Jump racing stars to line up at Exeter Racecourse

A plethora of jump racing stars are set to line up in the re-routed The Levy Board Peterborough Chase, which takes place at Exeter on Thursday (Dec 20th).

David Bridgewater has no fears about the step back in trip for The Giant Bolster, saying: “He won very easily over 2m5f at Cheltenham when he won the Murphy Group Chase so I’m sure he’ll be fine. But you never know until you run them. He’s very well at home and he’s come on from his race at Haydock. I’m very please with him and I’m delighted that Exeter is staging the race.”

The seven-year-old was a two and a quarters of a length second to Synchronised in the 2012 Betfred Gold Cup at Cheltenham and the same race is the target next year.

Other entries include the Philip Hobbs-trained Menorah and Wishful Thinking who won the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham in November in impressive style.

Menorah was no match for Cue Card in the sportingbet Haldon Gold Cup at the course last month, but he’s a talented horse, counting the grade one Betfred Manifesto Novice Chase at Aintree in April among his many victories.

Paul Nicholls has entered three, Chrystal Bonus, Ghizao and Poquelin; Dan Breen, just beaten in the grade three Barbury International Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury in March, could represent David Pipe.

Nicky Henderson could saddle the consistent French Opera, winner of the Game Spirit in 2011, who needs good ground to be seen at his best.

The smart Bless The Wings, a winner twice already this season including the listed Bet 365 Handicap Chase at Wetherby at the beginning of last month, has been entered by Alan King, while Jonjo O’Neill could saddle his stable star Albertas Run.

The ever-popular 11-year-old has won and been second in the last two runnings of the Ryanair Chase at the festival.

Also in the mix are Hey Big Spender (Colin Tizzard), Mr Gardner (Polly Gundry), Venetia Williams’ game mare Pepit Rose, Solix (Ian Williams) and The Sawyer (Bob Buckler).

The first of eight races is off at 12.20pm and pre-booked tickets are available from £13 by visiting www.exeter-racecourse.co.uk or calling the ticket hotline on 08445 793005.

A free bus service from St David’s railway station (11.10am) and Exeter Bus & Coach Station (11.25am) is available with the bus returning 30 minutes after the last race.