Exeter and Wetherby previews: Third time lucky for Three Faces West over fences

Jamie Clark, Sports Editor | March 22, 2016

Hobbs gelding has real hope of chase success at Exeter

Three Faces West can finally win at the fourth attempt this season for new handler Philip Hobbs in the 3m handicap chase at Exeter today (16:10), now that he has better going.

Formerly trained by Donald McCain, the eight-year-old was victorious in three of his four races over hurdles.

Three Faces West has now been sent chasing by Hobbs, finishing runner-up at Huntingdon on heavy ground and at this venue over the trip when conditions under foot were soft last time out.

As evidenced by his hurdling days when making all to win at Haydock 12 months ago, Three Faces West clearly prefers good or good to soft going, and he gets the former today.

Opposition all have question marks over them

In a field that also contains 2013 Coral Scottish Grand National winner Godsmejudge, Wincanton Badger Ales Trophy victor Drop Out Joe and Dan Skelton’s Wilton Milan, Three Faces West has a real opportunity to demonstrate he belongs in such company over the bigger obstacles.

Since scooping the Scottish National north of the border at Ayr three years ago, Godsmejudge is yet to recapture that form and has also switched trainers from Alan King to David Dennis this season without success.

He performed poorly when 15th of 17 in the Murphy Group Handicap Chase at The Open meeting at Cheltenham this past autumn, and was an equally uninspiring 13th of 15 in the London National around Sandown.