Tuesday November 6th

It’s Haldon Gold cup day tomorrow - the biggest day of the season at Exeter.

I did originally wonder whether I might be tipping in the race - but having seen the declarations, I then wondered if it was even worth posting on the blog !

There are just 5 runners in the big race - and most of the other races on the card, are equally uncompetitive .

It was a similar story at Ascot and Wetherby (in particular), this weekend - we really need some rain, so that trainers are prepared to run their horses…

Exeter

2:05

It really is a disappointing turn out for a race with a rich history.

However, it’s still not an easy race to call !

A peak form God’s Own would win it, off a mark of 156.

A right hand track and good ground are his ideal conditions - the question is whether he will be sufficiently fit (and to a lesser extent, if he is now in decline).

Diego du Charmil and Ozzie the Oscar dispute favourtism, at around 2/1 - but I’d be prepared to take them both on.

Diego, looks harshly handicapped off a mark of 157, as there must be a chance that he was flattered by his Aintree victory at the end of last season (which saw his mark rise by a stone).

I would be much more tempted by Paul Nichols other runner, San Benedtio.
He finished second in this race 12 months ago - beaten only by Politologue (who went on to win a grade 1 chase on his next outing).

San Benedito gets to run off the same mark tomorrow - and whilst his debut run this season was underwhelming, it was almost certainly just a pipe-opener.

He is the value in the race at 5/1 this evening.

The final runner in the race, is Theo - for Dr Newland - and he also has a chance. That said, I prefer the claims of both San Benedito and Gods Own.

Selection: San Benedito at 5/1 - danger Gods Own

3:15

With the main supporting event (the novice chase at 2:40) having only attracted 3 runners, this is the only other race on the card, warranting a preview.

Again, its a tough one to call - with it hard to make a particularly strong case for any of the 8 runners.

Bottom weight, Canyouringmeback is the one I like most.

He was still travelling quite nicely when unseating last time at Wincanton.

He was stepping up in trip that day, so his stamina remains unproven - however, he should enjoy the quick ground and has a progressive profile.

At a bigger price, then Carlos de Fruitier is quite interesting…

Ben Pauling runs 2 in the race - and I would expect David Bass to be riding the stable first string.

It’s therefore interesting that he is partnering Carlos - even though Powerful Symbol is half his price.

In fairness, Carlos has had a bit of an issue with his jumping, so he’s not one you could be confident about.
However, Exeter is a very fair track - and based on his hurdling form he would definitely stand a chance, if his jumping did click.

He can be backed at 14/1 this evening, which strikes me as a bit of value (even if just as a saver).

Selection: Canyouringmeback at 9/2