Moonlighter

Moonlighter put up a really game performance in finishing second to Greaneteen in the Haldon Gold Cup. Sent to the front from flagfall by Tom Scudamore, his jumping was good, even though he did go to his left throughout. Even at that, he led into the home straight, he had all his rivals on the stretch by the time they reached the second last fence. Favourite Greaneteen was his only real challenger at that point, and it looked like he had fought off Paul Nicholls horse when he landed over the last in front, but he was just worn down close home, going down by just a neck in the end, with the front pair nicely clear.

It was still a massive run by Nick Williams’ horse. He was getting 9lb from the winner, but Greaneteen could be a Grade 1 horse, he is third favourite now for the Tingle Creek Chase behind Altior and Defi Du Seuil, and it was a big run by Moonlighter to run him to a neck, even in receipt of weight. Also, he should come on for this, his seasonal debut, and this was just his seventh chase, so he has plenty of potential to progress anyway. As well as that, he should do better when he goes left-handed again, and possibly when he gets back on softer ground. Soft ground and a galloping left-handed track should suit him well.

Exeter, 3^rd November 2020