So much to love about Darling
By SAM TURNER
SIDE with DARLING MALTAIX (Kempton, nap, 2.40) to prove the punters’ sweetheart in today’s Unibet Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle.
Ridden by talented conditional Lorcan Williams, the six-year-old is finally beginning to thrive and his growing maturity was showcased by an impressive Ascot victory before Christmas.
Darling Maltaix had previously been too exuberant and keen in his races, leaving connections with no alternative but to keep him to two miles.
However, the penny began to drop at Wincanton in early December when the gelding switched off in rear under his cool rider and finished well despite being hampered by a faller in the straight.
The selection snatched third from Lord Napier on the run-in that day and the move to step him up in trip was vindicated in style on his latest start, when he sauntered past 13 rivals to score readily in the hands of Williams, who is enjoying a purple patch.
The young Welsh rider has booted home winners at 20-1 and 25-1 from just three rides since last weekend and, although Darling Maltaix will not be anywhere near those lengthy prices today, he appears a decent bet with the likelihood of a genuine gallop to suit his strongtravelling style of racing.
Old adversary Lord Napier is very much respected given he too should find improvement now that he steps up markedly in trip following two creditable performances at two miles.
The Peter Bowen-trained six-year-old stuck gamely to his guns in the hot Ascot handicap won by Mohaayed prior to Christmas and, although he is yet to make an impact when tackling this level of competition, his two previous attempts were at a distance which is probably short of his best.
His campaign this season looks to have revolved around a tilt at this race and he rates a big threat to Darling Maltaix.