Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: John Of Gaunt Day Tips

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Saturday’s ITV Racing action from York, Haydock and Chester.

York, Saturday

JM JUNGLE can win the first of the ITV races at York on Saturday (2.40). He’s a pretty easy horse to like, and seems to be getting quicker and stronger with age, a trick the stable has pulled off multiple times before. He looked better than ever here last time, travelling powerfully before being hunted down by a proper horse. A repeat of that will make him hard to beat in a less competitive race.

SUENO might have the edge in the William Hill Brontë Cup (3.15). She did really well for one so inexperienced upped in grade at Goodwood and, with that under her belt, will enjoy the rhythm of this race more, particularly with Ryan Moore engaged. There are multiple strong stayers in the family.

Haydock, Saturday

FINE INTERVIEW looks the answer to the first of Haydock’s TV offerings (1.48). He was progressive as a two-year-old, and looked certain to have a productive sophomore year when a fine third on his comeback. Something of that order will likely do here, and he has Buick to assist.

LEOVANNI looks to have been found a good comeback opportunity in the Achilles Stakes (2.23). There’s a chance she wants a bit further now looking at her pedigree, but there are a couple of signed on trailblazers for her to run at, and this might just suit. More importantly, she’s about the only horse here open to any further progression, and she can be competitive here en route to the Commonwealth Cup.

SHAHA is ready for a step up to Group 3 company in the Pinnacle Stakes (2.58). Although she raced a little awkwardly, she was very impressive in a deep enough Listed race at Goodwood and, with market rival Estrange perhaps needing softer ground, she can follow up here.

TEN BOB TONY is a big priced speculator in the John Of Gaunt stakes (3.33). He was campaigned over a variety of ground and distance last year, but this trip on good looks about ideal on balance. A reproduction of his second in a Group 3 in France to a smart horse puts him in the mix, and he’s handily drawn to get out and adopt a good tactical position on or near the speed. The stable is having a good run.

Chester, Saturday

NEVER SO BRAVE can take the TV race at Chester (2.10). Generally progressive for Sir Michael Stoute, he looked on occasion like he could do better still, including when bolting up at the May meeting here. His new trainer is generally close to the target at this track, and the gelding operation can’t have done any harm to his chances.