Nick Luck
Nick Luck’s William Hill blog: Marg could Spice things up in the Nunthorpe
William Hill ambassador Nick Luck casts his expert eye over day three of the York Ebor Festival.
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ASGARD’S CAPTAIN is given a solid each-way chance at good odds in the opener at York on Day 3 (1.50). A generally consistent performer under today’s conditions, he’s perfectly feasibly handicapped on his best, and ran very well in the circumstances in the Sherman Cup. He’s produced one of his better efforts under today’s rider, and should at least hit the frame.
DUBAI FUTURE is taken to spring quite a significant surprise in the Lonsdale (2.25). Although a nine year old, he’s no back number judged on his Meydan and Ascot efforts this year, not quite seeing out the extended distance in the latter. He’ll be smuggled into the race late by Kevin Stott and, with Al Kareem likely to soften up Trawlerman – and Sweet William having had a couple of hard races – he might just be able to fall in.
EGOLI has a good chance of winning the Gimcrack (3.00). His defeat of yesterday’s sales race hero Song of the Clyde looks a whole lot better now, while he was most unfortunate to land up in the wrong group in the Richmond. Compensation awaits.
SPICY MARG can reward the boldness of her connections by securing a famous victory in the Nunthorpe (3.35). The clock says she achieved more than Lady Iman at Goodwood, and her raw and brazen speed is what is required here. In season at Ascot, and not suited by six furlongs at Newmarket, she was right back on point over the minimum last time, and Harry Bentley is a an inspired booking. I don’t mind her draw, and she should get a nice draft into the race from Arizona Blaze and JM Jungle.
WONDER STAR surely has more to offer off her current mark in the fillies’ handicap (4.10). Tried highly early in the season, she was much more comfortable in this sort of grade at Goodwood, going down to a smartly-ridden opponent. That was her first run after a break and – granted normal progress – should be high up the list of possibles here.
NIGHT WOLF is chanced in a trappy-looking edition of the Convivial (4.45). I’m not sure the form standard is especially high here, and it could be worth risking a newcomer. The attraction with Night Wolf is that he is the only sibling to a Group winner in the race, is one of the most expensive yearlings of his crop by his sire, and represents a stable with an outstanding strike rate with their handful of runners at this fixture.
MONTPELLIER looks a pretty compelling market leader in the finale (5.20). Improving with each start, he can move forward again for the step up to a mile with Ryan Moore booked.
