Key questions as God's Own chases third win in prestigious Haldon Gold Cup

2.10 Exeter
Coral Haldon Gold Cup (Grade 2) | 2m1½f | 4yo+ | RTV

Can God's Own record the hat-trick?

The Haldon Gold Cup has an illustrious roll of honour, with the likes of triple Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate and fan favourite Cue Card among the winners of Exeter's feature race.

Trainer Tom George will be hoping a new name isn't added to that list as his God’s Own bids for a third victory in the 2m1½f Grade 2 contest, having scored last year and in 2014.

The 11-year-old put in a gutsy performance 12 months ago to defeat Ozzie The Oscar by half a length.

God's Own: has recorded two wins from three starts at ExeterCredit: Caroline Norris

"It’s five years since God's Own beat Balder Succes and Cue Card to win his first Haldon Gold Cup and there were some emotional scenes last year when he landed the trophy again," said George.

"Basil, as he’s known in the yard, might be getting on a bit but he seems in great form. He had a nice trip away last week, where he worked well and still has all the enthusiasm he's always had. He’s been a grand horse for the Crossed Fingers Partnership and showed he can still mix it with the best when third behind Altior in the Celebration Chase at Sandown.”

George also landed Exeter’s most prestigious race in 2016 when Sir Valentino held on gamely to score by a short head.

Will Henderson land first Haldon Gold Cup for 24 years?

As things stand Travado is the only horse to have won the Haldon Gold Cup three times, notching the hat-trick between 1993 and 1995.

That was the last time Nicky Henderson came out on top in the race but he looks to break that streak with Janika.

The six-year-old was a consistent performer in France before joining Henderson’s ranks last season, when he finished second in three of his four starts, including behind Siruh Du Lac at the Cheltenham Festival.

His trainer is hopeful he has improved from those efforts, and said: “He had good seconds at Ascot and Cheltenham, before another near-miss in the Plate at the festival. The handicapper has his measure and it could be a tough winter unless he improves.”

Does Dolos have what it takes?

Like Tom George, Paul Nicholls has been prolific in this race in the past with six victories since 1998, most recently in 2017 with Politologue.

This time he runs Dolos, who has been earmarked for this contest since registering a third win over fences at Kempton in May. The six-year-old has proven he goes well fresh with form figures of 13221 when running after a break of 51 days of more.

Dolos: represents Paul Nicholls in the Haldon Gold CupCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"We've had this race in mind for him since Kempton and he's been in good form at home," said Nicholls. "It's a tough old race as it usually is and he's on a career-high mark, so he'll have to improve if he is to win it. He goes there with a chance."

Can Destrier deliver for Skelton?

Destrier showed plenty of potential last season when he followed up successes at Southwell and Ayr with a third-placed effort in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree.

The six-year-old was only three lengths behind Ornua that day, and heads to the Devon track carrying joint-bottom weight alongside Lalor, which could give the mount of Harry Skelton the edge.

Trainer Dan Skelton said: "This race has been the plan for a while and we're very happy with him. The ground should be perfect and hopefully he's got a chance."

What the rest say

Kim Bailey, trainer of Charbel
His main aim is the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon and this is another step along the way. He'll improve from his first run back at Chepstow and the drop back in trip should be no problem for him.

Charbel: the Grade 2 winner represents Kim BaileyCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kayley Woollacott, trainer of Lalor
If he bounces back to his best he would have a chance, but it looks a tough race.

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