UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

WALKINTHEWOODS stepped forward from his fourth at Hereford when runner-up here over hurdles at the start of last month and the switch to fences gives him every chance of returning to winning ways. Evan Williams' gelding was last seen winning for the first time over fences at Plumpton in May and his rider's claim further aids his cause. Staff Sergeant Len had every chance when unseating at Wincanton on Boxing Day and is respected along with Shot Boii.
Prediction : 1st Walkinthewoods 2nd Staff Sergeant Len 3rd Shot Boii

CATCHINTSAVO clearly needed his first run over hurdles at Cheltenham and left that well behind when runner-up at Hereford in December. Anthony Honeyball has been in fine fettle of late with his novice hurdlers and the six-year-old can continue that vein of form. Not At That Price placed in a Uttoxeter bumper in October and is likely to enter calculations on hurdling debut, while Last Round and Idaho Fire head the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Catchintsavo 2nd Not At That Price 3rd Last Round

ISLAND BRIDGE appreciated dropping in trip when finishing second at Leicester in November and this appears to be a suitable opportunity for him to go one better. Mondoui'boy was bought for 115,000 pounds when sold by former owner David Maxwell in October having shown promise in a couple of bumpers. He appears likely to be the main threat, while Kara Sacre and Plains Drifter complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Island Bridge 2nd Mondouiboy 3rd Kara Sacre

With most of these having questions to answer, ANOTHER FOLLY clearly tops the shortlist. A winner at Stratford in October, the seven-year-old finished second on his only subsequent start the following month and may improve for a wind operation since that outing. The Grey Man showed more when fourth at Ffos Las most recently and edges out Zoeman to be the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Another Folly 2nd The Grey Man 3rd Zoeman

Demoiselle Kap has to be respected on her return to action, but her lack of a recent run may just give the edge to IP UP. The eight-year-old has been running consistently well in defeat of late and those efforts suggest that she can be successful off her current mark. Others to note are Jammy Jay, Tour Ovalie and Railway Bell.
Prediction : 1st Ip Up 2nd Demoiselle Kap 3rd Jammy Jay

A few of these appeal but none more so than GRACCHUS DE BALME, who won the Foxhunters' at Aintree in April. He came up short at Cheltenham next time but didn't take long to get back into the winning groove, notching up a comprehensive success at Stratford. Conditions should suit the veteran who, on these terms at least, should go very close. Similar comments apply to stable companion St Cuthbert's Cave, whilst previous course winner Take All and Java Point are a couple of others to be interested in.
Prediction : 1st Gracchus De Balme 2nd St Cuthberts Cave 3rd Take All

The Procrastinator made the perfect start to her racing career at Doncaster but this will be tougher under a penalty, and it is STARS ALIGN that gets the vote. Nicky Henderson boasts a 36 percent strike-rate in bumpers at this venue and the filly, his only runner on the card, could enhance that record. That said the market is likely to guide, as it is with the likes of Steal A Glance and L'amandine, and spare a thought for Graceful Glance, who would be deserving of a maiden triumph having finished second on both of her racecourse appearances.
Prediction : 1st Stars Align 2nd The Procrastinator 3rd Steal A Glance