Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Newbury, Doncaster, Leopardstown and Kelso Tips
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews Monday’s action from Newbury, Doncaster, Leopardstown and Kelso on the 29th of December.
Monday, Newbury
ANNUAL INVICTUS can land today’s TV opener at Newbury (1.50). He was performing well in much better races two seasons ago from this mark, and ran perfectly respectably on his comeback in the big race here in November. He has conditions to suit for an in-form team, and should give this a good crack.
ANDASHAN – for the same team – must have a good shout in the handicap hurdle (2.22). He was unfortunate to run into a blot in Kabral du Mathan last time, but otherwise beat a fair field well. He’s gone well round here before, will appreciate any further drying of the surface, and remains unexposed at this trip.
MONTEMARES is a little dabble each way against expected winner No Drama This End in the Challow (3.00). I’m not in love with the Klimt Madrik/Kalkbrenner form here last time, while Starzand has beaten nothing of consequence. By contrast, the selection came away from two smart horses at Market Rasen, belying his age and inexperience. He earned very good notices from his normally circumspect trainer, who immediately nominated this as a target, and I’d expect him to outrun his odds at least.
RIGHTSOTOM could be the value in the Newbury finale (3.35). He’s been a bit frustrating, but his form in his chase starts has a solid enough look to it, and it might be that he needs this extra test of stamina now, having looked a little wanting for pace over shorter. There’s no doubt he’s reasonably treated.
Monday, Doncaster
PAGGANE can repel her two ex-stablemates in a smart mares’ chase at Doncaster (2.10). She’s not looked back since joining Faye Bramley, jumping and travelling with great fluency and enthusiasm. She’s improving rapidly, and can at least give Spindleberry something to think about.
BUGISE SEAGULL might be worth chancing back over hurdles (2.45). He ran well in this race last year, is pretty well treated on his best form, and flat left-handed tracks are what he wants. Brian Hughes and cheekpieces are other pluses.
Monday, Leopardstown
BRIGHTERDAYSAHEAD may be able to get Lossiemouth on the back foot in today’s Grade One at Leopardstown (2.32). Certainly, if the same version that won this last year – or the conqueror of State Man previously – were to show up, she should be favourite. I’d expect her to crack on with it again, and she could take a bit of pegging back. I’d also expect Anzadam to step forward from his reappearance.
Monday, Kelso
BOTH BARRELS is a sporting play in a race from Kelso that has somehow snuck into the ITV schedule (3.15). Baratablet is a very short price for a horse who beat very low-grade opposition last time, while Esprit du Potier is interesting on his old form, but hasn’t really been running well at all. The selection, meanwhile, took a big step forward for a run last season, and I’m hoping for more of the same. He’s pretty lightly raced, is well at home in this grade, and has shown good form at the track. He looks a big price.
