ratings.

Lysander: Every chance of finishing in the frame when unseating 4 out in valuable event at Doncaster in January. Just respectable effort there a week later and still to prove he stays this sort of trip.

Sandhurst: Lightly-raced maiden chaser but some decent efforts to his name and should be peaking after a couple of recent outings. Latest Doncaster third franked by the runner-up and will relish stiffer test.

Victory Gunner: Best form for some time when winning in the mud at Chepstow recently but up 6 lb as a result and may also find this faster ground against him nowadays.

Topless: Maiden chaser who was most unfortunate not to win at Taunton in January but blotted her copybook when refusing to race last week. Chance but probably wise to make sure she sets off with the rest.

Notabotheronme: In consistent form this winter, winning at Chepstow and placed all three starts since. Should relish longer trip but used to the mud and remains to be seen if as effective under these conditions.

What A Scientist: Successful on first 2 starts for current stable in autumn and yard out of sorts when pulled up twice since. Handicapper still to relent, though, and remains 9 lb above last winning mark.

Teeming Rain: Formerly useful but recent form figures read like a particularly bad hand of Scrabble. Possible he'll be fitter for latest run (pulled up) but hats off to McCoy if he gets this one home in front.

Plum Pudding: Good start over fences, winning at Towcester and close second at Plumpton before Xmas, but badly let down by his jumping last time and may find this a bit too competitive.

Samsbro: Made most when second to Notabotheronme at Chepstow on his chasing debut (Topless in third) in December and has the potential to turn the tables if lack of experience doesn't count against him.

Natoumba: Coped best with barely raceable conditions when gaining first chase win at Warwick last time but will find this very different and had previously looked less than genuine.

Present M'Lord: Out-and-out stayer who often takes plenty of driving, including when only sixth last time. Jumping often an issue also, so resisted despite being on a fair handicap mark.

Ibberton: Capable on a going day but another that is none too reliable and made his share of mistakes prior to being pulled up last time.

Wild Ground: Belied odds of 66/1 when second at Taunton last month but that wasn't a great race and doubt as to whether she'll last home at this longer trip.

Autumn Red: Lightly-raced gelding, and some good efforts when runner-up three of five starts over fences last season. Should strip fitter for recent return when tiring badly late and bred to stay well.

Crank Hill: Maiden jumper (winning pointer) who has been some way below his hurdling form in four outings over fences this season. Looks up against it again from 6lb out of the handicap proper.