UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

JAUNTY VIKING outran odds of 100-1 when finishing third here in a similar contest earlier this month and could take some stopping if performing to the same sort of level. Brian Eckley's charge had previously been beaten in two bumpers but he's improved on soft ground since sent hurdling and this appears a realistic opening. Crypto never looked like landing a gamble on debut for Venetia Williams at Haydock in December but may be capable of better, while Feel The Pinch is another to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Jaunty Viking 2nd Crypto 3rd Feel The Pinch

Chambard has hit the crossbar a few times now and can't be trusted, while Truckin Away won't mind this drop in trip after falling into a hole when third at Taunton over further last time out. Of more interest is RED RISK, who shaped encouragingly on his stable debut at Hereford last month and represents a trainer in form. Although his jumping was slightly clumsy, he travelled well behind two race-fit rivals and is entitled to improve for the outing.
Prediction : 1st Red Risk 2nd Chambard 3rd Truckin Away

A mark of 122 appears fair for NAUTICAL STAR on his handicap debut and he's expected to strike on his first start following a wind operation. He turned in an improved display here last time, finishing second in a race which is starting to work out well. Electron Bleu appears to have benefited from wind surgery based on his Newcastle second last time and is considered the principal threat, while C&D scorer Oscar Asche appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Nautical Star 2nd Electron Bleu 3rd Oscar Asche

ANOTHER VENTURE failed to fire when last seen at Cheltenham but his previous second-placed finish at Chepstow gives the nine-year-old a big shout in a race of this nature. Roll Again was out of his depth in a Grade 2 at Warwick last time but he won over C&D in December and it is too soon to be writing him off. Others to note are Cap St Vincent and Bobo Mac.
Prediction : 1st Another Venture 2nd Roll Again 3rd Cap St Vincent

KILCONNY BRIDGE won impressively at Exeter last week and a 7lb penalty for that success is unlikely to stop the six-year-old from taking this contest as well. Just A Thought is a consistent performer against her own sex and she could be hard to keep out of the frame, while Wilde Spirit edges out Win My Wings as the most likely candidate for the bronze medal.
Prediction : 1st Kilconny Bridge 2nd Just A Thought 3rd Wilde Spirit

MONBEG GOLD was a beaten favourite on his hunter chase bow over C&D earlier in the month but the 10-year-old is entitled to build on that effort and go one better on this occasion. Optimised's best effort in this sphere came when runner-up over 4m at Cheltenham in May and he is entitled to be in the mix after a couple of efforts in the pointing field, while Dieu Vivant is better than what he showed when fourth here on his latest start.
Prediction : 1st Monbeg Gold 2nd Optimised 3rd Dieu Vivant

DEMOPOLIS won in the style of a well handicapped individual when switched to fences for the first time here last Wednesday, despite his jumping not being particularly fluent. The six-year-old is nicely treated back over hurdles, due to Sean Houlihan's claim, and could prove too strong for his rivals with that victory under his belt. Alltimegold could have further improvement to come having undergone wind surgery since his latest start, while others to note include Sarasota Star and All Good Things.
Prediction : 1st Demopolis 2nd Alltimegold 3rd Sarasota Star