Stephen Welch's NAP of the Day (24th October)
2 minutes Thursday’s NAP heads to Cheltenham where Zaochen Enki appeals as a lively each-way contender for Paul Nicholls in the opening handicap hurdle of the meeting.
2:25 Cheltenham
Foundation Developments Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Qual)
ZAOCHEN ENKI - 15/2 (each-way)
Still unexposed after just three starts over hurdles, four-year-old ZAOCHEN ENKI made an immediate impression when bolting up on his British debut at Wincanton in March and shaped much better than the bare result suggests when turned over at short odds at Chepstow a month later. That defeat can be forgiven as he raced far too freely early on but it did underline that his raw ability is matched by a need for patience and experience.
After a summer break, he now makes his handicap debut from a workable mark of 115 and with Freddie Keighley’s valuable 8lbs claim, he effectively runs off bottom weight in a competitive Class 3. Nicholls has an excellent record in early-season Cheltenham handicaps with second-season hurdlers and this son of Zarak looks exactly the type to progress once switched to more tactical, strongly-run races. A big field and stiff finish should help him settle and the hood remains on to keep him focused.
The opposition is deep but beatable. Charging Thunder arrives off solid Flat form but faces a very different test back over hurdles, while King William Rufus is reliable but vulnerable to something with a bit more upside. Stablemate Cavern Club is respected after his Market Rasen heroics and Rubber Ball could run well fresh, yet both may struggle to match the unexposed potential of Zaochen Enki.
With conditions to suit, a strong gallop expected and his stable firing, Zaochen Enki looks primed to run a huge race at rewarding odds. A well-handicapped, progressive sort who should improve for the experience, he’s a confident each-way NAP of the day.