We’re getting one step closer to a bumper weekend of horse racing. Today, we have what looks like a vintage renewal of the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, and I will concentrate on Exeter today.

Away from the Haldon Gold Cup, we get to see the Paul Nicholls pair, Captain Bellamy, make his hurdle debut and winning Grade 1 novice hurdler Captain Teague making his chase debut.

Now, on to my three horse racing betting tips for today’s card at Exeter on Haldon Gold Cup Day and the best online bookmakers to make your next bet a winning one.

Best Friday horse racing betting tips

• Exeter 2:25 – Djelo 7/2
• Exeter 3:35 – Egbert 15/2
• Exeter 4:10 – Sunninghill 11/4

*Odds are subject to change.

Exeter 2:25 – Grade 2 BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Limited Handicap) (2m½f)

This season’s running of the Haldon Gold Cup looks one of the best we have seen in a long time, and you can make a case for all six runners.

But the one who appeals the most is DJELO.

Since being sent chasing last season, Djelo has bagged himself a Grade 3 and Grade 2 win, as well as two third-place finishes in Grade 1 company notably behind Grey Dawing in the Turners Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.

But before that, Dejlo was sent off as a strongly fancied 9/4 favourite for the Lightning Novices’ Chase, only to get badly hampered at the first and fall. JPR One, whom he meets again today, was the primary beneficiary as he claimed the victory.

Today, JPR One has been installed as the current favourite, but with the weights in favour of Djelo, it’s easy to see him making up for that early mishap at Lingfield.

Venetia Williams is no stranger to getting one ready first time out for a big pot, as seen with Martardor last weekend at Ascot.

This six-year-old is a perfect two-from-two first-time up and looks to hold outstanding credentials here.

• Current Betting: JPR One 9/4, Djelo 7/2, Etalon 7/2, Sans Bruit 6/1, Scarface 12/1, Heltenham 16/1.

Bet on Djelo with Betano

Exeter 3:35 – Haldon ‘Challenger’ Stayers’ Handicap Chase (3m)

There is a hit-or-miss look to EGBERT’S form over fences, but when he is on his ‘A’ game, he is a talented staying chaser.

In his novice season, he comprised two wins and a second from five starts.

Tactically, he is pretty versatile, as shown by his winning form on and off the pace last season. You can write off his final run of the season when he was pulled up in the Scottish Grand National at 50/1, as that was a step up in class and a trip too far.

This doesn’t look like the greatest of races for his comeback, but if he can show his form, which saw him gain two wins last season, one of which was on seasonal return, he can continue the good run of his trainer, Alan King.

At his current price, he looks like a standout each-way bet.

• Current Betting: Coco Mademoiselle 9/4, Beachcomber 9/2, Tightnourbelts 11/2, Egbert 15/2, Tea Clipper 17/2, Wiseguy 9/1, Bangers And Cash 12/1, Striking A Pose 14/1, Jeremy Pass 50/1.

Bet on Egbert with bet365

Exeter 4:10 – Southwest Rail Solutions Handicap Hurdle (2m½f)

SUNNINGHILL caught my eye last time out on his second start over hurdles when he shaped like a horse ready to get his head in front.

He was fourth on hurdles debut, where the second has gone on to win since, and his third last time out ticked all the right boxes.

This is his first run in a handicap after only two starts over hurdles, and he has been handed a mark of 104.

He lacks the experience that most of his rivals process, but with the distinct promise of much more to come and duel trainer Philip Hobbs and Johnson White operating at a 31% strike rate over the past two weeks, he comes here with a strong winning chance.

• Current Betting: Centara 11/4, Sunnunghill 11/4, King Of The Road 4/1, Zodiac Star 8/1, Iris Des Issards 11/1, Final Entry 12/1, Magic Seven 12/1, 16/1 bar.

Bet on Sunninghill with talkSPORT BET

About the author

Andrew Halligan

My name is Andrew Halligan, horse racing pundit and founder of YouTube’s The Finishing Line Podcast. Horse racing is a thrilling spectacle that captivates audiences around the world with its blend of drama and excitement. Whether you’re a jumps or flat fan, I will use my experience of working within the horse racing industry to bring the best of what this sport has to offer.

You can follow Andrew on X (@Halligan88).

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