Hi all,
It’s not often we get to see a high-quality jumps race during the midweek at this time of year. Today is an exception, as it’s the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup, the most valuable race held at Exeter racecourse each year. I have a selection in the big race and in the handicap chase at 3:25.
Exeter
2:25 – Haldon Gold Cup (A Limited Handicap Chase) (Grade 2) – 2m 1 ½ f
The going is good, good to soft in places at Exeter although light showers are forecast. This year’s race has attracted a decent sized field of 10 runners.
Greaneteen, trained by Paul Nicholls, heads the market and bids to give the trainer a fourth win in the race since 2010. The 6-year-old has only had four starts over fences. He needs to improve but it’s highly likely he can do so.
Global Citizen beat Rouge Vif in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas and wasn’t disgraced when 4th of 11 in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. No issues with good ground and if he can get out front could be hard to peg back. Maybe be better on a flatter track?
Glen Forsa can go well fresh. A high-class novice chaser two seasons ago. He only ran once last season when third to Oldgrangewood at Newbury. Might prefer a bit more ease in the ground but he’s a good jumper of fence and looks competitive off a mark of 154. Trainer Mick Channon won this in 2013 with Somersby.
Bun Doran hails from the inform Tom George yard who have won this race three times since 2014. He’s won off a lay off in the past. A strong traveller the 9-year-old is vulnerable to more progressive rivals off top-weight.
Esprit Du Large won a beginners’ chase here 12 months ago before winning the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December. Fell two out in the Arkle but was beaten at the time. Can improve further this season would probably prefer softer ground for his seasonal reappearance.
Verdict: I’m going with Glen Forsa ahead of Greaneteen and Esprit Du Large.
1pt each way – Glen Forsa – 8/1 Gen – (William Hill are going a generous 4 places).
3:25 – The bookies are going 6/1 the field in this 18-runner 3m handicap chase which shows what an open race it is.
Course & distance winner Fortescue heads the market. The 6-year-old’s form figures over fences are 1211. Starts the season 8lb higher than for his C&D win in March. Won first time up last season so fitness shouldn’t be an issue but the going could be as his best form has come on soft or heavy.
Killer Clown unseated his rider on his chase debut at Hereford 18-days ago. Has good ground hurdle form so underfoot conditions shouldn’t be an issue. A mark of 124 could be lenient but it’s going to be tough against some experienced handicappers.
Larkbarrow Lad won a Class 2 handicap at Worcester last autumn and made an encouraging chase debut over C&D last month. Will be all better for that experience and trainer Philip Hobbs seem to be hitting form.
Orchardstown Cross won this race 12 months ago on his seasonal return but disappointed on his next two starts. He’s 7lb higher than last year and the going won’t be as soft this time around. Has won on good ground.
Classic Ben disappointed on three starts last season but he’s dropped down to his last winning mark. One from nine over fences, that win came in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown in February 2019 (soft) has form on a sound surface and this represents a slight ease in grade. If ready roll, can go close.
Everlanes won two of her five chase starts last season. Both those wins came going right-handed and she should be all the better for her seasonal reappearance at Stratford 17-days ago. The mare seems fairly ground versatile and is 2-2 racing 2m 6f +.
Verdict: Not sure the ground will be soft enough for Fortescue. The slightly disappointing Classic Ben has dropped down to a winning mark. If in a going mood Orchardstown Cross would have a decent chance of back to back wins in the race. Everlanes will be better for her recent return to action and can go close.
1pt win – Classic Ben – 10/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
1pt each way – Everlanes – 12/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers
John