Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Saturday Cheltenham November Meeting Best Bets

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews day two of Cheltenham’s November meeting, offering best bets for the ITV Racing action.

Saturday, Cheltenham

BURDETT ROAD strikes me as overpriced in the opening TV race at Cheltenham on Saturday (1.45). Although he’s not an obvious improver for fences, he has the highest rating and is a natural enthusiast for jumping. Added to that, his record on the Old Course here is superb, and he won’t mind wet ground as much as some or as is received wisdom.

ES PERFECTO has no secrets from anyone, but seems to be hiding in plain sight in the Paddy Power (2.20). He is very consistent and genuine, runs really well here, and might even still be improving a shade at his advanced age, given how low mileage he is. He shaped second best behind Caldwell Potter at the Festival, showing there was plenty of life left in him off this sort of mark, and he’ll enjoy this track more.

KIKIJO looks a live one for the staying handicap hurdle (2.55). He’s been brought through steadily, and looked as though he was set for a really productive season judging by his encouraging comeback run. He’s not the quickest, but he can maintain a fair cruising speed, and this much more searching test looks tailor made for him off his light weight.

ROYAL RAMBLER is a bit of a wild one each way in the Intermediate race (3.30). He looked pretty raw last season, but nonetheless showed plenty of ability. Failing to give The Jukebox Kid a penalty by a narrow margin doesn’t make him too badly in here, and he should really appreciate conditions.