1.05pm Ludlow Tips & Betting Preview 21/12/2016

7 novice chasers go to post for the 2nd race of the day at Ludlow, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: KILCREA VALE was a very useful hurdler at his best and is very lightly raced for his age, he has the scope to make an even better chaser so should make a bold bid on his chasing debut. The main danger may well be Western Warrior who ran very well on his chasing debut but this drop back in trip may not be in his favour today.

1 COTTERSOCK – Has been set a tough task today on the back of some two pretty poor efforts at Cheltenham and Taunton in recent months. Being returned to 2m 4f is probably a plus but there are much more convincing options today.

2 ZAMDY MAN – Useful hurdler and only raced three times over fences, the latest of which when holding off some useful horses at Uttoxeter (1m7f, Soft), still remains with lots of potential and has to be respected for Venetia Williams.

3 CYRIUS MORIVIERE – Very lightly raced for Ben Pauling over hurdles and did win twice at 2 mile trips. Wasn’t disgraced on chase debut when falling at the 10th fence, starting to struggle to keep up with the talented Might Bite at the time (2m3f, Good). Remains with potential and cannot be ruled out with any confidence today.

4 HIGH COUNSEL – Hard to fancy today on very difficult terms, and not even the drop in trip is enough to tempt any sort of consideration.

5 KILCREA VALE – Decent hurdler and was 6th in a competitive Grade 3 hurdle at Ascot back in January (2m3f, Soft), although not so good at Sandown back in April with the good ground being a possible excuse for that run (2m4f, Good). Should make a better chaser and very lightly raced for a 6 year old with only four runs under rules so has to be hugely respected today.

6 ROYAL REDEMPTION – Off 20 months since finishing 2nd at Ffos Las, only his 4th effort over hurdles (2m5f, Good). Faces a very tough task today and is opposeable today.

7 WESTERN WARRIOR – Split two very useful rivals including the 2015 Coral Cup winner Aux Ptsis Soins at Kelso latest on his chase debut, staying on towards the finish in what was a very novicey jumping display at times (2m7f, Good to Soft). A horse in behind that day has followed up since and although he has won at a shorter trip before this, there is reasonable suspicion that it’ll be more of a hindrance than a help today.  An interesting contender nonetheless.