The opener at Ludlow on Tuesday is just four years old and one trainer has won it three times. This phenomenal strike-rate of 75 per cent is an ominous sign for the other trainers. It could be significant that the handler in question runs one this year. Another important factor here is the jockey who has ridden all three winners is on board again. Check out our free tips page for daily content across British and Irish racing.
Venetia Williams is is the trainer attempting to farm the race for the fourth time. Last year’s winner was the progressive Green Book who went on to win a valuable handicap hurdle at Sandown. Lucy Turner takes the ride and the Cheltenham Festival-winning jockey is one of the most experienced riders in the field. This looks like a lethal combination and certainly one to keep an eye on.
Burrows Park runs in the race this year and the veteran isn’t without a chance. A very different profile to last year’s winner, the 10-year-old has plenty of miles in his legs. You can ignore his comeback run at Lingfield over fences last time and as the run was badly needed. He had an excellent campaign in the 2019/2020 season and has clearly had physical problems since. It was great to see him return to winning ways at Chepstow in April off a 5lb lower mark.
On the peak of his form, winning this race of 120 should be no problem at all. It has to be said that injuries have taken their toll but this horse was 137-rated handicapper at his peak. Perhaps his best win came at Hereford over an extended 2m3f in a Class 2 event where he won nicely and the front two were clear of the third. A return to that sort of form would see him win this at a canter.
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