Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Boxing Day Preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Boxing Day’s action from Kempton, Aintree and Wetherby.

Kempton, Thursday

LEAVE OF ABSENCE is a sporting pick to land a really competitive TV opener at Kempton on Boxing Day (12.45). He had some form as a youngster with Chris Gordon that makes an opening chase mark of 127 look pretty tasty, while his comeback run here for this yard was most encouraging. Ideally he might straighten up his jumping, but he looked pretty assured on the whole, and should be suited by the drying ground.

MASACCIO might be able to turn form around with The Jukebox Man in the Kauto Star (1.20). There’s no doubt the favourite adds the stardust to this race, but his tendency to lug left is a worry around here. That, allied to his being far from certain to be best suited by three miles, makes me think Masaccio could turn round the two length deficit from Newbury. What we know about the selection is a marked preference for good ground, effectiveness at the track, and a high likelihood of a strong finishing effort.

CONSTITUTION HILL is one of the best hurdlers we have seen and, all the endless preamble and speculation notwithstanding, he should probably never start odds against for a race unless racecourse evidence has conclusively shown that he is in decline (1.55). As such, he is the play in a truly intriguing race. Many have rightly pointed out that this might be the time for Lossiemouth to strike at the point he may be most vulnerable, but this is a test that has suited Constitution Hill well the last two years, while the mare has been racing predominantly over further and on softer ground. A race to savour, with two highly talented rivals making up the supporting cast.

SPILLANE’S TOWER can win the King George and win it well (2.30). Clearly the most exciting and progressive horse in the race, there is no real evidence to suggest that the ground will be too lively for him, and he excels going right handed. I’ll also be backing L’HOMME PRESSE, on the basis that all his best runs come first time out, and that he may jump a little straighter this time. He’s well capable of producing performances in the 170s for a trainer that has hoovered up big prizes this season.

Aintree, Thursday

ROADLESSTRAVELLED has the most compelling credentials in the William Hill Formby Hurdle at Aintree (1.05). His victory over Country Mile (respected again) at Haydock is the best piece of form on offer here, yet trainer and rider both felt that his jumping could improve for a sounder surface. He was pretty relentless and pacy that day, and this track will play to his strengths, while it might just be a little sharp for Potters Charm.

Wetherby, Thursday

TAHMURAS can take advantage of an ease in grade in the Rowland Meyrick at Wetherby (1.35). The rain washed away his chance at Haydock, but he travelled well enough to suggest that all was not lost. He’s a quirky sort of horse, for whom lesser company and a step up in trip might enable him to potter round on the bridle and not exert himself too much.