UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

WOLF RAYET proved his 40/1 Chepstow second was no fluke when running well for fourth in a good contest at Cheltenham. He holds a Triumph Hurdle entry and although that seems fanciful at this stage, victory here would mean he wouldn't look out of place in something like the Fred Winter. King Al chased home a classy juvenile at Kempton and is feared most, and Down To Business has also shown enough to warrant an interest. Gallivanted is rated 79 on the level and has joined Harry Derham after changing hands for 70,000gns.
Prediction : 1st Wolf Rayet 2nd King Al 3rd Down To Business

It's fascinating that Willie Mullins sends DIAMOND DU BERLAIS over for her debut for the stable. The five-year-old has held her own in good company in France, was snapped up for 160,000 euros last summer and she is likely to prove a warm order. Afancy Getaway has yet to live up to her impressive point-to-point form since going hurdling, but cannot be written off yet. No Flies On Her could collect minor money.
Prediction : 1st Diamond Du Berlais 2nd Afancy Getaway 3rd No Flies On Her

SHERMINATOR came to grief in the Cheltenham event won so easily by Supreme hotpot Old Park Star at Cheltenham, but showed a useful level of ability in winning at Newbury and Taunton last season. As they were Junior NH events, he escapes a penalty and can get his career back on track. Kiwi Rush was useful in bumpers and has contested some good races since going jumping. He is joined on the list of dangers by First Candidate, who is the pick of the Skelton pair.
Prediction : 1st Sherminator 2nd Kiwi Rush 3rd First Candidate

Rodney fell when looking the likely winner on his chasing debut at Bangor, but bounced back from his next start at Warwick to score at Leicester and Hereford. The progressive seven-year-old commands plenty of respect, but a 10lb higher mark requires another step forward and the vote goes to TOOTHLESS. Paul Nicholls' gelding improved from his return at Wincanton to get his head back in front at Windsor and is capable of handling a 5lb rise. Charles Ritz and Regal Renaissance appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Toothless 2nd Rodney 3rd Charles Ritz

Masked Dance's C&D victory in December was boosted by the runner-up scoring at Chepstow last week and the eight-year-old has to enter calculations once again. That said, the vote goes to handicap debutant SALLYVILLE LADY. Dan Skelton's mare has shown promise on both hurdle outings and an opening mark of 111 appears to be workable. Hard Dealt chased home the same progressive winner at Uttoxeter and Aintree, and is respected along with Pismo Beach.
Prediction : 1st Sallyville Lady 2nd Masked Dance 3rd Hard Dealt

It's easy to assume that FOLLOWING CHAPTER has more to offer after he overcame a bit of greenness to score decisively at Warwick's New Year's Eve fixture. That was the six-year-old's best performance so far and an 8lb rise appears to leave him with room for manoeuvre on just his third start in handicap company. Shuil Ceoil (second) and Moorland Rambler (third) plugged on to fill the frame behind a ready winner at Exeter last month. They might find the same fate awaits here.
Prediction : 1st Following Chapter 2nd Shuil Ceoil 3rd Moorland Rambler

After six wins in his last seven starts in hunter chases and point-to-points, BARTON SNOW is impossible to overlook. A slight concern is that he's only raced once since May, but he won by a distance at Sheriff Hutton last month and the signs were all positive. The consistent Jeffery's Cross is the pick of the rest based on his best form under Rules. This represents a big drop in class and he must be taken seriously. What A Glance completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Barton Snow 2nd Jefferys Cross 3rd What A Glance