Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: New Year’s Day 2025 Preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews the action on New Year’s Day 2025 from both Cheltenham and Musselburgh.

Cheltenham, Wednesday

BROADWAY BOY can get the New Year off to flyer by winning the first big televised handicap from Cheltenham (1.30pm). This is a tricky race, and my one reservation would be a little too much contested speed, but the selection is by far the most trustworthy and progressive of the field. He is likely to be least inconvenienced by further rain, he stays very well, and his Coral Gold Cup form (only raised 2lbs since then) is working out quite well.

LOUNGE LIZARD looks a nice each-way play for a yard that continues in terrific form in the feature chase (2.05pm). He ran a screamer in one of these behind Cheltenham perennial Ga Law on trials day last season, and reappeared with an encouraging effort at Carlisle. He will benefit from a greater stamina test at this trip, which looks highly likely given the pace and ground, and is one from one under Sam Twiston-Davies, more significant given that he is a horse that has a few quirks.

STRACKAN can strike for the same team in the staying handicap hurdle (2.40pm). This could be quite a test, but the way this lightly-raced horse scampered clear of a fair yardstick at Bangor marked him out as one to keep following. This requires a little more still, but it is not the strongest race for the track. He has a very deep pedigree, and one that suggests he might just be scratching the surface.

SALVER might really turn on the style in the Relkeel if the rain comes (3.15pm). His progress as a juvenile was relentless, and his run in the Triumph hurdle all the more creditable owing to his physique and lack of flat-race experience. His seasonal debut was full of promise and he can step up here, with this trip on the new course likely to suit well. Conditions could well blunt the speed of key rivals Golden Ace and Lucky Place.

Musselburgh, Wednesday

LIARI is another from the Gerry Fielden at Newbury that is worth a look, this time at Musselburgh (1.45pm). He looked to love it round here when winning at the big fixture in February, and this represents a slightly easier opportunity than of late.

GOLD DES BOIS might be a bit of value in the chase at the Scottish track (2.20pm). He’s not overrated for his age and has his own way of doing things, but he’s no doubt well handicapped, and was lucky to get away with just a small rise for his Kelso win where he was value for way more than the winning margin. This track and a strong pace will suit him well, and he’s found a bit for a change of scenery.