UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

MICK PASTOR was sent off favourite for a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle on his first start for Paul Nicholls at Cheltenham in November. Although he could manage no better than sixth behind Allmankind, he is entitled to come on for that outing and makes strong appeal, in this weaker heat and now sporting a first-time tongue-tie, on his preceding hurdles victory at Auteuil for his previous connections in May. Prefontaine and Operatic Export are other grade-droppers to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Mick Pastor 2nd Prefontaine 3rd Operatic Export

DRAGON D'ESTRUVAL shaped like in need of the outing when weakening quickly and passing the post in seventh in a London National that was ultimately void at Sandown last month. However, Nicky Henderson steps him up in trip this afternoon and applies first-time cheekpieces, and he's an interesting proposition on his staying-on third over 3m at Perth over the summer. Recent Fontwell runner-up Diplomate Sivola has place claims, while Rolling Dylan could also take a hand, having recently been cut some slack by the assessor.
Prediction : 1st Dragon DEstruval 2nd Rolling Dylan 3rd Diplomate Sivola

DUNDRUM WOOD relished the step up in trip to get off the mark following wind surgery at Market Rasen last time and the move to three miles should play to the strengths of Olly Murphy's relentless galloper, who looks to have a fantastic engine. Dolphin Square stepped into handicap company with credit at Newbury and has to be respected off a 1lb higher rating, while Bhutan wasn't far away from back-to-back victories at Catterick last month and is a must for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Dundrum Wood 2nd Dolphin Square 3rd Bhutan

LISDOONVARNA LAD only found a well-handicapped rival too good when second in a Wetherby hurdle last month and the eight-year-old could be the answer on this occasion returning to the larger obstacles off the same mark. Private Malone makes appeal following an encouraging run at Lingfield last month, while Bolving ran well for a long way when last seen at Taunton and his form before that also offers encouragement.
Prediction : 1st Lisdoonvarna Lad 2nd Private Malone 3rd Bolving

Major Dundee landed a bumper at Southwell on debut in May but fell at the last when disputing second on his hurdling debut at Warwick, so he arrives with a little to prove for now. Narrow preference is thus for COME ON TEDDY, who was far from disgraced in sixth after losing a shoe at Chepstow last time and could benefit from this step up in distance. Point winner Silent Assistant makes some appeal for a place on his Doncaster fourth last season and is also worth a market check on his return.
Prediction : 1st Come On Teddy 2nd Major Dundee 3rd Silent Assistant

Fontaine Collonges needed every step of 1m4f to get off the mark in a French bumper at Le Lion-D'Angers last May and she warrants plenty of respect despite giving weight to all of her rivals. Preference, though, goes to PADSTOW HARBOUR as she comes from a good family, being a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Stoney Mountain, and has joined a stable who are extremely capable of readying one in this sphere. Ballymilan and Didonato appeal most of the remainder after showing promise on their sole outings.
Prediction : 1st Padstow Harbour 2nd Fontaine Collonges 3rd Ballymilan

MISS AUSTEN shaped with promise when finishing third on her racecourse debut at Taunton, behind a mare who subsequently acquitted herself well at the Punchestown Festival, and she represents a stable who have been enjoying a fine spell of late. Catch Me Not boasts a strong National Hunt pedigree and makes appeal along with Rainyday Woman, who was third in a Market Rasen bumper, and Feodora.
Prediction : 1st Miss Austen 2nd Catch Me Not 3rd Rainyday Woman