Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Hoping Prayers are Answered at Kempton and Chepstow

William Hill ambassador Nick Luck casts his expert eye over the best of the racing at Kempton and Chepstow on Wednesday 27th December.

Wednesday, Kempton

NACHTGEIST could be the value at 9/1 in the TV opener at Kempton (1.20pm). The market is made by a horse who is clearly very well regarded, but whose form is very hard to quantify. By contrast, this is a horse from a proven source of juvenile talent (albeit a new name is on the licence), and who has stakes race form on the Flat. In addition, this outfit has won this race before.

NICKLE BACK should justify favouritism in the Wayward Lad (1.55pm). Although Master Chewy has the better form over the minimum, the selection showed such zest for the job at Newbury that a drop to this trip should not pose too many issues. He could indeed be quite spectacular around here. 6/4.

NUBE NEGRA might be the one in the newly framed Desert Orchid (2.30pm). He’s come down the weights nearly a stone since his pomp, but is no back number judged on his comeback run at Cheltenham. Ignore his dull effort in the Tingle Creek on incredibly soft ground, and you can make a real case for him here at 11/4.

UNANSWERED PRAYERS can get it together in the handicap chase (3.05pm) at 10/1. He’s not completed his last two starts, but was running really well both times. This test should suit really well, and this is sufficiently less taxing in terms of numbers and competitiveness so as not to put as much pressure on his jumping. He has a naturally forward going style, which should be well suited to this chase track.

Wednesday, Chepstow

GOOD RISK AT ALL ought to win the opening TV event from Chepstow (1.05pm) at 8/11. First Flow is a serious opponent in any race, but I’m not sure he can give a stone and a half to a very useful young rival who is still ahead of the assessor. The selection didn’t not appear to relish the step up to three miles last time and will appreciate a return to this distance at a more forgiving track.

UNCLE BERT is the suggestion at 2/1 in the staying handicap hurdle (1.40pm). He looked quite good early in the season, but quickish ground and better competition has done for him the last twice. Now faced with a genuine test of stamina (closely related to Vieux Lion Rouge et al), he can improve accordingly, and is not in deep waters now.

SALVER might be a little value to upset Burdett Road in the Finale at Chepstow (2.15pm) at 5/1. The favourite sets a high standard, but there has to be a strong suspicion that deeper ground and this track may combine to blunt his natural face. As such, a chance is taken with the Skelton runner, whose second here last year reads very well.

COMPLETE UNKNOWN can atone for his Coral Gold Cup flop by taking a big hand in the Welsh National (2.50pm) at 17/2. He was badly hampered early on at Newbury, after which he was always on the back foot. On figures and form, he remains a well handicapped horse, and the significantly softer ground should help quite a bit.