Steve Ryder has picked out two tips for Thursday's column, coming from Ludlow and Newcastle's races.
Ludlow 15.50
3:50 Ludlow
UNCLE PHIL (best priced at 7/2) struggled on his first four starts since joining the Chester Williams but was much better at Hereford last time. The nine-year-old last won in January 2024 off a mark of 139 when trained by Willie Mullins and he joined his current yard rated 145 at the start of the season. The handicapper has been generous and dropped him 23lbs in his five runs down to a mark of 122 despite finishing 3rd only beaten 11 lengths last time at Hereford.
Uncle Phil now drops into a 0-120 handicap for the first time in his career and he can bounce back to form here.
Midnite
Newcastle 18.30
6:30 Newcastle
This looks a competitive 0-100 handicap but preference goes to HEAVENLY HEATHER (best priced at 9/2) who has been running consistently well since dropping to sprinting trips. The Tracy Waggott trained five-year-old has recent form figures of 221152 at the track with her rating improving from 78 to 94 in that time.
Heavenly Heather has always appeared to show her best form over 6f so this step back up in trip should suit her well and she looks sure to be involved in the finish.
