UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

SWIFT HAWK created a big impression when winning on his hurdling debut at Taunton in December and Paul Nicholls' gelding is hard to oppose on the back of that performance. Ithaca's Arrow failed to fire last time but is a player based on his second at Sandown prior to that. Royal Way is another with strong form claims, while Orchestra and Palio are also noted.
Prediction : 1st Swift Hawk 2nd Ithacas Arrow 3rd Royal Way

Schematic is the pick of those with hurdling experience but the level he sets is not very high. With that in mind, preference is for SOUTH OMO ZONE, who won a bumper at Hereford a few weeks ago and remains open to plenty of improvement. The Grey Man hit the crossbar on his most recent bumper start and is another to consider on his hurdling bow.
Prediction : 1st South Omo Zone 2nd The Grey Man 3rd Schematic

BALLYBEGG had plenty in hand when winning by 10 lengths over C&D a month ago and Kerry Lee's gelding merits the utmost respect off just a 6lb higher mark. Galahad Quest was not disgraced on his seasonal return last time and should not be underestimated with that run now under his belt. Demnat was useful when trained in France and has to be of interest on his debut for these connections, despite a 961-day break.
Prediction : 1st Ballybegg 2nd Galahad Quest 3rd Demnat

C&D winner REGAL RENAISSANCE didn't appear to see out 3m when weakening into second on her most recent outing here in December. The combination of a 2lb lower rating and drop in trip could be enough for Henry Daly's charge to regain the winning thread. Last month's easy Doncaster-scorer Masked Dance is also sure to prove popular and the six-year-old isn't taken lightly, while Bonttay likely has more to offer too.
Prediction : 1st Regal Renaissance 2nd Masked Dance 3rd Bonttay

FORCE DE FRAP proved a different proposition on his return to chasing when scoring with ease at Bangor in December. A 10lb rise will no doubt make life more difficult for Emma-Jane Bishop's gelding, but he looks to be more than capable of completing a double. Abingworth got the better of the subsequent winner and reopposing Famoso at Taunton in November. The in-form pair should give another good account of themselves and they cannot be dismissed.
Prediction : 1st Force De Frap 2nd Abingworth 3rd Famoso

TEA CLIPPER managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory when seemingly presented with an excellent opportunity at Warwick on his hunter chase debut. That said, the prospect of a sounder surface may help to get his head back in front. Shang Tang is capable of building on his third at Hereford with a step up in trip likely to aid his chances, while Cheltenham winner Miss Seagreen completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Tea Clipper 2nd Shang Tang 3rd Miss Seagreen

Queshi Bridge benefited from stepping up in trip on her last couple of starts in Ireland, finishing second on each occasion, and she has to be of interest on her debut for Alastair Ralph, despite being off since August 2022. Both PHONE HOME (second) and Looking As You Are (third) received a timely boost following Brucio's success at the Dublin Racing Festival on Sunday, having chased home Stuart Crawford's mare at Catterick last month. The pair were closely matched on that occasion and the former is expected to uphold the form.
Prediction : 1st Phone Home 2nd Looking As You Are 3rd Queshi Bridge