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Trainer Alan King had an awesome strike-rate at Ludlow last season. With his 14 runners there, he had six winners and a strike-rate of 43 per cent. It’s therefore interesting that the Wiltshire-based handler sends just one runner to the Shropshire track on Wednesday. The horse in question could be progressive and looks to have a solid chance. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Crystal Moon didn’t show a great deal in his first three hurdles starts. Finishing 43 lengths behind Stage Star on hurdles debut wasn’t the worst starting point however. There was also a third-place finish at Plumpton despite a significant 35-length deficit. He was beaten by a total of 166 lengths in those starts and the switch to handicaps swiftly followed.
The switch was no surprise and it proved to be a shrewd move as he showed significant progress on handicap debut at Stratford. Crystal Moon finished third last time and was only two-and-a-half lengths behind the winner. A vast improvement, the form has since been franked by the second who was a comfortable winner next time out. Another factor which may have helped that day is he had a wind operation between his runs at Wincanton and Stratford.
With his breathing issues hopefully behind him, there is scope for plenty of progression in this low grade. King’s charge can run a huge race here provided he doesn’t need the run. This isn’t the deepest of races and it looks like a fine opportunity to shed the maiden tag at the fifth time of asking. If Alan King’s excellent record at Ludlow last season carries over, there’s every chance of a victory here.
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