15:40 Ludlow
A handicap chase over almost three miles with some good solid handicappers on show.
The horse that really takes the eye is the Paul Nicholls trained Nexus. He was a good hurdler with a rating of 144 and has starting chasing this season. He was fourth on his chasing debut at Bangor where a bad mistake put paid to any chance he had when looking good. Last time out at Doncaster he was very impressive after being a little outpaced halfway around, he stayed on very strongly to win by eight lengths.
The extra four and a bit furlongs here today look like they will be perfect for him and I expect him to make a bold bid to win first time out in handicap company. A mark of 136 seems on the lenient side and if he relishes the extra distance, as I am sure he will, then he will be extremely difficult to stop today.
15:05 Ludlow
The five year old Hollywoodien, trained by Tom Symonds, was beaten by Nexus (see above) last time out and prior to that he won a novices' handicap chase. He runs in a similar way again today, albeit over two and a half miles instead of two, but looks to have been found a good opportunity to record his second victory of the fences. Aidan Coleman takes the ride today (the only other time he has ridden him was the victory at Ascot) and as long as his jumping holds up over this extra distance, I think he has an excellent chance.
Today's Selections
Ludlow 15:40 - Nexius - 3 points @ 15/8 (Most firms)
Ludlow 15:05 - Hollywoodien - 1 points @ 10/3 (Racebets)