UK Horse Racing Tips: Ludlow

ISLAND BRIDGE and Doctor On Call are closely matched on official ratings, while Assertive Walk probably ran to a similar level on his hurdling bow so it would come as no surprise were any of the three to win. The first-named did look ready for a return to three miles when keeping on into second over an extended 2m5f here last month, though, and he shades the verdict with that in mind.
Prediction : 1st Island Bridge 2nd Doctor On Call 3rd Assertive Walk

Misterdoc won an AQPS race when trained in France but couldn't justify favouritism on his British/stable bow and although likely to improve, HORNICA is preferred. Ben Pauling's mare has been thrown in at the deep end over hurdles so far and took a big leap forward to finish second at Windsor last time. This is a lot less taxing than the assignments she's faced and represents a decent opportunity. Leo Wood and Le Gentleman have both shown ability in France and must be monitored in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Hornica 2nd Misterdoc 3rd Leo Wood

A few of these have something to prove, but not MOLTO BENE. Charlie Longsdon's mare won her first two starts over fences before filling the runner-up spot in a couple of Listed events in which she had plenty to find on official ratings. Back in a handicap, she can resume her progress. Party Vibes should be happier back over the larger obstacles, while Regal Renaissance wasn't out of it when falling over C&D in December.
Prediction : 1st Molto Bene 2nd Party Vibes 3rd Regal Renaissance

JACKS PARROT finished third behind last weekend's Grand National Trial winner Grand Geste in the Tommy Whittle at Haydock just before Christmas and it won't be a surprise if the seven-year-old is able to get his head back in front. Dyno Dave is entitled to improve from what was essentially his first run of the season at Ffos Las, having unseated at the first fence on his return at Taunton. The Newest One may benefit from a first-time visor.
Prediction : 1st Jacks Parrot 2nd Dyno Dave 3rd The Newest One

WESTLAIN appreciated the drop back to 2m when running out a comfortable winner at Huntingdon earlier in the month. Despite the handicapper raising him 9lb, there appears to be more to come and the four-year-old may prove too strong for Diamonds Galore, who has finished second on both outings this season. Handicap debutant Sense Of Reason appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Westlain 2nd Diamonds Galore 3rd Sense Of Reason

With a couple of winners on Saturday, Venetia Williams' yard has turned a corner and FALCO DES PINS can enhance his stable's strike-rate. After resuming from wind surgery with a respectable third at Taunton, this unexposed chaser can make the most of a 2lb cut in the ratings. Icare Colombe has similar scope in this sphere and rates a big danger, with first-time cheekpieces a potential source of improvement. Count Adhemar and Model Approach are the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Falco Des Pins 2nd Icare Colombe 3rd Count Adhemar

MANIGOD is still learning his trade over hurdles and could be well placed to get off the mark. His three second-placed finishes over timber so far read well in the context of this race and he steps into a handicap on a highly workable mark. Fresh Kicks is feared most, with this representing a drop in class for the Nicky Henderson-trained gelding. D'jo Dela Barriere reverts to hurdles and needs taking seriously.
Prediction : 1st Manigod 2nd Fresh Kicks 3rd Djo Dela Barriere