Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Newbury & Newcastle Best Bets
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Saturday’s racing from Newbury and Newcastle, offering his insight on the day’s key contests.
ROYAL RAMBLER gets another chance in the TV opener at Newbury on Saturday (1.40). If I was sure he was a well handicapped horse a fortnight ago, I have to hold that line now, in the hope that a run under his belt, less testing ground, and the yard now back among the winners will all combine to produce the performance that he is doubtless capable of.
LIVE CONTI can kick off his season by winning the Gerry Fielden (2.15). Although it’s habitually tough for horses in their second season, he was quite well forward in France before joining Dan Skelton, and did exceptionally well to get as close as he did in a Grade One at Aintree. This isn’t straightforward, but this is a serious talent.
MYRETOWN could take quite a bit of stopping in the feature (2.55). For all this is a really competitive race, he was so dominant at the Festival that it’s hard to think he won’t be really well suited by bowling along and establishing that relentless rhythm. The decent ground will suit him, and he can take another step forward. I’ll be saving on PANIC ATTACK, the Cheltenham winner who might be hiding in plain sight: she’s well in, gets another three pounds off for the jockey, and remains completely unexposed over a trip and over fences.
RARE EDITION can win the last (3.35). He has a quirk or two, but he’s essentially a pretty fast horse, who will be very well suited to the conditions, and is likely to get a bold ride from David Bass – he probably wants his mind making up. The form of the Kelso defeat could hardly have worked out better, and this looks a comfortable spot for him.
THE NEW LION can continue his relentless rise in the Fighting Fifth (2.00). There’s nothing I can tell you that you don’t know about Constitution Hill, but – given the balance of last year (not only his falls) – there is a case that The New Lion should be further clear at the head of the market given his huge potential and his magnificent hurdling technique.
KONFUSION looks a horse on the up in the Rehearsal Chase (3.15). The stable has had a terrific start to the season, and this one has a very likeable attitude and plenty of ability to go with it. He was a bit unlucky to stumble and lose his rider last week, and can make amends here off what looks a lovely mark.
