Hi all,
The recent dearth of jump racing due to the freezing weather should lead to better field sizes and Tuesday’s Ludlow card has attracted 89 runners for its seven race card. And it’s the two competitive handicap chases at the Shropshire track that come under the microscope.
Ludlow
1:15 – A decent line-up for arguably the most competitive race of the day at least this side of the Irish Sea. Most of the 11 runners have claims but there’s two that I like.
Top-weight Bobhopeornohope is a previous C&D winner and his form figures at Ludlow are 312. The 7-year-old was an encouraging 7 ¾ length 3rd of 9 to Larry at Ascot on his seasonal reappearance last month. Softer ground would suit him better, but he won’t be far away and is high on my shortlist
I would normally be against a hold up horse here, but the forecast strong pace brings Keep Rolling into the picture. The 9-year-old isn’t the most consistent of handicap chasers but on a going day’s he’s useful as he showed when winning at Uttoxeter & Hereford earlier in the year. He’ll be sharper for his Lingfield reappearance and he’s just 2lb higher than his last winning mark. Trainer Philip Hobbs has saddled the winner of this race twice since 2014.
Verdict: Kim Bailey saddled the winner of this in 2020 and his runner Bobhopeornohope has solid claims at the head of the market, and I wouldn’t put anyone off Keep Rolling who looks set for a big performance.
Bobhopeornohope – 1pt win – 4/1 – Gen
Keep Rolling – 1pt win – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
2:50 – The most valuable race on Ludlow card and the most valuable this side of the Irish Sea. Nine are set to go to the post for this handicap chase run over 2m. Plenty of them have questions to answer as regard their form and well-being
At least Desque De L’Isle comes into the race after a recent C&D success albeit his two rivals that day both made race ending mistakes. Up 5lb and in a better race here but should go close for a trainer (Venetia Williams) who this race three times between 2012 & 2014.
Bun Doran ended a long losing run when winning at Doncaster in March. Two low key runs since including on seasonal reappearance at Newbury 24-days ago when he likely needed the run. Now 3lb below his last winning mark and could run well if on a going day.
Hatcher is another well handicapped horse if bouncing back to something like his best. The forecast strong pace will suit this previous C&D winner, but he’s pulled up on both starts this season which is a slight concern.
The Widdow Maker has shaped well enough on both starts this season to suggest he retains plenty of ability. He would probably prefer a longer trip, but the strong pace should bring his stamina into play.
Gumball has had wind surgery after disappointing at Ascot last time. His jumping can let him down but if it holds up, he’s very much one to consider.
Verdict: Desque De L’Isle and the The Widdow Maker have obvious claims but I’m going with two who if reviving are nicely treated on their best form.
Bun Doran – 1pt win – 12/1 – Gen
Hatcher – 1pt win – 12/1 – Gen
Cheers
John