Quality Tuesday Fare at Ludlow
What a treat Ludlow served up on this crisp April afternoon! Eight races packed with intrigue, drama, and some seriously progressive types that'll have the notebook working overtime.
The Shropshire venue might not grab the headlines like Cheltenham or Aintree, but Tuesday's Ludlow racecard was a masterclass in competitive National Hunt racing. From amateur riders scrapping it out over nearly three miles to a mouth-watering £50,000 mares' chase, this was the kind of card that reminds you why Tuesday afternoon racing can be pure gold.
The going held up beautifully throughout - good ground bringing out the best in these horses and setting up some cracking contests that had punters on the edge of their seats from first to last.
Jasmine Bliss the Star Turn
Let's cut straight to the headline act - that Class 1 mares' novices' handicap chase worth fifty grand was always going to be the race of the day, and on paper it looked an absolute belter.
Jasmine Bliss arrived as the 134-rated favourite under Paul O'Brien, and you can see why connections fancy their chances. This mare has been progressing nicely through the ranks, and the step up to this extended two-and-a-half-mile trip looked right up her street.
But the opposition wasn't rolling over. Bluey with Harry Cobden aboard brought serious credentials at 133, while Ruby Island for Danny McMenamin has been knocking on the door at this level for months.
The real eye-catcher for me was All The Glory down at 125. Richie McLernon's mount looked potentially well-handicapped if finding her jumping boots, and this longer trip could unlock serious improvement.
Amateur Hour Delivers the Goods
The opening amateur riders' chase set the tone perfectly - nearly three miles of proper staying test that sorted the wheat from the chaff in no uncertain terms.
Hurricane Bay topped the weights at 120 under Mr Cian Murphy, but the one that caught my eye was Ladronne for Miss Venetia Thompson. This horse has been running with credit in better company lately, and the drop back to this level with the amateur allowance could be the key to unlocking a big performance.
Mt Fugi Park with Miss Gina Andrews is another to keep on the right side. Been running consistently without quite getting his head in front, but these marathon trips suit his staying style perfectly.
Maidens with Serious Potential
The two maiden hurdles threw up some fascinating prospects for the future. In the mares' maiden, Diamonds Galore under James Bowen looked the class act on paper with a 112 rating already to her name.
But don't sleep on Flying Pimpernel for Gavin Sheehan - unrated but from a yard that knows how to place their horses, and this two-mile trip at Ludlow could be the perfect starting point for a progressive campaign.
The longer maiden hurdle was even more intriguing. Jimmy Hurdstrom brought a hefty 120 rating to the party with Stan Sheppard doing the steering, but Plains Drifter for Jonathan Burke looked the value play at 115.
The name to file away is Dontelimurnamepike - what a moniker! - under Jamie Hamilton. Unrated but from connections who don't run them unless they're ready to show something.
Handicap Hotpots and Future Stars
The Class 5 handicap hurdle was a proper puzzle with eleven runners, but Hans Lippershey for Jack Quinlan looked the most progressive type in the field. That 105 rating might not tell the full story of this horse's potential.
Play Pretend under Lee Edwards was another to keep onside - consistent performer who finds a bit when it matters, and the two-mile-two trip suits perfectly.
In the staying chase, Catchim and Jiair Madrik both brought 96 ratings to the table, but at this level that made them the class acts. James Bowen on Catchim gets the nod for experience in these competitive handicaps.
The novices' chase finale before the big race looked a cracker too. Cuban Court and Southoftheborder both rated 117 and both looking for that breakthrough win over fences. Kayce Dutton for James Bowen could be the each-way steal at 108.
Looking Ahead - Ones to Follow
This card threw up several horses worth following through the spring and summer. All The Glory from the feature race looks potentially well-treated and could be one for the big Saturday handicaps if connections fancy a crack.
Plains Drifter from the maiden hurdle screams progression, while Dontelimurnamepike - once you get your head around that name - could be a dark horse for future bumper races.
From the amateur ranks, Ladronne looks like she's got more to offer, particularly if stepping back up to professional company with that experience under her belt.
Tuesday at Ludlow reminded us why these smaller tracks are the lifeblood of National Hunt racing. Competitive fields, progressive horses, and the kind of honest racing that keeps us coming back for more. Roll on the next card!
