Haldon Gold Cup tips and runners guide to Exeter 3.30 on Friday
faces five rivals on his seasonal reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Exeter.
Gary Moore’s Clarence House winner has to concede shed loads of weight, however, as the next horse in the handicap, Solo, is rated 16lbs inferior but jockey Niall Houlihan is able to use his claim.
Indiana Jones makes the trip over from Ireland, while Brave Seasca has had a wind op since pulling up on his previous two starts at the end of last season. Elixir De Nutz, second in last season’s Game Spirit, and 2022 Arkle fourth War Lord complete the field for Friday’s 15:30.
The latest Haldon Gold Cup odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.
Haldon Gold Cup verdict
Timeform: A very competitive renewal with narrow preference for SOLO, who has a good record fresh and represents a stable that has won this race a record 8 times. Indiana Jones and Elixir de Nutz both have the advantage of a recent run so are feared most.
*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change
Haldon Gold Cup runners and riders
The following horses have been declared for the Haldon Gold Cup 2023.
Trainer: Gary Moore Jockey: Niall Houlihan Age: 9 Weight: 11st 12lbs
Took his form to a new level last term, landing Grade 2 Desert Orchid at Kempton prior to edging out Edwardstone in rescheduled Clarence House at Cheltenham (16.3f) in January. Not in same form in Champion Chase/Celebration Chase last 2 starts but could well bounce back dropped in class on return.
****
Solo
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Jockey: Harry Cobden Age: 7 Weight: 10st 10lbs
Looked as good as ever when landing the Pendil at Kempton in February, albeit having the run of things. Ran poorly in Oaksey Chase at Sandown final start but has good record fresh so expected to bounce back for a yard that has won this race a record 8 times.
*****
Brave Seasca
Trainer: Venetia Williams Jockey: Charlie Deutsch Age: 8 Weight: 10st 9lbs
Career best when easily winning 2½m handicap chase at Aintree on last season’s return. Well held next 3 starts but subsequently had a breathing operation and first-time up may be the time to catch him.
****
Indiana Jones
Trainer: M. F. Morris Jockey: D. J. O’Keeffe Age: 7 Weight: 10st 8lbs
Seems to have put his jumping issues behind him and picked up a couple of novice chase wins last season, notably a Grade 3 at Navan (2m) in March. Shaped as if needing the run at Cork last month and better expected now for yard that won the Charlie Hall at Wetherby on Saturday.
****
Elixir De Nutz
Trainer: Joe Tizzard Jockey: Freddie Gingell Age: 9 Weight: 10st 7lbs
Upped his form again over fences last season, scoring at Wincanton in January before good runner-up efforts in Game Spirit at Newbury and good handicap at Ayr. Shaped much more encouragingly than the bare result suggests at Chepstow on return so not taken lightly.
****
War Lord
Trainer: Joe Tizzard Jockey: Brendan Powell Age: 8 Weight: 10st 1lbs
Smart novice chaser in 2021/22, but last season didn’t go to plan. Has since undergone a breathing operation but career best probably required from 5 lb out of the weights on return.
- NAP of the Day: Today’s NAPs Table of horse racing tips across the UK & Ireland
- A 3/1 play leads the way for Timeform’s Friday Exeter horse racing tips
- Fran Berry’s Friday night horse racing tips at Dundalk
- When is the Cheltenham Festival 2024? Dates and antepost favourites for next year’s big races
- Horse Racing calendar: Key Jumps races and fixtures including Cheltenham Festival 2024
- When is the Grand National 2024? Aintree date, start time, runners and betting
