‘Those traits will serve him well’ – Haldon Gold Cup preview with a free tip

Exeter‘s premier meeting of the season takes place on Friday and the ITV cameras will be out for it. The big race of the day is the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup and a competitive field of six has been declared. We’ve previewed the big race, providing analysis of each runner, recent trends and a free tip to look out for. Why not check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.

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2.25 Exeter

1. JPR One

Joe Tizzard’s seven-year-old was arguably Britain’s best two-mile novice chaser last term, despite disappointing in the Arkle. This race is the perfect starting point for the season and it will tell us if he’s a handicapper or a graded horse. A mark of 149 doesn’t appear to be outrageous.

2. Djelo

He was a cosy winner of a Grade 2 novice chase over 2m3f at Ascot in December and ran a cracker to finish third behind Grey Dawning and Ginny’s Destiny at the Cheltenham Festival. Winning twice over two miles last term, he’s adaptable with regards to trip and is a contender if fit enough.

3. Heltenham

Dan Skelton’s lesser-fancied runner is a useful handicapper but you’d probably expect something with a little bit more class to come out on top here.

4. Etalon

This horse was progressive in lower grade handicap last term and was a little out of his depth in the Maghull at Aintree. Harry Skelton rides but he probably has a little bit to find.

5. Sans Bruit

Paul Nicholls’ representative put in a fantastic display to win the Red Rum at Aintree with Bryony Frost on board. He jumped and travelled like a dream and those traits will certainly serve him well at this level. It’s been reported that he has strengthened up over the summer and he’ll surely go close if that’s the case.

6. Scarface

Harry Cobden has been booked to ride for Joe Tizzard but this could be a little too hot for him and he would prefer a longer trip.

Trends

Paul Nicholls has won four of the last 10 renewals, which makes him the trainer to follow here. Joe Tizzard won this race last year and as assistant to his father Colin back in 2021, providing a boost to his two runners.

Six-year-olds have won the race six times in the last decade, suggesting that improving younger horses are the way to go. Sans Bruit and Djelo tick that particular box.

Only three horses have successfully carried 11st 9lb or more in the last 10 renewals, which could make life tricky for JPR One and Djelo.

Free tip

Sans Bruit really thrived when making all the running to win at Aintree in the spring. It was an eye-catching display and further improvement is anticipated this season. The trends suggest he has every chance here.

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