UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

ARCHIE BROWN held a Grade 1 entry at Punchestown prior to finishing third at Perth in a bumper 10 months ago, and could take some stopping here on stable debut for Paul Nicholls. The six-year-old showed signs of ability on that occasion, staying on nicely for the bronze medal, and is likely to have been well schooled ahead of his hurdles bow. Garry Clermont bled from the nose when third at this venue before Christmas and could bounce back, while the returning Feel The Pinch is also noted after a 231-day absence.
Prediction : 1st Archie Brown 2nd Garry Clermont 3rd Feel The Pinch

PAINT THE DREAM outperformed all expectations when second in the Grade 2 Dipper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and, despite probably a touch flattered by that proximity to Midnight Shadow, should have too much class for these rivals. The drop to 2m won't deter Fergal O'Brien's charge, and he can prove too hot to handle for Grey Diamond, who was far from disgraced on his chasing debut when third at Doncaster. Indietir may prove best of the remainder despite his absence.
Prediction : 1st Paint The Dream 2nd Grey Diamond 3rd Indietir

Drinks Interval bled from the nose when second in a Listed race over fences at Newbury before Christmas and should appreciate this drop in distance, while the hat-trick seeking Oriental Cross is going in the right direction but might want softer ground than this. A likely tight race can go the way of GETAWAY TOTHEROCK, who scored over C&D two months ago. The seven-year-old has since finished fourth in an above-average novice event at Newbury and can strike on handicap debut off a fair mark of 125.
Prediction : 1st Getaway Totherock 2nd Drinks Interval 3rd Oriental Cross

MOLINEAUX returned to winning ways over 2m at Wincanton last month and is expected to remain competitive, over a longer trip known to suit, off this 4lb higher perch. Colin Tizzard's nine-year-old may be given most to think about by Town Parks, who won stylishly over C&D last month and now has a 6lb rise to contend with. The pick of the remainder may be Dr Sanderson, who is having his third start since returning from a summer break.
Prediction : 1st Molineaux 2nd Town Parks 3rd Dr Sanderson

GELBOE DE CHANAY boasts winning hurdles form at Listed level in France and was still in contention when falling at the last on her UK bow at Fontwell in December. Given plenty of time to recover from that tumble, Philip Hobbs' charge is expected to open her account in Britain. The main dangers may be Dorah, a recruit from the Flat who is having her first start for Paul Nicholls, and Gilka, a French import who has won a bumper and debuts over timber for Dan Skelton.
Prediction : 1st Gelboe De Chanay 2nd Dorah 3rd Gilka

DIEU VIVANT was yet to play his hand when hampered and unseating his rider at the second last over C&D last month and is taken to make amends on this occasion. The seven-year-old is capable of improving from his first try in this sphere and can get the better of The Dellercheckout, who has won his last two point-to-point outings. Monbeg Gold is another to take seriously.
Prediction : 1st Dieu Vivant 2nd The Dellercheckout 3rd Monbeg Gold

NOT A NAIL pulled up on his hurdling debut at Exeter in November where he was reported to have had a breathing problem. However, he is worth another chance after wind surgery. Fitzroy bounced back when third at Taunton last time and is open to improvement going up in trip along with Dagueneau, whose best work has been coming at the end of his races over timber thus far.
Prediction : 1st Not A Nail 2nd Fitzroy 3rd Dagueneau