Wednesday October 11th

Review 

It was another day when it paid to be guided by the market…

Ludlow

In the opener, Sonic Wind was sent off at 7/1 (half the price available last night) – however her BSP was over 10/1, suggesting that the main interest in her was from an EW perspective.

She did look like reaching the frame, as she moved into contention approaching the home turn – but her stamina then ran out and ultimately she finished well beaten.

Tracks don’t come much sharper than Ludlow – so if she can’t stay 2 miles round there, you do wonder whether she has a future over hurdles…

The race was won comfortably by The Statesman, who looks a useful recruit to the game…

On Demand was backed in to 2/1 in the 2:25 race – and ran well – but looked as if she’d improve for the outing…

There was no money for Forever Field in the 3:00 – and he ran accordingly (never in the hunt).

Mount Royale was also friendless in the market - but he ran well and only just missed out on third place.

Status Quo drifted like a barge in the 3:30 – eventually going off at 9/1 (15 on BF !).

He ran precisely the race you would have expected – coming there travelling at the third last, before fading.

He could well be one for next time (assuming the market signs are more positive).

Towcester

Castafiore was a NR in the 3:10 – and Hollywood Road ran so poorly, he may as well not have bothered turning up !

However, Coppperfacejack finally got off the mark over fences in the 4:10 – after 15 tries.

He was backed to do so, as well – going off at just 5/2 (having drifted to 4/1 at lunchtime).

It’s funny the difference having the champion jockey in the saddle, can make..!

Lunchtime Update

There hasn’t been much significant market activity this morning – just a bit of trimming of a few of last nights prices...

In fact, the most notable thing to happen since yesterday evening, is the breaking of the news, that Bryan Cooper will ride the Alan Potts horses in the UK.

That’s a big deal for Cooper, who could really do with a break, after a series of nasty injuries, over the past few years…

Ludlow

Sonic Wind has been well backed in the opener (14/1 in to 10/1) – but that could easily be people trying to avail themselves of some EW 'value'.

The Statesman has been relatively weak – though he’s still at 4/6 shot !!

With a NR in the 2:25, On Demand is now in to 5/2.

That’s a ‘watching’ price…

The market has revealed very little in the 3:00,which I find quite surprising (I’m sure it’ll change by the off time !).

Forever Field can be backed at 9/1 in places – and may be worth a small risk at that price (though if money doesn’t materialise for him, I doubt he will win).

Mont Royal is probably a bit of EW value at 20/1, in a race that could be run to suit (lots of front runners, taking each other on).

Status Quo has been backed in to 5/1 in the 3:30 – but I was half expecting stronger support.

The jury remains out on his chances (though late money would again be significant).

Towcester

Hollywood Road and Castafiore are both slight drifters in the 3:10 – and the latter in particular may be worth a small play at 15/2.

Finally, Copperfacejack is out to 4/1 in places in the 4:10 – and has a bit of a look of an EW bet to nothing…

Evening Preview 

There are a couple of NH meetings tomorrow – at Ludlow and Towcester – with a few decent races, particularly at the former venue…

Ludlow

It’s interesting to see Bryan Cooper over for a brace of rides for Colin Tizzard/Alan Potts.

Exxaro (3:00) and Mick Thonic (4:00), both have chances – though my feeling is that if they were really fancied, Robbie Power would have come over to ride them…

On his hurdling debut, The Statesman has been installed a short priced favourite for the opener (2:00).

He is very decent on the flat (rated 93) and has been in good form, recently.

If he is able to show the same level of ability over hurdles, he will take a bit of beating.

That said, I’m more interested in Sonic Wind (at the prices, anyway !).

Sabrina Harty brings just him, over from Ireland – and that strikes me as a significant move.

He’s 14/1 this evening – and would be worth a risk (EW), at that kind of price.

In the 2:25 race, I’m most interested in On Demand.
She was very progressive last season – and I can see that continuing this season.

She’s a front-runner, so will be suited by the track – and I suspect she’ll be ready to do herself justice.

She’s a best price of 7/2, this evening…

The best race of the day, is off at 3:00.

A case can be made for a number of the runners (including Exxaro), with Always on the Run, Bob Tucker and Mont Royale, of definite interest (particularly the latter, given the form of Jonjos stable).

That said, Forever Field is possibly the most interesting of all, for Nicky Henderson.

He makes his handicap debut over fences tomorrow - but isn’t badly weighted, based on his hurdles form.

He’s a general 8/1 shot this evening – and if he’s going to win, I would expect that to be taken…

I wouldn’t expect the 13/2 on Status Quo in the 3:30, to last either...

He makes his handicap debut for Harry Fry tomorrow, having shown very little in 4 runs in novice hurdles last season.

However that’s seen him given an opening mark of 105 – which compares favourably with his flat rating of 72.

The application of a tongue tie and hood, suggest that connections mean business – though the market will likely confirm/deny that !

Towcester

Harry Skelton is at Towcester to ride a couple for brother Dan, and I would expect both to run big races…

The 3:10 race looks quite open, with Hollywood Road and Castafiore, the 2 of most interest.
The former has crack 7lb claimer, James Bowen, in the saddle: whilst the latter is the only ride on the card for Johnny Burke.

They are priced up at 3/1 and 7/1 respectively, this evening…

Finally, I’ll be intrigued to see whether Richard Johnson can get Copperfacejack home in front in the 4:10.

The horse is massively consistent – though yet to win in 15 tries over fences.
He’s finished second, 7 times tho – and Dickie replaces Charlie Poste and a 10lb claimer in the saddle...

3/1 is the price on offer, this evening…