Greaneteen
4th November 2022 – Exeter – His jockey elected to make this a real jumping test, presumably to take advantage of his extra experience. On the one hand this could be described as a superb weight carrying (and giving) performance; on the other, he beat a stable mate who ran his race and not much else in the context of how his two main market rivals jumped and travelled on the day. His trainer had stated how much more forward he had him for this race compared to last when it had clearly been a Tingle Creek prep run. Aside from his first time out run and a poor effort at Leopardstown when the yard was going through a tough time, he performed in a very consistent manner last season. He won the Tingle Creek and the Celebration Chase with plenty to spare. Furthermore, if we add his previous win in the 2021 Celebration Chase plus his second-place finish in the 2020 Tingle Creek to the equation, then we have a fair bit of evidence to suggest that he might improve again when returning to compete at Sandown.
Dolos
4th November 2022 – Exeter – This was a very promising seasonal debut and one that supports the notion that the stable has begun the season in fine form. He will still be well below his highest mark when he returns to compete at Sandown in February where and when he holds such a strong record.
War Lord
4th November 2022 – Exeter – After being badly outpaced on the long run from five out to four fences from home he eventually plodded on to beat one tired rival. The time of this contest supports the likelihood of this ground not being anywhere near soft enough for him. An intermediate trip on good to soft or softer going should see him in a better light. In that respect, I have not marked him down for competing apparently below par in a race that did not suit his profile.
Third Time Lucki
4th November 2022 – Exeter – He remains a horse that will look very good on a going day and drop away tamely when the race does not pan out in a positive fashion for him. He was travelling well in behind when a mistake four out cost him ground and momentum and gave him an excuse to down tools. He was low over two out; however, he was a beaten horse by that point of the race. He has tons of ability and will probably pick up another decent prize when everything falls into place for him.
