Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Seeing is Believing

The top broadcaster and journalist has cast his all-knowing eye over Saturday’s racecards at Haydock and Beverley.

Saturday, Haydock

BELIEVING may be a little too big in relation to the admirable Live In The Dream in the TV opener at Haydock (1.50pm). She’s on a recovery mission from an easily excused flop in Hong Kong, but there’s a possibility this could set up for a finisher if Democracy Dilemma softens up the favourite in a real speed war. The selection may ideally want a slightly sterner test, but her best run came at this track, and she’ll love the ground.

DIVINA GRACE has very compelling credentials in the twelve furlong handicap (2.25pm) Her trainer is brilliant at developing fillies like this with nice staying pedigrees, and she shaped as though further improvement was likely on her seasonal debut. On paper this is a nudge up in class, but it’s not a deep race for the grade, and I would expect conditions to be perfect for the selection.

MADAME AMBASSADOR can take a hand in the Lester Piggott (3.00pm). There are a few ground/distance queries about several of these, but there are no worries for her on either score, and – with a big fitness edge over some – I can see her sliding along from a low draw and committing a fair way out. She’s tough, though, and those tactics could get a few on the back foot.

WITCH HUNTER is always overpriced, and should be a clear favourite in the John Of Gaunt (3.35pm). You can make a case that a well-run seven furlongs is ideal for him and – to that end – he ran really well in the Lockinge trying vainly to make up a load of late ground. He’ll be closer to the action here, and this will be a fair bit easier than he’s been facing recently.

Saturday, Beverley

NAD ALSHIBA SNOW can take a hand in the Hilary Needler at Beverley (2.05pm). Although a non-winner against unpenalised rivals, she was a little unlucky to run in to a well regarded Fahey newcomer on her debut, still staying on well when beaten. She should improve a ton as a two year old from this yard, and can put her course experience to good use from a draw that gives her options.

SHAREHOLDER may be too strong, however, for her conqueror Moving Force in the colts’ equivalent (2.40pm). He cost a ton of money at a good sale and the Wathnan strike rate with their breeze up buys is remarkable, even accounting for their spending power. They had several engaged here, but must believe this one has Royal Ascot calibre for this to be the starting point.

BILLYB looks a likely one in the seven furlong handicap (3.15pm). He was a fair tool for Ann Duffield before disappointing a few times, but it looks as though he’s coming back judged on his debut run for Craig Lidster in a better race than this. 77 is a dangerous mark on his old form, and he’ll go close from a good draw if he takes a step forward.