Haldon Gold Cup Odds

Run over 2m1f110y, the Haldon Gold Cup is a limited handicap chase worth over £34,000 to the winner. It takes place at 2.50 at Exeter.

Captain Chris - 5/2 William Hill
The Arkle winner back in March, he had both Medermit and Ghizao behind him that day. Connections have always wanted to go for the King George with this horse, if he is being trained for the three mile contest he might be slightly sluggish at this shorter trip on his seasonal bow.

Ghizao - 11/4 Ladbrokes
Seemed to have the measure of Captain Chris early on last season but was found wanting at Grade One level. He has never achieved a Topspeed rating within 27lbs of his current mark, he might not be up to this grade.

Medermit - 9/2 Bet365
Looked outpaced when fourth in the Arkle and Alan King later admitted it was perhaps the wrong race for him at the Festival. A step up to 2m1f110y is better, with 2m4f likely to be ideal as the season progresses. He receives 6lbs from Captain Chris and the extra 1.5furlongs in the Haldon might be enough to turn around the Arkle form.

Zaarito - 8/1 Bet365
An error-prone chaser, this high quality test will put pressure on his jumping. If recapturing the form of his Fairyhouse second, he would have an outside chance, but that was his only run of last season. The price might not justify the risk.

Oiseau Du Nuit - 11/1 Blue Sq
Better than ever at the backend of last season, which included victory in the Grand Annual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. If he retains that level of form he is the most likely of the outsiders to cause a shock. The problem is that at the age of nine, he won’t be improving and he is up against some good young chasers.

Cornas - 12/1 Bet365
His third crack at the race, with a runners-up spot in 2009 the closest he has come. This year’s renewal is certainly no easier and his stable has started the season quietly with only two winners.

Thunder Child - 300/1 Victor Chandler
Hopelessly outclassed.