Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Ascot Chase Day Preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Ascot Chase Day, as well as the best of the action from Haydock’s Grand National Trial card and Wincanton’s Kingwell Hurdle.

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Ascot, Saturday

HARDY FELLA looks overpriced in the TV opener at Ascot on Saturday (1.15). He has staged a major revival after a period in the doldrums, yet remains very well treated on some of last year’s form. He prefers going this way rounds, his stable remains in rare form, and Harry Cobden has an excellent record for them when he gets the call up.

RIGHTSOTOM is well worth another chance at big odds (2.25). He was quite impressive at Doncaster, and travelled powerfully before emptying at Newbury. That strongly suggests a tongue tie will help, and better ground is another massive plus. The stable continues to chip away with regular winners.

SNIPE looks like he might get his chance in the Swinley (3.00). He’s been a shade unlucky of late – running into a well handicapped Val Dancer at Carlisle, before a blunder stopped him finishing even closer in the Great Yorkshire. He looks to have some wriggle room in his mark and will strongly appreciate nice ground.

BLUE LORD could just outrun his odds in the Ascot Chase (3.35). With the ground on the lively side for Corbetts Cross and the trip perhaps a little sharp for left-hand favouring L’Homme Presse, it’s clear Pic d’Orhy is the likeliest winner. But he’ll be no price, and he’ll get a bit more pace pressure this time. The selection needs a revival, but that’s highly possible given connections, and this trip/ground/track should suit well.

Wincanton, Saturday

BURDETT ROAD just shades it in the Kingwell at Wincanton (1.36). He’s moved forward really sharply this season, and I’m inclined to take a really positive view of his Christmas Hurdle run, particularly given the ground he lost at the last. This track looks tailor made and – much as I respect Golden Ace back in trip – the selection could easily dictate matters here.

Haydock, Saturday

WHISTLEINTHEDARK can take the Veterans’ at Haydock (2.05). He was strong in the market at Warwick last week and ran well, but faced the impossible trying to beat a rejuvenated Le Milos. Cheekpieces go on, and a reproduction should see him go very close with conditions fine.

NEMEAN LION can open up new possibilities by taking the Rendlesham (2.40). He’s not an obvious candidate for this trip, but he’s versatile, thriving and will get three miles round here if he’s going to do so anywhere. This is a thin division and the front of the market looks a bit sketchy.

APPLE AWAY looks ripe for the Grand National trial (3.15). She’s been plugging away this season, but now looks a real stayer. The balance of her form suggests she’s not over handicapped, and she ought to be very comfortable with the rhythm of this race with her light weight.