Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: No Smoke and mirrors at Newbury

SAISISSANTE may have had her chance somewhat underestimated in the opening TV race at Newbury on Friday (1.15pm). Although odds-on chance Wodhooh will be difficult to beat, there was something quite taking about the way the selection responded to the reapplied tongue tie and blinkers last time, readily putting away a fair performer who has shown reasonable form since. She has no shortage of pace and should at least give it a good go for her capable stable. 8/1.

MARBLE SANDS must be the percentage play in the Novice Chase (1.50pm). He really wasn’t too far behind Hermes Allen on their best hurdling form, and showed a pleasing level of consistency and ability, particularly against the best Irish opposition at the spring Festivals. His chase debut was quite striking, suggesting he had made a biggish step forward. 3/1.

KARL PHILIPPE gets the nod in quite a tight handicap (2.25pm) at 7/1. He appears not to really stay three miles, nor does it seem he much likes Cheltenham. With that in mind, he still performed creditably enough last back end, but his finishing positions ensured that he slipped a few pounds down the weights to a mark where he should be pretty comfortable. These look perfect conditions, and he has shown good form when fresh.

HUGOS NEW HORSE has a ton to find on figures, but is a bit of a hunch play in the Long Distance Hurdle (3.00pm) at 11/1. He was nicely progressive last year, while all the time suggesting that he was keeping a fair bit up his sleeve. His slightly lazy style of racing is ideal for staying hurdles, and the mountain he has to climb may not be quite as high as it seems, with Marie’s Rock right at the edge of her stamina limits, Paisley Park getting long in the tooth, and Dashel Drasher just respectable on his comeback.

HOE JOLY SMOKE may have quite a bit more to offer in the finale (3.35pm). He’s no superstar yet, but it’s early days and he kept plugging away at Chepstow on his seasonal debut. Given the extent to which the stable’s horses appear to be improving for a run, and the likelihood he will do better for the step up in trip, he makes quite a bit of appeal. 10/3.