13:30 Ludlow
This is the main race of the day at Ludlow and we have a Class 2 Handicap chase over two miles with a good field of seven.
Sir Valentino for Tom George is the likely short priced favourite and comes here looking a for a hat trick of wins. His penultimate run was over hurdles but he won over the fences here last time out and doesn't seem to have any problem switching between the two disciplines. He has been raised seven pounds for that win but he did beat four of today's rivals there (albeit three of them had fallen by the second fence). This is comfortably his highest mark to date so there has to be some concerns about him continuing his winning run even though he is clearly in great form.
Jayo Time was hampered and unseated his rider at the first fence in the race that Sir Valentino won at Ludlow two weeks ago. He had previously won here in very convincing fashion and was joint favourite for that race and ahead of Sir Valentino in the market. He will be hopeful of a strong pace as he stays further and if he gets one I think he may arrive on the scene at the right time and be good enough to take this race. Ciaran Gethings is the jockey again and they seem to get on well, with his seven pounds allowance being a big plus.
Arkaim was well beaten in a hot handicap at Ascot last time out that was won by Dresden, but prior to that run he won nicely at Kempton in a good looking race. He is only three pounds higher than when winning at Kempton so a repeat of that form would give him definite place claims.
Vivaccio for Venetia Williams was good enough to run at the festival in March and has dropped to an attractive looking mark. He unseated his rider in the race won by Sir Valentino last time out but if he hasn't suffered any ill effects from that fall he can put himself in contention here today if rediscovering some of his best form.
Today's Selection
Ludlow 13:30 - Jayo Time - 1 point @ 3/1(Bet365)