JPR One expected to put up staunch defence of Haldon crown

JPR One has plenty in his favour as he bids to retain his BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup title at Exeter on Friday.

Joe Tizzard’s eight-year-old took the race 12 months ago when beating Venetia Williams’ Djelo – winner of the Charlie Hall last weekend – on good ground, conditions he will encounter again this time around.

He was the best-rated horse in the race on that occasion and this time has Paul Nicholls’ Kalif Du Berlais ahead of him on ratings, but Tizzard is confident the gelding can kick-off his campaign in good style.

“He’s in great form and Exeter has been really lucky for him,” he said. “He clearly loves it there and he will love the ground.

“Obviously Paul’s got the top-rated horse in Kalif Du Berlais, (and) if he’s as good as he thinks he is then he will take a lot of beating in the handicap.

“JPR does tick all the boxes though, he goes very well fresh and I couldn’t be happier with where he is at the moment – I think he’ll run a massive race.”

Jane Williams’ Saint Segal is another contender for the Grade Two, a horse who has hit his stride already with a neat victory over Il Ridoto at Chepstow on debut.

That run has seen his mark rise to a career-high, and a loyal group of syndicate owners will gather in Devon to see him run at his local track for the first time.

“I was really impressed with him last time. He was very happy, very self-confident, his jumping was particularly good that day,” said Williams of the seven-year-old.

“He seems very pleased with himself after that, he’s a funny horse but he’s been very consistent.

“We’ve got an awful lot to find against the other horses, but the point is the owners are so excited to go.

“We’ve got a big club (the Culverhill Racing Club) and they’ve had plenty of bad days with him along with the good days.

“There’s the feel of a bit of a celebration about it, it’s nice to be there on these good days, whether you expect to win or not, it lights people’s lives up.”

Maghull Chase winner Kalif Du Berlais caries top-weight under Harry Cobden, with Nicholls telling his Betfair blog: “Kalif Du Berlais is the apple of my eye, but he’s got to take the next step forward.

“It’s all right having lots of dreams, but he’s got to produce it on the track now. He had a lovely away day with Quebecois and others at Newbury last week, so he’s had a racecourse gallop. He looks fit and well, he’s had a good prep.

“We can talk as much as we like about what we think, but he’s got to prove it on the track now and take the next step up the ladder if he’s going to be a champion chaser.”

The Williams-trained Martator, Dan Skelton’s Thistle Ask and Dylan Cunha’s Here Comes Georgie complete the field.