Nick’s Picks: Miller could be a Bank

William Hill Ambassador Nick Luck looks ahead to this weekend’s racing action in Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton.

Ascot

OSCAR ELITE might be worth a small bet at big odds of 15/2 in the opening TV race at Ascot on Saturday, the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase (1.50pm). Clearly Bold Endeavour is the horse to beat on current form, but I’m not mad to leap all over him at skimpy odds, while Kinondo Kwetu is all summer jumping form and Jay Jay Reilly looks an opportunistic entry. The selection is a classy performer on his day – I’m not sure I’d trust the other three to be placed at two Festivals (once in a Grade One). This small field might restore his confidence, and Harry Cobden knows him well.

DORKING LAD should run a sound race in the Swinley (2.25pm) at 12/1. There are relatively few progressive ones here, but the first two starts this season suggested that the selection had made a fair step forward since last season. He has loads of top of the ground form on a right-handed track and could easily have more to offer over this trip. The market thought so before his unfortunate first fence blip last time, but he’s worth another try with his promising claimer to assist.

ZOFFANY BAY may not be the most original selection in the world (3.00pm), but I wouldn’t mind a look at the handicappers’ working as to how they contrived to give him a mark as low as he has, the 700 day break notwithstanding. Even an amateur read of his French form suggests that he is very well treated at 8/1, he is in top hands, and connections are firing him into a valuable race for good reason.

MILLERS BANK is a slightly left field pick in the Ascot Chase (3.35pm) at 11/1, but I have always had great faith in this Grade One winning novice’s ability, and I’m hoping the wind-op might help him get there at the top table. First off, he has little to find with Pic d’Orhy (a third his price) and this stiffer track should suit him better. Fakir d’Oudairies and Shishkin are formidable at first glance, but the ground will be lively enough for the former (not at best this term) and you’ve no idea who the latter really is at the moment. Conditions are about perfect for the selection, and he’ll outrun his price.

Haydock

ITCHY FEET might be the answer to a knotty puzzle for Haydock’s Rendlesham (2.05pm) at 4/1. He’s not endeared himself to many over the years, but he’s a good horse on his day, and he looked to enjoy himself under different tactics back over hurdles last time. A few of his market rivals might have other bigger targets down the line, but this looks ripe for him on a track that should suit if they once again opt for forcing tactics.

CLOUDY GLEN must be of some interest at 18/1 in the Grand National trial at Haydock (2.40pm). One of three in the race for Venetia Williams, you would think he’s up against it after an absence and he wants a nice prep for the big one without ruining his mark. BUT… he’s an enigmatic sort of horse who you’d never rely on at Aintree, but can oddly bank on showing his best after a chunky break. He also goes well on goodish ground and is only five pounds higher than winning a much deeper handicap at Newbury last year. If he finds his rhythm (and you’ll know early), he’ll be dangerous all round.

Wincanton

FIRST STREET is a pretty confident shout to land the odds in Wincanton’s Kingwell Hurdle (3.12pm) at 11/8. He’s moved forward again this season with two excellent efforts, but didn’t quite get home at Cheltenham last time. He has a perfect set up here with I Like To Move It and Knappers Hill naturally onward bound types. First Street is the only one I can really envisage as a likely Champion Hurdle place candidate.