Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Curragh and Doncaster Sunday Preview

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Sunday’s action from the Curragh and Doncaster.

Curragh, Sunday

STRIKE RED looks the answer to a tough sprint handicap that opens up Day 2 of Irish Champions’ Weekend at The Curragh (1.50). He won here last year when higher rated and has been pretty consistent in similar events this season. A slightly more forgiving surface will suit.

AMERICAN SONJA makes most appeal in the Blandford Stakes (2.25). She has hit her stride lately, running particularly well when making the genuine Group One performer Mqse De Sevigne pull out all the stops under a clever ride at Deauville. Joseph has a strong hand here, with rerouted Rogue Millennium and last year’s winner Lumiere Rock in the field, but the stable jockey stays loyal to the selection and he’s probably right.

SIMMERING looks the sporting bet at the prices in the Moyglare (3.00). There is a suspicion – somewhat borne out last time – that Bedtime Story’s Chesham win might be a slightly freaky performance, while Red Letter has abundant promise but is priced as though already a top notcher. The selection has really earned her stripes: unlucky to be run down by a special talent at Ascot before a brace of cosy wins, genuinely bolting up in a Group 2 in France when stepped up to this trip under today’s rider. There could be more to come.

MATILDA PICOTTE is a swing for the fences in the Flying Five (3.35). She’s never been known as a pure sprinter, let alone a five-furlong specialist, but she has loads of pace and a touch more class than these. Oisin Murphy gets a great tune out of her, she hit form hard in the autumn last year, and she’ll be sure to keep rolling up the hill at this trip.

Doncaster, Sunday

EXISTENT looks interesting each way in the opening sprint at Doncaster (2.05). Truth be told, he’s not that reliable these days, but has shown form even within the last six weeks that is good enough to win this. His last two efforts have been middling at best, but there is another change of headgear and, if that helps, he should be able to get competitive on this better ground.

PABORUS gets another chance in the seven-furlong handicap (2.40). He was seriously impressive in his novices in May, and rather got chucked in the deep end over a mile at the Ebor Festival off a break. He was a bit keen, and didn’t really get home, but he showed loads of ability, can build on that fitness-wise, and will enjoy coming back to this trip.

ELIM is an interesting runner in the Sceptre (3.15). Judging on her run at York, the switch to seven furlongs could be the making of her – she posted a significantly improved effort despite being way out of her ground, doing much the best of those held up. Those tactics will not impinge on her chance as much on this track and, although she has a little to find on ratings, this is not a strong edition of the race.

FINN RUSSELL looks a worthy each way pick in the Legends Race under Mark Enright, who should still be as sharp as any of these riders (3.50). This horse has few secrets from anyone, but he’s a good servant who goes on most ground and for any rider. He comes here in particularly good heart and has twice won off very quick turnarounds (once off two days.)

FLAMING RIB is worth a try in the ITV closer (4.25). He was a serious horse in his younger days, was threatening to completely shut down, but ran well enough last time to think he’s now of serious interest in handicap company. He gets headgear for the first time and, if that revival wasn’t a false dawn, he can get pretty close here for a stable that remains among the winners.