16:15 Ludlow
A two mile handicap over two miles with a very open betting market as the outsider of the nine runners is currently only 11/1.
Cloonacool for Stuart Edmonds was third in a very nice Class 1 novice chase at Kempton last time out but he was last of the finishers and a long way behind the front two. Prior to that he was on a grade two novices race here at Ludlow in heavy conditions so he definitely has ability and is one for the shortlist. He has form on good ground so should be fine with today's conditions and if improving again this lightly raced seven year old could take all the beating.
Zarzal has been running consistently enough and made a satisfactory chase debut at Chepstow in heavy conditions a couple of weeks ago finishing a staying on third when never really in contention. He is another who has form on good ground but he is a massive 32 pounds higher than his last hurdles win and it would take a big effort to take this competitive affair.
Parsnip Pete is the old timer of the field at ten years old and he has slipped to a mark that is eleven pounds lower than his highest rating so if in anything like his old form he would have an excellent chance. He hasn't won for 18 months however and his form since that win has been nothing sort of dreadful, therefore it would take quite a leap of faith to fancy his chances here today.
Presenting Arms, trained by Harry Fry, is the form horse in the field having won three out of his last four races including his chase debut last time out at Doncaster. He may have only beaten two rivals that day but one of them was a very well fancied Charlie Longsdon horse that went off 1/3 favourite, so it was a top notch performance and one he is sure to build on today. He does race from a nine pounds higher mark due to that win so it will take further improvement if he is to take this. I have a feeling it will be between Presenting Arms and Cloonacool at the business end of proceedings and am finding it tough to split the pair, therefore a reverse forecast is the play I am going to suggest.
Today's Selection
Ludlow 16:15 - RF Cloonacool & Presenting Arms - 1 point