Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: William Hill Lingfield Derby & Oaks Trial Tips
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck previews today’s ITV action, headed by the William Hill Derby and Oaks Trials from Lingfield
Lingfield Park, Saturday
WARNING SIGN is given half a squeak at a massive price in the TV opener at Lingfield today (12.55). He improved nicely last year, but has run two pretty tepid races so far this time. That said, a mile on the synthetic here really isn’t his cup of tea, and he’s now returning to turf over further with a significantly reduced mark plus a useful claimer giving extra respite.
AMORA QUEEN must be the value in the Oaks Trial (1.28). She has the best form in the race, comes from a stable with a nice hand in this division, and could easily be the controlling pace under her consistently underrated rider. Stamina is no issue, and it’s not hard to see her turning the screw from the front and being quite hard to catch.
MALTESE CROSS is a hopeful pick in the William Hill Derby Trial (1.58). The stable has pumped a bit more experience into this horse than might normally be the case with one of their middle distance three year olds, and that can reap dividends here as he steps up to a trip over which he is very likely to improve quite a lot. Admittedly he needs to, but his attitude looks very good, and his pedigree lends plenty of encouragement.
HAVANA PUSEY might upset a few of the fancied runners in the Chartwell (2.40). She must produce her very best to do so, but there are indicators that she might: she’ll enjoy conditions better than most, she’s very effective when dominating a small field from the front, and comes here in excellent fettle. She narrowly failed to give Royal Velvet nearly a stone last year under similar conditions, yet is five times the price.
MR SWIVELL makes some appeal on his seasonal debut (3.15). Experiments to turn him into a middle distance horse didn’t really come off last back end, and I’m fairly sure he’ll be happier back here or at an easy mile. He has plenty of nice form on fast ground, and should have more to offer this season for a stable which is going along nicely.
Ascot, Saturday
ZGHARTA is fancied to win the first of three TV races from Ascot (1.45). She ran some fine races at three (sank in mud latest), but pedigree promises a lot more at four, and she can take this en route to stakes company. She should be very well suited by a stiff mile, and looks just the type her trainer will keep improving.
TRIBAL CHIEF has quite a bit going for him in the Victoria Cup (2.20). He looks to have a nice draw, comes here in really good form, will appreciate the demands of the race, and gets a top rider into the bargain. Lots you can like in this, but he’s right at the head of the shortlist.
OPPORTUNITY might be marking time in handicaps, and rates a good bet against the favourite (2.55). He looked really promising (top class blood) in his first two starts, but the ambition to turn him into a Derby colt backfired through no fault of his own with a shocking trip at Goodwood, after which he ran flat at Ascot. Back to the drawing board, and gelded, he might just be very well handicapped over a course and distance that should suit very nicely.
Haydock, Saturday
INDEMNITY may be the answer to the Swinton Hurdle (1.15). He’s been shoved up ten pounds for his win at Plumpton, but he cruised round in third gear, and looks tailor made for a race that demands an ability to travel and thrive on a sound surface.
