Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Kim Roque solid in December Gold Cup
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Saturday’s action from the Cheltenham December Meeting and Doncaster.
SAINTE DOCTOR (1.15) appeals as a mare who has quietly been finding her way in this sphere and now looks ready to capitalise in the TV opener at Cheltenham. Her jumping has sharpened with racing, she shapes as though the demands of this test will suit, and her mark still leaves room for manoeuvre.
KIM ROQUE (1.50) is taken to confirm the impression of a chaser firmly on the upgrade. His yard debut here points to a horse who likely to thrive on a proper test, travelling strongly and finishing his races with purpose. The handicapper may not yet have full control of him, and his profile suggests that he remains open to improvement.
TRIPLE TRADE (2.25) isn’t normally a horse that I’d trust to back up one good run with another, but this isn’t a normal season for the stable, and this horse looked rejuvenated here on his comeback. This is a race full of questions, and – on the proviso that Sans Bruit and David’s Well get on with it, Triple Trade could find himself with the perfect set-up.
CARLENRIG looks quite an interesting prospect in the three mile novice (3.00). He beat older horses impressively in his point and – while he needs a big step up on his yard debut – he ran with loads of encouragement. He looked to finish with plenty left, and this distance shouldn’t be an issue for him. He’s from a very solid jumping family that has churned out a high volume of winners.
JUBILEE ALPHA can defy top weight in the finale (3.35). There are some decent mares in here, but her return behind Sweet Caryline was full of promise for the rest of the season, doing easily best of those held-up and unlucky to make a mistake at a critical point. She could just outclass these, and won’t mind the ground a bit softer either.
PRINCE ZALTAR can win the first TV race at Doncaster (2.05). He’s run some really solid races for Dan Skelton this autumn, and is in a very realistic spot for his return to chasing. The rider is full of confidence, and this one still had plenty of upside.
LAVIDA ADIVA is taken to upset Kateira in the mares’ race (2.40). Although the favourite is steers clear on ratings, I’m wary of taking odds-on about a horse who is 0-4 at the trip. As such, I’ll take a chance on the Ruth Jefferson mare, who is a strong stayer, and may be open to more progress.
WILLIETHEBUILDER can take the last (3.15). He seemed to appreciate a return to 2 miles last time, even at a sharp track like Windsor, and it won’t take much more to get competitive here.
