By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail
Published: 22:18 GMT, 11 January 2019 | Updated: 22:19 GMT, 11 January 2019
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Side with DARLING MALTAIX (Kempton, nap, 2.40) to prove a punter’s sweetheart in this afternoon’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 given his refusal to settle.
Darling Maltaix could prove a punter's sweetheart at the 2.40 at Kempton on Saturday
However, the penny began to drop at Wincanton on the gelding’s previous start when he switched off in rear under his cool rider and finished his race off 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 has been enjoying a purple patch of late.
The young Welsh pilot has booted home winners at 20-1 and 25-1 since last weekend (from just three rides) and, although Darling Maltaix won’t be anywhere near those lengthy prices, he appears a decent bet with the likelihood of a genuine gallop likely to suit his strong-travelling style of racing.
Old adversary Lord Napier is very much respected given he too should find considerable improvement now that he steps up markedly in trip following two creditable performances at two
