UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

Playful Saint made a successful start to his chasing career when winning at Hexham eight days ago and he merits respect raised 4lb in the ratings. However, all of his best form has come with some give in the ground and he might not get those ideal conditions here, so GOWER PRINCE shades preference. Although 8lb out of the handicap, Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge produced a polished round of jumping to score at Wincanton on his fencing bow three weeks ago, and that will stand him in good stead. Matterhorn lacks the experience of his two rivals and might be booked for third.
Prediction : 1st Gower Prince 2nd Playful Saint 3rd Matterhorn

There was plenty to like about BELLBIRD's hurdling bow at Stratford three weeks ago, where she reached the frame, and given that improvement should be on the cards, Donald McCain's new recruit is taken to get off the mark over timber. A winner on the Flat when trained in France, Cusano warrants the utmost respect for his leading yard, while Opera King, who would hold solid claims on the form of his Market Rasen third in March, heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Bellbird 2nd Cusano 3rd Opera King

It might have taken TRAPISTA 13 attempts to open her account over fences, but the daughter of Golden Horn was able to follow up at Warwick next time and appears to have found her groove. A 7lb penalty looks unlikely to prevent another bold bid given that she remains well treated, so a hat-trick could be on the cards. This represents a drop in class for Royale Margaux and she might be the main danger, while Regal Renaissance, a largely consistent hurdler, could have a say if taking to the larger obstacles.
Prediction : 1st Trapista 2nd Royale Margaux 3rd Regal Renaissance

Saddlers Quest was in cracking form last year, recording three wins from her last four starts, and she has to be considered off a 1lb higher mark than her third at Worcester in October. However, the vote goes to CAWTHORNE BANKER, who scored by an impressive six lengths at Kempton last month and an 8lb rise could prove to be lenient. The son of Flemensfirth could have more to offer on only his third handicap start and he looks the one to beat. Him Malaya could be in the mix for the minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Cawthorne Banker 2nd Saddlers Quest 3rd Him Malaya

Awesome Foursome has hit the frame on each of his last five outings, including his most recent third at Exeter and he could get into contention off a 1lb lower rating. However, preference is for MUSIQUE DE FEE, who got up by just under a length on her handicap bow here last month and she was given a 4lb rise for that triumph. With Sean Bowen booked, she could be the one to beat, while Jaxonne is well worth a second look.
Prediction : 1st Musique De Fee 2nd Awesome Foursome 3rd Jaxonne

BETHPAGE proved a decisive winner on her handicap bow when getting the better of her stablemate at Fontwell last month. The daughter of Getaway should relish this rise in distance and she could make light work of a 5lb rise in the ratings. Mactavish may appreciate this drop back in distance and the seven-year-old is feared most on his return to action, ahead of Flashy Boy, who could be freshened up by a change of scenery on his debut for Fergal O'Brien.
Prediction : 1st Bethpage 2nd Mactavish 3rd Flashy Boy

I LOOK HOW I LOOK posted another creditable effort in defeat when runner-up behind a progressive rival at this venue recently. Dan Skelton's mare shapes as if this greater emphasis on stamina could unlock some potential and compensation could beckon. The biggest threat may emerge from Call Me Arthur, who bounced back to form when second at Ffos Las last month, while a first-time visor could spark enough interest from Fantomas for the eight-year-old to feature too.
Prediction : 1st I Look How I Look 2nd Call Me Arthur 3rd Fantomas