Ar Mad to make comeback as eight declared for Exeter

Ar Mad is set to make his first appearance for 11 months after featuring at the top of the weights in an eight-strong field for Tuesday's 188Bet Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter.

Gary Moore also had stable star Sire De Grugy in the reckoning for the Grade 2 handicap but will rely solely on Ar Mad, who will return to action for the first time since finishing an eyecatching fourth in last season's Tingle Creek.

With regular rider Joshua Moore aboard Ar Mad, brother Jamie partners Gino Trail for trainer Kerry Lee.

The last two winners of the race Sir Valentino and Vibrato Valtat, who has moved to Emma Lavelle from Paul Nicholls, are back for more in the 2m1½f contest.

Nicholls saddles San Benedeto, the mount of 5lb conditional Bryony Frost, and Politologue as he seeks a sixth Haldon Gold Cup success.

Philip Hobbs will be hoping Garde La Victoire can go one better than 12 months ago when beaten a short head by Sir Valentino, while northern raider Forest Bihan completes the line-up.

William Hill have installed Politologue as their 11-4 favourite, with Garde La Victoire and Forest Bihan 4-1 joint-second favourites and Ar Mad and San Benedeto available at 6-1.

Read exclusive previews of Exeter from 6pm tonight on racingpost.com