David Jennings' Expert Preview and Tip Ahead Of Saturday At Cheltenham

'He might just be better than these' - can David Jennings follow up his 33-1 winner the last time he was in the chair?

The last time Deputy Ireland editor David Jennings was on duty for Champing At The Bit, he tipped up 33-1 shot Laafi to win a Doncaster handicap and he duly obliged.

What's the big story?

It is Haldon Gold Cup day at Exeter for a race that instantly evokes memories of a catalogue of mighty chasers. Some of the greatest have won it over the years – Viking Flagship, Best Mate, Edredon Blue, Azertyuiop and Cue Card among them – and it is traditionally one of the early-season jumps highlights.

It used to be a Tuesday treat, but is now a Friday delight and the perfect appetiser for the weekend.

A field of six face the starter in search of a first prize just shy of £60,000. JPR One, a talented novice from last season, carries top weight. Djelo was third in the last running of the Turners Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, while Sans Bruit brings strong handicap form to the table.

It might not be the best Haldon Gold Cup of all time and lacks a real star, but it is fascinating nevertheless.

So, who wins the Haldon Gold Cup (2.25)?

My colleague Paul Kealy is extremely keen on Djelo and that scares me, but since declarations were made with no sign of Libberty Hunter, I've been pretty convinced JPR One will oblige for the Tizzards, who have won this twice in the last three years.

Indeed, JPR One looks a better-handicapped animal than either Eldorado Allen or Elixir De Nutz were when they won it, and off a mark of 149 he should be very hard to beat. He's had a wind-op and won first time out last year, so it's not easy finding negatives. He might just be better than these.

JPR One14:25 Exeter

View Racecard

Jky: Brendan Powell Tnr: Joe Tizzard

Who is the lay of the day?

Let's take on Brendas Asking in the 2m2½f handicap hurdle (3.00) at Exeter. She has gone up 7lb for her Ludlow win, but this looks a deeper heat and Micronormous catches my eye in it at around 8-1.

Anything of interest away from Exeter?

Yes, I'm keen on Cloud Cover in the Listed Irish Stallion Farms EBF Cooley Fillies & Mares Stakes (6.30) at Dundalk. She bumped into the rapid improver Paborus at Southwell last time but might well have been second there with a clear run. She's crying out for a step up to a mile and Billy Lee has been booked. Early double-digit quotes look much too generous.