Gyenyame the pick for Exeter honours

Gyenyame can notch his second win at Exeter in the Racing Blogger, 'Christmas Cup' Handicap Chase on Thursday.

A winner on the Flat and over hurdles, Joe Tizzard's charge completed the set when making the most of what was a gilt-edged opportunity to open his account over fences at this track in November of last year.

He has been placed on each of his five starts since, including when filling the runner-up spot behind Dan Skelton's Theonewedreamof on his return to Exeter early last month.

That form looks sound, with the winner narrowly denied in her follow-up bid at Cheltenham last week, and while Gyenyame does not exactly look thrown in off a revised mark of 117, he has less to prove than many of his rivals.

Hollygrove Cha Cha has a good opportunity to secure a first victory over fences in the PricedUp The Jumps 'Chasing Excellence' Mares' Novices' Chase.

The dual bumper winner was successful in three of her five races over hurdles, including a valuable Grade Two triumph at Carlisle.

She was handed a tough assignment on her chasing debut in the Colin Parker Memorial at Carlisle, but performed creditably considering her jumping was far from perfect to finish third behind the high-class pair of Resplendent Grey and Handstands.

There is nothing of that calibre in this field and with a clear round Hollygrove Cha Cha should prove hard to beat.

Southwell punters are advised to put their faith in Paradise Walk, who contests the Bet £10 Get £40 With BetMGM EBF Fillies' Novice Stakes.

The Starman filly was beaten a nose on her Chelmsford debut by Godolphin runner Pierchic, who had the benefit of a previous run and has since gone close at Kempton to earn her a not inconsiderable opening mark of 87.

On the strength of that form and with experience under her belt, Paradise Walk should go one better in the Midlands.

Evening all-weather action comes from Chelmsford, where the best race on the card is the £40,000 Timeform Sprint Series Final' Handicap.

There are plenty of familiar names on show in this 1200m contest and preference is for the very much in-form Justcallmepete, who is on a hat-trick for trainer Tony Carroll. - Press Association

SELECTIONS:

CHELMSFORD: Race 1 - 19.00 Windbreaker, Race 2 - 19.30 Mollstar, Race 3 - 20.00 Warrior Queen, Race 4 - 20.30 Raveena, Race 5 - 21.00 Bluebells Boy, Race 6 - 21.30 Justcallmepete, Race 7 - 22.00 Eminency, Race 8 - 22.30 Digub.

EXETER: Race 1 - 14.30 Lasko Des Obeaux, Race 2 - 15.00 Hollygrove Cha Cha, Race 3 - 15.30 Lord Byron, Race 4 - 16.00 GYENYAME (NAP), Race 5 - 16.30 Saint Cyr De Pail, Race 6 - 17.00 Olivia Kate, Race 7 - 17.30 Dish Of The Day.

SOUTHWELL: Race 1 - 15.22 Cable Beach, Race 2 - 15.52 Mr Juggles, Race 3 - 16.22 One And Gone, Race 4 - 16.52 Paradise Walk, Race 5 - 17.22 Double Time, Race 6 - 17.52 Angel Of England, Race 7 - 18.22 Miss Mendoza, Race 8 - 18.52 Sam's Hope, Race 9 - 19.22 Damascus Steel.