Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Don’t be Torn from King Turgeon

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck picks out his best bets for Friday’s ITV races, including four on day one of Cheltenham’s Christmas Meeting.

Cheltenham, Friday

KING TURGEON can get the better of Chianti Classico in the first of four races live on ITV from Cheltenham on Friday (1:50pm). While regard for Kim Bailey’s top-weight is high, the selection is improving at such a rate this season that there is every chance the handicapper is in his wing mirrors. He jumps soundly, travels well, and won’t mind another drop of rain either.

TORN AND FRAYED looks a likely one for the Veterans’ Chase (2:25pm). He’s a pretty lightly raced horse all told, and in the form of his life with stacks of Cheltenham runs under his belt. He’d been cut so much slack at the beginning of the season that even a six-pound rise for his win last time looks pretty generous and you can bet that he’ll get out and be handy dropped back to this trip.

STUMPTOWN looks the percentage play in the Cross Country (3:00pm). A Cheltenham regular, he has only recently turned his hand to this discipline, winning over the banks twice at Punchestown. His mark means he should at least be in the mix with an excellent rider booked.

ZAIN NIGHTS can run a nice race at a price in the concluding hurdle (3:35pm). He’s a quirky horse, but knows full well how to win, and had a very valid ground excuse last time. He’s run with great credit both times he’s run here, and the booking of Harry Cobden must be a statement of intent now back on a sound surface.

Bangor, Friday

ALAN DE BANKS can bustle up the sketchy favourite in the televised maiden hurdle at Bangor (2:05pm). Running well, steadily improving, the form of his last time out fourth could hardly have worked out better.

STRACKAN can win the staying handicap (2:40pm). He should do a lot better in time looking at his pedigree, but won with plenty in hand last time, and must have strong claims of following up. The stable had a similar type win comfortably earlier this week.