The Haldon Gold Cup is always a good race to watch at this early point of the season with so many trainers preferring to target this race for some of their higher rated handicappers. This year's edition looks ultra competitive so I am a little naive putting one up in the race but I do think BUN DORAN is overpriced here. Tom George's horse has proven himself as a quality performer over the past few seasons, competing in a higher grade than this. But more importantly and what makes him an attractive punting prospect today is his record when running fresh. An enthusiastic horse, he seems to save his best for his first run back and you would like to think that despite his big weight, he should be able to put up a bold show against some less experienced rivals.
Later on the card, with many bookmakers offering extra places, I think FORTESCUE should go well for the in form Henry Daly team. This is a horse who has improved drastically for the switch to fences and his season culminated last year with a course and distance success, narrowly beating an in form, well handicapped Venetia Williams horse. The pair pulled well clear of some tidy rivals and a 5lb hike for that success seems lenient. Hugh Nugent gets on well with this horse and I think he should still be hiding a few pound from the handicapper..
Exeter 2.25 – Bun Doran
Exeter 3.25 – Fortescue
