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Remind me next time

After the forced abandonment of Cheltenham's traditional New Year's Day Meeting there will be extra focus on the action at Exeter, where racing takes place between 12:30 and 15:55. 

Their seven-race card features heavily on ITV on Friday to start 2021 and we've got selections to accompany the action.

Exeter NAP

12:30 Exeter

Art Approval to win and each-way - BET NOW

French import Art Approval has shaped with promise in all three hurdles starts since joining Fergal O'Brien. He was second at Market Rasen (2m4½f, good) back from a year off in August, perhaps undone by the trip but also likely to have needed the run. 

He filled the same berth at Cheltenham in a maiden hurdle over an extended two miles in October and might well have landed a novices' handicap back there at the November Meeting bar a mistake three out that stole his momentum as he eventually finished seventh of 17, beaten by just over four lengths.

The second home was amongst three next-time-out winners to come from that Cheltenham race and it looks a solid piece of form. From an unchanged mark, Paddy Brennan's mount should have a massive say in this contest and he can make the most of the 6lb he receives from penalised C&D winner Orby's Legend. 

Exeter Best Bets

14:15 Exeter

Orrisdale to win and each-way - BET NOW

Jumping is the name of the game in this Novices' Limited Handicap Chase and Orrisdale, representing the Jonjo O'Neill duo, may be best placed to grab the win. Having been brought down early on in his chasing bow at Southwell in early November, he produced a solid round of fencing at Wetherby (3m, soft) in early December. 

He was carrying a big weight that afternoon under Will Kennedy and the runner-up was a winner next time at Market Rasen. With less of a burden to carry now, he can showcase his jumping ability and he's got winning hurdles form on heavy ground at this sort of trip, so the shorter journey isn't going to be a problem.

Fly To Mars and Wagner are interesting over the larger obstacles for the first time but top-weight Westend Story has a major mark against his name having failed to get around safely in his previous three starts. 

Exeter Racing Tips 

15:25 Exeter 

Ivilnoble to win and each-way - BET NOW

The likes of Brianstorm and Stage Summit have absences to overcome here and will likely come on for their efforts. Native Robin is in form but was put in his place by Flagrant Delitiep at Wincanton recently, having beaten the same rival there in November.

Preference therefore is for Ivilnoble for the Charlie Mann team. He's now 3lb below the mark he scored off at Hereford (3m1f, soft) in March and his most recent third at Plumpton was promising. He was undone by a bad error two out but should have solid claims if building on that. With fitness in his favour he may once more opt to set the pace. He has hurdles form at in and around this distance but his stamina will be an asset late on.

Exeter Horse Racing Betting Tips

1. Art Approval to win and each-way

2. Orrisdale to win and each-way

3. Ivilnoble to win and each-way

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Exeter New Year's Day Tips Betting Tips