Exeter Racecourse readies for a competitive Haldon Gold Cup renewal

As we approach November, preparations are being made at Exeter Racecourse for one of their biggest fixtures on the horse racing calendar. This year’s Haldon Gold Cup is scheduled to take place at the Devon venue on Tuesday 6th with organisers promising history will be made.

A real favourite for followers of the British National Hunt chase scene, the contenders have 2m 1f between themselves and a share of a staggering prize pot. The Grade 2 contest has thrown up some famous winners since it was first run in 1987, when won by Very Promising for jockey Richard Dunwoody and trainer David Nicholson.

Politologue joined the exclusive winners club in 2017 when going to post a 5/2 favourite with bookmakers. The Paul Nicholls trained gelding held off runner-up San Benedeto who came home 2 ¼ lengths behind at 8/1, Gino Trail making up the major places, third at 6/1.

The latest horse racing betting suggests we’re in for another competitive encounter but followers of the trends have plenty to work with when aiming to narrow down the field. Let’s take a look at what the numbers say.

What’s the prime age?

The Haldon Gold Cup accepts entries from horses aged four years and older but the recent stats tell us it’s worth keeping six-year-olds close as that age has given us three of the last four winners, including last year’s champion. As well as 2017 king Politologue, we’ve also had God’s Own in 2014 and Vibrato Valtat in 2015.

A few additional points to keep in mind when considering six-year-old contenders is that half of the last 10 winners have been six and many of the frontrunners from the expected field for this year’s renewal also carry that age. There are many respected sites that allow you to check details of a runner, including form, breeding and age. Do your homework before risking your stake money; it makes all the difference.

Who’s the top trainer?

If preferring to go with a trainer who has enjoyed success in this race, there’s another strong hint to be taken from past results. Paul Nicholls produced Politologue last year and that was his second winner in three years, following the success of Vibrato Valtat in 2015. An impressive quick-fire double but those results came as no surprise to fans of Nicholls who also saw Lake Kariba crowned in 1998, Flagship Uberalles 1999, Azertyuiop 2004 and Tchico Polos in the 2010 race.

Which jockey should you trust?

As well as putting their faith in leading yards, many punters keep a close eye on how jockeys have fared at this course during autumn and, in particular, those who have sat on the back of past Haldon Gold Cup winners.

Sam Twiston-Davies is the hot rider on the circuit at the minute as he continues to prove his worth in the biggest and best races and the most demanding tracks. He rides for Nicholls and is usually given the first choice of the runners so it’s little surprise to hear he has won two of the last three, that run separated by Adrian Heskin on Sir Valentino (2016).