Betway Haldon Gold Cup: runner-by-runner guide and tip

The clocks have gone back, but the Betway Haldon Gold Cup has gone forwards.

A race that is usually always run on the first Tuesday in November, following the Melbourne Cup, takes place 72 hours later this year.

It looks a good new slot for an £80,000 contest that, while perhaps not stopping the nation, is always a good race in its own right and can often be a pointer to bigger races around the corner.

Here’s a guide to the five runners and a prediction as to where each will finish.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls. Odds: 11-4.

This has become something of an annual starting point for this classy, strong traveller. He was a narrow winner, off a mark of 151, two years ago, before finishing fourth 12 months ago, when looking in need of the run, off a rating of 168. Greaneteen used last year’s race as a springboard to Tingle Creek glory last year and you would imagine Paul Nicholls has a similar plan in mind. The eight-year-old again runs off 168 and, for all his ability, will not find it easy conceding 15lb and upwards even if he’s more revved up.

Trainer: Dan Skelton. Odds: 15-8.

A smart hurdler, he took well to chasing last season when winning at Cheltenham (twice) and Doncaster, including twice in Grade two company. He also ran well when chasing home Edwardstone, the subsequent Arkle winner, in the Kingmaker at Warwick, with excuses for below-par Grade One displays behind the same horse at Sandown and Aintree. The ground will be in his favour and he’s won first time out for the past two seasons, plus a first-time tongue-tie may be a benefit. A mark of 153 may well underplay him.

Trainer: Joe Tizzard. Odds: 9-4.

The likeable grey finished fourth in the Arkle last term, plus was runner-up in Grade One company on a couple of occasions, finishing a nose in front of Third Time Lucki on the first occasion at Sandown. His chance at the weights is obvious, as he meets that rival on 4lb better terms, but it may not be that straightfiorward, as Third Time Lucki rather ran himself into the ground that day under an aggressive front-running ride. Versatile regards the ground but, proven over further, softer ground would help bring his stamina into play.

Trainer: Paul Nicholls. Odds: 8-1.

Chased home Janika in this race three years ago and belatedly gets the opportunity to try and go one better. He’s managed to get his head in front just twice since, both times at his beloved Sandown, and a career-high mark of 161 has slipped to 147 (he races from 1lb out of the handicap here). He’s usually the type to improve for a run or two – has been beaten first time out for the past five seasons – but there will be worse ways to blow away a few cobwebs. His connections are guaranteed more than £4,440 provided he beats one home.

Trainer: Alan Johns. Odds: 50-1.

It’s been four years since he last got his head in front although, in his defence, he’s finished runner-up in four Grade One contests and twice been placed at the Cheltenham Festival during this period. The succession of defeats seem to have taken their toll, with his form deteriorating to the extent that he’s obliged to race from 8lb out of the handicap. His jumping has often betrayed him and, having joined Alan Johns from Joseph O’Brien, he failed to complete at Plumpton and Uttoxeter in the summer. You’d imagine connections are trying to pick up some crumbs from the top table.

This looks an ideal starting point for Third Time Lucki, a second-season chaser who should again pay his way this season. Greaneteen can chase him home, even he is likely to be using this as a warm-up for his Tingle Creek defence.

1 THIRD TIME LUCKI. 2 GREANETEEN. 3 WAR LORD. 4 DOLOS. 5 US AND THEM.