Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Friday’s Best Bets from Newmarket, York, and Chepstow
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck is back with his best bets across the cards at Newmarket and York, while the jumps season gets underway at Chepstow on Friday.
Friday, Newmarket
MUSSAB looks a big price in the Cornwallis Stakes which opens up ITV’s coverage of Future Champions’ Weekend (1.15pm). He impressed me at Ayr last time in a handy race which he might have won despite the soft ground. The Breeders’ Cup was mentioned after that – not unreasonably so – and this quicker ground can produce better still from the god moving colt, whose earlier Norfolk Stakes run looks all the better now.
NUIT D’ECLAIR gets a narrow vote in a really tight race for the Oh So Sharp Stakes (1.50pm). She has been steadily progressive, might well have won the Dick Poole with better luck, and will appreciate a return to seven furlongs. Although her trainer hasn’t been churning winners out at an unholy rate, the bulk of his horses are running pretty well, and she has the scope to improve again.
PINA SONATA can take another step up in the Challenge Stakes (2.25pm). There are several armed higher at this stage, but we are aware of their limitations. The selection, however, proved something of a revelation when dropped to this distance last time, scooting clear of a big field in a fair time, and is worth a go at better opposition. The stable continues to thrive.
FORBIDDEN FIRE is the each-way play in the Fillies’ Mile (2.57pm), a race whose market will be dominated by the impressive May Hill winner Musical Times. The favourite will be really tough to beat on that evidence, but the price is there for all to see, and the selection travelled so well on just her second start that there is every chance she can live up to her Group One pedigree. She certainly should appreciate the extra furlong.
STUDY OF WORDS can win the Old Rowley Cup (3.30pm). He had some smart and progressive form as a two-year-old and has run ok this year without really kicking on. It is true, however, that the pick of his runs has been at this distance and equally so that he looks to have been rather hanging the latch in his races. With that in mind, the gelding operation might make a significant difference to his attitude. If that is the case, he could look very well handicapped.
Friday, York
CAPITANO JOSEPI might give his small but respected stable a big payday at York (2.05pm). He did really well to win on his debut at Yarmouth given how many times he was denied a clear run and, although he showed some Blackbeard tendencies in his wayward closing stages, he clearly won with a stack in hand. He gets a nice bit of weight from the fancied ones here, but he’s no way that far behind them on talent and can take a big hand if his mind goes the right way from that first run.
BRIDGE OF EAGLES makes a fair degree of appeal in the staying handicap (2.40pm). He’s been knocking at the door with the stable out of form but posted a pretty good effort in a warm race off a little break last time. He did best of those held up that day but is sure to get a more forward ride from Silvestre de Sousa, who should suit him well.
Friday, Chepstow
GIBBS ISLAND is the selection in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Chepstow (3.12pm). He paid the usual price of a half-decent juvenile in his second season, when over-handicapped against his elders, but returns back off the same mark as when landing the 4yo race at this fixture last year. Conditions should suit well, and he could be set for a productive campaign.
LORD BYRON ought to take very high rank in the novice hurdle division this season and can duly win the Persian War (3.43pm) with his status preserved. He was considerately handled in top Graded company at the Spring Festivals and had a nice tune-up on the flat last month.
