Exeter preview: Calipto to make class tell

David Metcalf | December 4, 2015

Calipto can make his class tell to give weight to all his rivals and get back on the winning trail in the 2m 3f novices’ chase on today’s card at Exeter (15.20).

The Paul Nicholls trained gelding was a very useful hurdler who opened his account over fences at the first time of asking when scoring impressively over 2m 3f at Fontwell on seasonal reappearance.

After tracking the leaders under a confident Sam Twiston-Davies, Calipto was produced to lead at the last before quickening clear on the run-in to win unextended by four lengths.

The five-year-old was then pitched into Grade 2 company at Cheltenham and lost little in defeat when finishing third to Garde la Victoire in a hot 2m contest.

Calipto got outpaced three from home and made a mistake at the last before rallying well to be beaten three lengths.

That form reads extremely well in the context of this contest, and the step back up in trip looks sure to suit.

Although Calipto has to give 5lb to his rivals, including useful chasing debutant Tea For Two, he looks to be an above average recruit to the chasing ranks and it will be disappointing if he does not prove up to the task.

Reach out for Glenarm a great shout for opening race

In the 2m 2f conditional jockeys’ novices’ handicap hurdle (12.40), Glenarm looks decent value to open her account.

The Seamus Mullins trained mare hinted at ability in four spins over hurdles last season when not knocked about, most notably when a distant fourth of 16 to The Govaness at Towcester.