Exeter Preview: Tolkeins Tango can waltz to success

Trainer Victor Dartnall has his team in terrific shape and Tolkeins Tango can provide him with another success in the 2m 3f handicap chase at Exeter today (3.40).

The six-year-old got off the mark over fences when staying on gamely to score by 1/2 a length at Wincanton back in March off a mark of 106.

The gelding the disappointed when sent off a heavily backed favourite and finishing just third of four at Chepstow, before posting a much better effort when a solid two length runner-up to Special Account at Newton Abbott off a mark of 112 when last seen in action.

The assessor has since been kind in dropping Tolkeins Tango by 2lb, and he should be more than capable of winning a race of this nature off a mark of 110.

The son of Beneficial also remains unexposed and open to further improvement after just four starts over the larger obstacles, and with his trainer having saddled four winners from his last 10 runners is unlikely to be found wanting through lack of fitness on seasonal reappearance.

In the 2m 7f handicap hurdle (1.40), Somerset Lies looks weighted to go well.

The Bob Buckler trained gelding showed improved form at the back end of last season, finishing a good third behind Saint Breiz at Wincanton before posting a really solid effort to be runner-up on handicap debut over course and distance.

The six-year-old went down by just 3/4 of a length to Dragon’s Den in the latter off an opening mark of 110, and although now 5lb higher the form looks strong in the context of this contest.

Somerset Lias also looks the type who has more to offer, and should be spot on to do himself justice following last month’s comeback run at Wincanton when shaping as if needing the outing coming a not knocked about sixth of 10 to Milord.

Ballyculla enjoyed a terrific first season over hurdles and can defy top weight to make a winning debut over the larger obstacles in the 3m novices’ handicap chase (2.10).

The Warren Greatrex trained seven-year-old won three of his seven starts last season and posted a cracking effort when last seen in action and finishing runner-up to Kingsmere in a competitive class 2 handicap at Cheltenham.