Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: War can Lord it over rivals in December Gold Cup

Saturday, Cheltenham

WAR LORD looks a perfectly feasible bet at 10/1 in the December Gold Cup if Cheltenham’s Saturday TV fixture gets the go ahead (1.50). Boasting some strong form in top novice company last season, including a decent fourth in the Arkle, he ran with less gusto on his comeback at Exeter, but may have paid the price for duelling with Greaneteen, and looked as though a step back up to this sort of trip might suit. His handicap mark is certainly not beyond him and he lends a touch of class here.

FIRST STREET looks the one at the prices (5/1) in the International Hurdle (2.25). He kept improving last year, winding up with a really good effort here behind State Man (depth behind), and loves good ground. He showed added resolve to go with his ability on his comeback at Newbury and his trainer was unequivocal that his future lay beyond handicaps. I like the tactical shape of this – Knappers Hill and I Like to Move it will get on with it – to give the selection a perfect stalking trip.

GRAND SOIR appears the value at 13/2 in the staying novice hurdle (3.00). Although he needs to up his game on the face of it, his win last time can be upgraded somewhat, as he thrashed the others that attempted to race up with the pace, while the eventual second has run with credit in a fair race subsequently. The trainer’s record here is very good, and this horse won’t be stopping late.

MARTELLO SKY can repeat last year’s win in the mares’ hurdle off the same mark (3.35). She hasn’t had her optimum race conditions this season, but has performed creditably nonetheless. This is her goldilocks race in terms of ground, track and trip, and it is also noteworthy that Aidan Coleman boasts a perfect 4-4 record on this likeable mare. She look the value at 5/1.

Saturday, Doncaster

NUSRET can land cramped odds in the Summit at Doncaster (1.30). Just a decent flat horse, he looked a complete natural at Punchestown on his hurdling debut. That form has already taken a little boost with Calico’s good performance at Aintree last weekend, and it will be disappointing if he can’t follow up at 5/4.

GETAWAY LUV is the choice at 9/2 in the handicap that follows (2.40). He’s a pretty consistent horse, but looks to have taken his form to a higher plane this year judged on a really smooth success at Catterick last time. This yard hasn’t had him long, and might be able to squeeze a fair bit more from him.

WATERGRANGE JACK looks overpriced at 13/2 in a rather thin finale (3.15). He is easily good enough to win off this mark in this grade, but the market seems to be judging him on two runs this year, the first of which was an inadequate test of stamina, while last time he was simply out of his depth. These calmer waters will be more to his liking.