Cracking the Premier Puzzle: Charlie Huggins provides his tips for Exeter's Haldon Gold Cup card

Charlie Huggins with his advice for Exeter's Premier meeting on Friday . . .

1.15 Exeter
Goskydive.com Novices' Hurdle, 2m½f

Charlie's tip: Sorceleur

Small fields due to good ground means there is going to be very little value at Exeter and it is perhaps worth sticking these selections in a multiple. Sorceleur should get any accumulator off to a good start as he finished fifth in the Grade 2 bumper at the Grand National meeting before bumping into the potentially smart Pony Soprano on his hurdling debut here last month. He represents Paul Nicholls and Harry Cobden, who have won this race three times in the last four years, including with Bravemansgame in 2020.

Sorceleur13:15 Exeter

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Jky: Harry Cobden Tnr: Paul Nicholls

1.50 Exeter ICL Conscious Of Our Impact 'Future Stars' Silver Bowl Novices' Chase, 3m

Charlie's tip: Deafening Silence

NON-RUNNER

2.25 Exeter
BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 2), 2m1½f

Charlie's tip: Etalon

Etalon beat Djelo by two and a quarter lengths off level weights when last seen and meets that rival, whose best performances have all come over further, on 6lb better terms. That clash came when Etalon finished seventh in Grade 1 company at Aintree and he is unbeaten in three starts in handicap chases, so switching back to that sphere should suit.

The Dan Skelton-trained seven-year-old has a good record fresh, beating Martator – now rated 23lb higher after winning four times since, including at Ascot last Saturday – when making a winning chase debut on his reappearance at Newbury in November last year, and he can put in a career-best performance on his first start this season.

Etalon14:25 Exeter

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Jky: Harry Skelton Tnr: Dan Skelton

3.00 Exeter
ICL, Impact For A Sustainable Future Challenger Mares Handicap Hurdle, 2m2½f

Charlie's tip: Jaminska

Third behind the smart Queens Gamble in Listed company last season before finishing fourth to subsequent Punchestown festival winner Casa No Mento at Chepstow in April. Jaminska beat Get Sky High, who won both of her next starts, by 13 lengths on that occasion and the drop back in trip should suit after she failed to stay 2m5f on her reappearance at Ludlow last time.

Jaminska15:00 Exeter

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Jky: David Noonan Tnr: Jane Williams

3.35 Exeter
Haldon 'Challenger' Stayers' Handicap Chase, 3m

Charlie's tip: Tightenourbelts

The last time Tightenourbelts ran over this 3m trip over fences he finished fourth behind Il Est Francais in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices' Chase on good ground. The seven-year-old also split subsequent Grade 1 Scilly Isles winner Nickle Back and Colin Parker Memorial Chase scorer Marble Sands when third at Newbury last December.

The son of Mahler is rated only 5lb higher than when scoring by ten lengths at Ludlow almost a year to the day and has been crying out for this step up in trip. He had a good prep run over hurdles when sixth of 17 in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow last month and champion jockey Harry Cobden is an eyecatching booking.