In valuable handicap hurdles, it often pays to follow unexposed and improving horses, and ONE TRUE KING fits the bill in Saturday's Ladbrokes Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton where there will be a morning inspection.
The winner of a maiden hurdle at Uttoxeter in early October, this strapping son of Getaway has performed most consistently since, finishing second in two competitive handicaps at Cheltenham before easily justifying odds-on favouritism at Leicester.
On the latter occasion, One True King ran his rivals into the ground with a relentless display from the front and the impression that he will be well suited by further than two miles had also been endorsed on his previous start when rallying gamely up the Cheltenham hill and beaten just a head by Lively Citizen (giving the winner 20lb).
A rise of just 7lb for those last three efforts could well prove lenient for a horse who has ample scope for further improvement.
Just over three years have passed since DOUBLE SHUFFLE went down by a length to Might Bite in the King George V1 Chase, but the now 11-year-old continues to reserve his best form for Kempton and can return to winning ways in the Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Chase.
James Bowen's mount has been a bit in and out since that career-high (which earned a rating of 166) but ran well here when second to Walt under top weight in February, '19, and there was plenty to like about his recent course and distance third behind two progressive types in Royal Pagaille and Cap Du Nord.
The latter pair had both won their previous races impressively and Double Shuffle did best of those ridden close to the pace despite being left behind up the straight.
It's hard to see too many 'thrown-in' runners this time except for the selection who (dropped another 2lb) can now race off just 140, and a reproduction of that latest effort should see him go close.
At Chepstow, where an inspection will also be held on Saturday morning, conditions are bound to be typically testing in the re-scheduled Coral Welsh Grand National in which last year's runner-up TRUCKERS LODGE is fancied to go one better.
The Paul Nicholls-trained stayer ran a brave race against the progressive Potters Corner that day and, while seemingly up against it now if he's to confirm the placings with Yala Enki (third), Prime Venture (fourth) and The Two Amigos (fifth), he certainly earned a rise in the weights when bolting up in the Midlands Grand National subsequently.
Truckers Lodge looked the winner a long way from home at Uttoxeter and, with previous victories at Chepstow under his belt over both hurdles and fences, he has plenty in his favour here providing he is good enough to defy the weights rise.
On handicapping, Secret Reprieve is very well treated after his runaway victory in the trial for this race in early December as he is set to go up the ratings substantially in future handicaps, but Adam Wedge's mount does need to prove similar effectiveness over an extra three-quarters of a mile.
Earlier, YGGDRASIL is worth a small investment at big odds in the Coral Finale Juvenile Hurdle.
Up against several previous winners, this Kapgarde half brother to smart chaser Siruh Du Lac needs to improve but shaped very nicely on his hurdles debut at Sandown last month when third behind the re-opposing Elham Valley and subsequent winner Hudson De Grugy.
Yggdrasil's entry here suggests he is highly regarded by the Nick Williams team and this tough test in deep ground should suit a horse who is sure to stay further.
Published at 1550 GMT on 08/01/21
Fast Results
Scores
Racecards 
