Exeter - 3rd Nov

    I spent much of October re-watching replays of most of the last Chelteham Festival, partly for future form study and partly because the flat was pissing me off. Anyway, one thing that struck me in March as well as last month upon reviewing the race was how much better than the bare result Apache Stronghold was in the JLT. Carberry's tactics on this horse and many other of his mounts is to keep hold of them for as long as possible but with Vautour setting Prestbury Park alight with his jumping Paul obviously felt the need to close upon him before the turn in. He was never going to win the race bar a mistake from the winner and this early move probably cost him a few lengths at the death. The reason I've bought this up is because I think similar comments can be attributed to Vibrato Valtat two days earlier in the Arkle, In trying to keep tabs on Un De Sceaux he probably sacrificed second to God's Own. Those two meet again at Exeter tomorrow in the Haldon Gold Cup and both receive a nice chunk of weight from Sire De Grugy who looks one to take on (was clear favourite at 9/4 when the market opened for the race.) Even though God's Own won the race last season this looks a slightly better edition and he's gone up 5lbs since then. Conditions (small field, softish ground) will really suit Vibrato Valtat who jumped very well for a novice last season. I've taken advantage of the free bet I received for Dynaste finishing second on Saturday.

Haldon Gold Cup:

Vibrato Valtat £25w @ 3/1 & £25fb (via Dynaste) @ 3/1 (won)

(+110)