Exeter Racing Tips: Timeform's three best bets for Thursday

NAP: Sergeant is hard to oppose

Sergeant - 15:05 Exeter

Sergeant was a fairly useful winner on the Flat in Germany and he has flourished since entering handicaps over hurdles. He showed improved form to win from out of the weights at Newton Abbot in August and quickly bounced back from a first-flight fall when scoring again at Sedgefield last week. He tanked along that day, shaping like a horse some way ahead of his mark and, given he escapes a penalty for that success, he makes plenty of appeal.

NEXT BEST: Hat-trick beckons for Storm Home

Storm Home - 16:15 Exeter

Storm Home showed much improved form to belatedly get off the mark over fences at Uttoxeter in June and he followed up from a 10 lb higher mark over the same course and distance the following month. He has been hit by another 12 lb rise in the weights, but he is clearly thriving at present, and is taken to complete a hat-trick.

EACH WAY: Guy de Guye interesting now handicapping

Guy de Guye - 15:40 Exeter

Guy de Guye showed more under a positive ride when third in a novice hurdle at Warwick four months ago and he rates the type that could have more to offer now handicapping. A first-time tongue strap could help bring about further progress and it would be no surprise were he to show improved form from what looks a workable opening mark.