Betfair Graduation Chase 2012 (Exeter)

3.35 Exeter

Betfair Graduation Chase (Class 2)  (5YO plus)

Winner £12,512

Advice: 2 pts win Teaforthree (2/1 Boylesports)

Crescent Island: First completed run since Racing Post Chase fifth when second to Chance Du Roy at Newbury back in November but unplaced twice since; This easier than both assignment and should be able to get through the ground better than he did at Haydock, although still a slight question mark over him.

Hell’s Bay: Won the Grade 2 novice chase on this card last year (form worked out well since) and first run of this season since then when pulled up at Ascot behind Aerial; Probably not right on that occasion but even harder to back after his poor runs twice since at Chetlenham, looking as if he could be involved in the finish on both occasions before fading badly late.

Royal Charm: Looked to have a serious future over fences when winning twice at Exeter over just further of 2 miles but disappointed at Aintree in April, when looking as if he’d had his stamina stretched (made a big mistake before the cross fence); Proven a serious disappointment since then, and significant market watch needed if he’s to be asked to bounce back.

Teaforthree: Useful over hurdles last season and since improved going chasing, winning well at Chepstown in heavy ground before trying too hard to take the pace out of the Feltham Chase; Pulled up that day but this easier and should make a bold bid.

Halley: Has failed to live upto his all the way win in the Prix Maurice Gillois so far this season, running like drain at Cheltenham over hurdles, unseating in the Rowland Meyrick and then coming a long second at Haydock last time; Gets weight from all of field so can’t be dismissed with David Cottin back on board although one suspects he might need to improve again.

VERDICT: An interesting little event with many of these coming off well beaten efforts. TEAFORTHREE, ridden far too hard in the Feltham at Christmas but a convincing winner the time before, has a nice look to his form, seems progressive enough, and can win once again on his way to a possible Festival tilt.