Exeter 2.25

ROBIN- Exeter 2.25 Handicap Hurdle - Class 5 - 2 miles 5 and 1/2 furlongs - 11 run - Good?
 
Black Lightning is in the Tracker and has winning and placed form at marks just over 80, it's inconsistent in the main and been off for a few months and I don't think rain will suit this one so we'll continue to monitor it.
 
Hillsin is an ex-Irish horse that has just come over to the UK and it's Irish form suggests the mark is OK and it was best around this trip. The small Yard had a 40/1 winner yesterday so you can't discount a bod run here. Forget You Not comes from the Du Plessis yard that I always look closely at here and is another who may just need the run and would definitely not welcome the rain on past evidence. Those three are all capable of outrunning likely odds but for reasons given I just couldn't find the confidence to select them today.
 
The extended trip may suit the likes of Invincible De Mee on handicap debut and the Phillips Hobbs trained DARK DUOMO who I think is the most likely to pick up 3rd place money. A long term project who we will surely see more of next season, there are signs this trip will suit and they do for a tongue tie and cheek-pieces to try to optimise the scope and latent ability.
 
Caspers Court who won last time but who would not welcome too much rain and WEST ORCHID who looked a sure winner before running out at Fontwell last time look very solid reverse F/Cast material but I will have a WIN bet on Dark Duomo and play the e/w on the value of Dark Duomo . (A reverse forecast and a craft T/Cast perm on the 3 may not be a bad option)
 
TIPS (1) West Orchid (win) (2) Dark Duomo (e/w)