Nick Luck’s William Hill Blog: Getting Off To A Flyer at Newbury

NASSALAM gets the vote in a very tricky race for the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Trophy (12.30pm) at 9/2. He’s been getting a little too far back in his races, but this is a good bit easier than many of his recent tasks, he’s eased in the weights, and he has perfect conditions. His useful claimer is also a significant bonus in a race of tight margins.

OFF TO A FLYER might be the answer to the first TV race at Newbury on Saturday (1.40pm) at 8/1. He was anonymous on his comeback at Cheltenham, but had run well enough until brought to a standstill two from home. Entitled to need that anyway, he now gets a flat track and better ground, on both of which he looked quite a nice prospect at Ayr last season. The stable has enjoyed a solid start to the season, and this one warrants respect.

BRENTFORD HOPE can land the Gerry Fielden (2.15pm) at 9/4. A smart Flat horse at his best, he did very well in the Swinton last year for this trainer considering his inexperience over hurdles. He looked a whole new proposition on his seasonal debut, however, travelling really well and scooting clear over course and distance. Market rival Under Control has been so well touted for this that Brentford Hope is now a backable price to prove that was no flash in the pan.

COMPLETE UNKNOWN is a strong fancy to take the Coral Gold Cup (2.50pm). A good hurdler, he’s a better chaser (as always looked likely), and his run behind Gerri Colombe in the Mildmay at Aintree stacks up really well on form and on the clock. He doesn’t want it really deep, so this will suit well, and his pipe opener at Newton Abbot was more than respectable. He must have a huge chance at 15/2.

MASTER CHEWY looks a very solid favourite in the finale (3.25pm) at 6/5. He’s been assured on both chase runs so far, winning easily at Aintree and then running even better when pushing Friday’s runaway winner Djelo all the way at the same venue. There aren’t too many unexposed lurkers in here, and he looks to have been found another suitable opportunity.