Two Grade 1 winners attempt to continue Nicholls' Haldon dominance

2.05 Exeter
bwin Haldon Gold Cup (Grade 2) | 2m1f | 4yo+| RUK

After stable star Politologue’s victory last year Paul Nicholls hopes to make it three in four years as he sends out two talented stablemates for the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup at a rain-deprived Exeter.

Diego Du Charmil stole the headlines at Aintree’s Grand National meeting in April when he beat Henry de Bromhead’s Petit Mouchoir in the Maghull Novices’ Chase, the first Grade One victory of his career.

A quick reappearance in the Celebration Chase at Sandown only two weeks later did not go to plan, but Nicholls retains confidence in the six year-old, who will be partnered by Harry Cobden.

“He loves to be fresh and he loves quick ground, so that hopefully should play in his favour tomorrow,” Nicholls said.

“The Sandown run wasn’t a fair reflection of him. Back to back Grade 1s only two weeks apart was always going to be a big ask. We had a suspicion he wouldn’t enjoy the quick turnaround and, if I’m honest, if it hadn't have been the end of the season I wouldn't have run him.

“He looks really well in himself after the summer, so we’re hopeful of good run.”

San Benedeto: 'On numerous occasions he’s advertised what a smart horse he is'Credit: Mark Cranham

Nicholls also saddles last year’s runner-up and 2017 Maghull Novices' Chase winner San Benedeto, who finished ahead of Diego Du Charmil and God’s Own, another of Tuesday's rivals, when runner-up to Altior in the Celebration Chase in April.

“He ran very well here last year as he did at Sandown,” Nicholls said. “He’s bit in and out, so we gave him a run over hurdles at Kempton last month just to sharpen him up for this.

“On numerous occasions he’s advertised what a smart horse he is on a going day. His best form puts him firmly in the mix.”

One challenge to Nicholls’ continued domination of the Exeter showcase is the Philip Hobbs-trained Ozzie The Oscar. The seven-year-old won two handicap chases at Warwick last spring, one in which he beat San Benedeto, before an encouraging re-appearance in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las last month.

“We needed to get a run into him before this and it just made sense to run him there,” Hobbs said. “He should cope with the ground as well which is the other important thing to note.

“The two wins at Warwick were run on pretty fast ground and obviously he ran really well there, so we have no fears on that front.”

The final two runners are Tom George’s ultra-consistent ten-year-old God’s Own and the Dr Richard Newland-trained Theo, whose most recent run in the Old Roan Chase at Aintree last month will have pleased connections.

Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com