1.40pm Ludlow Tips & Betting Preview

IN SUMMARY: COLONIAL DREAMS can take full advantage of the ten pounds he is receiving from Robin The Raven here and make a winning debut over hurdles. He improved every time he raced in bumpers and can continue that progression now. Despite having a double penalty to shoulder, Robin The Raven is the clear danger with One Leader the most interesting of the remainder at a huge each way price.

1 ROBIN THE RAVEN – Already a dual hurdles winner including over this course and distance. Was running another solid race on handicap debut last time when coming down at the last. A first time tongue strap is fitted here but has a double penalty to shoulder.

2 CRUCIAL ROLE – Towcester winner, he was beaten under a penalty last time. That contest arguably had a little more depth that this but he was pulled up in a race won here by Robin The Raven so has a little to prove at present.

3 COLONIAL DREAMS – Progressive in bumpers, a wide margin winner at the fourth attempt. With that behind him, he can take advantage of the ten pounds he receives from Robin The Raven. Should make up into a better hurdler, looks the one to beat.

4 CRANBROOK CAUSEWAY – Tailed off in sole hurdle start, failing to beat a rival home. He showed promise in his sole point to point before falling so clearly capable of better, but strikes as more of a longer term handicap prospect.

5 GARRANE – Shown next to nothing in ten starts in all disciplines. Would be one of the shocks of the year if he were to get his head in front in this contest.

6 ONE LEADER – Once raced, he shaped well for a long way in a Chepstow bumper. Full brother to Harry Fry’s 140 rated Dashing Oscar so well worth considering with this step up in trip looking suitable on hurdling debut.

7 SCARBOROUGH BOY – Runner-up in a point to point in February, the third was placed in an Exeter hunter chase subsequently. That form probably isn’t worth much but one to note for future handicaps.

8 TAKEN BY FORCE – Twice hit the frame in points, he was a long way below that on his sole run under rules. Dam’s half sister won the Swinton Hurdle and the Cambridgeshire so from a nice family but may need a little more time.