BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 2) (Limited Handicap Chase) (GBB Race)

Off time: 14:25 | Winning time: 4m 18.7s

Kalif Du Berlais²¹⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-12| J: H Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 156| D

13/8

Developed into one of the leading novice 2m chasers last season, winning 3 times, including Grade 1 at Aintree final start, again impressing with jumping. The class act here but must give weight all round as a result.

Form: 3/F1141-

JPR One^t²⁰⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 11-9| J: Brendan Powell| T: J Tizzard| OR: 153| CD

10/3

Made a winning return in this last season off 4 lb lower. Failed to add to tally after but typically kept good company. Should make another bold bid back here.

Form: 7/13405-

Saint Segal^t²⁶

Age: 7| Weight: 11-4| J: C Gethings| T: Mrs J Williams| OR: 148| D

8/1

Better than ever last 2 starts 6 months apart, making all at Chepstow in April before repeating the tactics over the same C&D when making a winning return 26 days ago. Up in class now but not taken lightly.

Form: 12331-1

Martator^p²⁰⁰

Age: 8| Weight: 10-11| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 141| D

9/1

Won twice at Ascot 12 months ago but ended last term under a cloud. However, goes well fresh so needs considering off a tempting mark on his seasonal return.

Form: 137608-

Here Comes Georgie^t⁵¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-6| J: Lee Edwards| T: Dylan Cunha| OR: 127| BF| D

22/1

Fairly useful hurdler/chaser for Patrick Neville but firmly up against it from 9 lb out of the handicap on debut for new yard.

Form: 1683-13

Thistle Ask^h,t⁷^{(ex 4)}

Age: 8| Weight: 10-6| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton| OR: 123| D

3/1

Hurdles winner for James Ewart and scored at second attempt over fences for that yard in February. Improved again when winning twice within 6 days last week, including at Wetherby on Saturday. Technically 5 lb out of the handicap but is clearly thriving.

Form: 71/21-11

Forecasts

Kalif Du Berlais (13/8), Thistle Ask (3/1), JPR One (10/3), Saint Segal (8/1), Martator (9/1), Here Comes Georgie (22/1)

MARTATOR is potentially well handicapped again if he can revive after a summer break (won on reappearance last term) so could be worth chancing in a fascinating renewal. Jpr One won this on his comeback last season so another big run looks on the cards, while top-weight Kalif du Berlais is the class act here having won the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree on his final start.