Nick Luck’s blog: Henderson can be Long Walk Champ again

Ascot

EDEN DU HOUX is worth a small interest at 10/1 in the TV opener at Ascot on Saturday (1.50pm). The two market leaders have both run nice races here this year, but neither is a particularly strong finisher at this trip, and it might pay to think outside the box. The selection is easily capable enough off this mark, but has been inconsistent. Hopes are pinned on freshness and his form after wind surgery, which has worked twice before.

CHAMP looks quite a big price at 11/2 to win the Long Walk (2.25pm). His record after a break of any note is outstanding: he has won on his seasonal debut no fewer than five times, including this race two years ago, when producing a career best under this rider. He should be able to bide his time as long as he likes here, with the likelihood of a relay for the lead among some thorough sluggards. The selection may be 11, but he’s low mileage with just a couple of dozen starts, and he can equal Not So Sleepy’s record as a superannuated Grade One winner.

GIT MAKER might have a bit more to offer than his mark suggests, and can score again in the Silver Cup (3.00pm) at 5/1. He disposed of a shorter priced stablemate (now a short price for the Welsh National) quite cosily at Lingfield, and hasn’t really been made to pay for that. A feature was his very sound jumping, which will serve him well here, and I expect him to make a bold show from the outset.

IBERICO LORD can win another very valuable handicap hurdle (3.35pm) at 3/1. The form of his Greatwood win is working out a treat, with Sonigino and Go Dante both bolting up since, and he looked value for way more than the margin. The clock also suggested that was a really strong performance, and I won’t be looking away from him until he is rated much higher than this.

Haydock

ELEANOR BOB might be the answer to the Tommy Whittle (1.30pm) at 11/2. The market principals all ran against each other last time, but the even softer ground combined with a weight pull, the jockey’s claim and an entitlement to come on for the run, suggests she could make an even bigger impact here.

BOIS GUILLBERT can win Haydock’s handicap hurdle (2.05pm) at 4/1. He has been left alone by the handicapper despite running a very good race in a conditions event at Cheltenham (when inexplicably well-backed.) The winner has gone in since, and contests the Long Walk, the runner up has run a stormer in good company, and the fourth (who was at levels) has bolted up off an eight pound higher mark than the selection races off today.