Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Cheltenham and Doncaster best bets
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck looks over Friday’s racing at Cheltenham and Doncaster, with selections and analysis across the cards.
Cheltenham, Friday
EAST INDIA EXPRESS is the answer to the TV opener at Cheltenham on Friday (1.15). Slightly disappointing at the Festival, he put that beyond him in good style under this rider at the April fixture, and the handicapper’s attentions may not be enough to stop him. A big field and plenty of pace suits.
ALNILAM is a spot of value in the Novice Chase (1.50). Although worse at the weights with Country Mile for their recent meeting at Uttoxeter, the selection impressed with his jumping and his attitude. His hurdles form was progressive, and the Olly Murphy and Sean Bowen pairing could hardly be in more irresistible form.
TORQUAY ROAD gets the nod in a very tough handicap (2.25). He has found his stride in impressive style of late, looking especially assured at Galway last time under today’s promising rider. A big field will pose no issues, and he showed great tenacity to come between horses late last time.
FORTUNE DE MER is chanced in the Grade Two novice hurdle (3.00). You must pin your hopes on the hood working, because his keenness has been his undoing. But he has bags of talent under there, and should get a lovely set-up, with Un Sens a la vie and Run for Mahler both likely to be involved in the early skirmishes.
TRAPRAIN LAW can take the two miler (3.35). He ran a good bit better than his finishing position at the Festival, still hanging in there for longer than expected having got the worse of a stern pace duel with Unexpected Party. This is a bit easier, he comes here fitter than most, and there is still a fair bit of mileage from this mark.
Doncaster, Friday
ROUSING ENCORE can give us compensation for a luckless run at York the other day by taking the sprint handicap at Doncaster (1.33). He’s been in rare form of late, loves this ground, and is overpriced on account of being completely knocked over when starting his run last time.
AFFETTUOSO is a token suggestion to win the mile maiden (2.08). His dam showed smart Group Two form behind Alpinista on very soft ground, and a scintilla of that ability should nearly suffice here.
BALMACARA is a live each way prospect in the seven-furlong handicap (3.18). He is none to consistent, but the two racecourses where he has never run a bad race are here and Sandown. A reproduction of his penultimate effort in Listed company, behind no less than QEII winner Cicero’s Gift, should see him go very close on ground that clearly suits well.
