Exeter hosts its best fixture of the year on Friday, with the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup being the main event. ITV will be showing four races from Exeter and two from Hexham so that means we’re back with our usual feast of outsiders. This time we have a horse who qualifies for a 0-130 for the first time in five years and a Listed-winning mare running in a Class 3. Take a look at our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Lizzie Luna (28/1, bet365) won a maiden hurdle at Musselburgh back in February and the runner-up has boosted the form by bolting up since. Ewan Whillans’ mare has disappointed in three starts since but she’s falling down the handicap and it’s too early to give up on her just yet.
Pinot Rouge (11/1, bet365) won a Listed mares’ novice at Doncaster on just her second start over hurdles in March 2024 and wasn’t disgraced when fourth in a Grade 1 at Aintree after that. She was an easy winner in handicap company here over further in June and appeared to need the run when fourth after a break last time out. Having won an Irish point, the switch to fences should suit and there could be more to come.
Annsam (20/1, bet365) qualifies for this 0-130 as a consequence of a 3lb drop from the handicapper for his latest effort. It’s the first time he has qualified for a race such as this since December 2020. Evan Williams’ 10-year-old has some excellent form in the book, including victory in the Listed Silver Cup at Ascot a few years ago. Last winning off a 12lb higher mark at Ludlow in 2023, he definitely has it in him to run a big race here.
If you back any of our selections you can watch them live on the free Racing Post app or racingpost.com. Simply log in to one of your bookmaker accounts and click ‘Watch live’ on the racecards.