Steve Ryder is back with three selections for today's action with one runner at Newcastle and two at Ludlow.
14:20 Ludlow
All three runners in this 0-130 handicap chase have a good chance of success but I much prefer the chances of BRIEF AMBITION (best priced at 11/8) who is unbeaten so far over fences. The Fergal O’Brien trained eight-year-old was rated 120 over hurdles but should hold strong claims off an 8lb higher mark over fences.
Brief Ambition won by 5 ½ lengths on his chasing debut at Kempton off a mark of 117 before defying an 11lb rise to win over this course and distance last time. Despite it only being a match, Brief Ambition always looked in control under Paddy Brennan who won cosily at the end by ¾ length. The handicapper has left him on the same mark of 128 and I expect him to prove hard to beat.
15:30 Ludlow
The Paul Nicholls trained REAL STEEL (best priced at 15/2) is incredibly well handicapped off a mark of 137 if he can get back to anywhere near the form of his Gold Cup 6th two years ago which earnt him a rating of 166. Since then, he has left Willie Mullins and joined Paul Nicholls where he has struggled to match that form.
Real Steel drops into a 0-140 handicap for the first time since his disappointing effort at Sandown when pulled up in February in a Class 2 handicap. The handicapper has been generous and dropped him 8lbs for that effort and it is interesting that connections now fit him with first time cheekpieces for this race. He could be completely gone at the game but he looks worth giving a chance to off this mark.
17:30 Newcastle
The Michael Wigham trained COASE (best priced at 13/8) has an incredibly consistent profile with form figures of 413122221 in 2022 and he should hold strong claims of defying a 5lb penalty in this race. The five-year-old had previously struggled to get his head in front but stayed on well to win by 1 ¾ lengths at this course on Friday.
Coase won last time in the style of a horse who would improve going back up in trip and connections decide to do this under a 5lb penalty at the same course. The gelding won on his last start at this trip at Chelmsford in February and I expect him to prove hard to beat.
