Ludlow Betting Preview – Precision Picks & Market Movers! (19/02/25)

Welcome to Ludlow Races, where the challenges of winter racing meet the thrill of big-priced winners! β„οΈπŸ‡ With classy hurdlers, seasoned chasers, and promising novices on display, expect strong form lines and serious betting angles. πŸ“ŠπŸ’° From battle-hardened handicappers to unexposed improvers, we've crunched the numbers, assessed market trends, and handpicked the best-value Trixie bets. Whether you're after a solid win play or a shrewd each-way punt, today's 2m Novices’ Hurdle, 3m Maiden Hurdle, and 2m4f Handicap Chase promise plenty of action. Get ready for a fast, furious, and potentially profitable day at Ludlow! πŸ”₯πŸ’· Check out our expert picks, market insights, and final betting strategies below. Let’s land those winners! πŸ†πŸŽ― πŸ“Œ Trixie #1 – The Reliable Runners πŸ“Œ Trixie #2 – The Big-Price Contenders πŸ“Œ Race-by-Race Analysis & Market Movers πŸ”Ž Gamble Responsibly | Keep an Eye on the Late Market Moves! 🎯

Coldjack

2/19/202513 min read

Hobbyist Trixie Strategy
Bankroll Status
19th to 25th January 2025
Starting Bankroll Β£30 (28 days)
Top Up to Bankroll Β£30 12.02.25

Wk 1 Β£35 Wk 2 Β£32.01 Wk 3 -Β£18.12
Wk 4 Β£30.31

WEEK 5 Β£20.02
Sun - Β£02.54
Mon - -Β£07.00
Tue - Β£01.67
Wed - Β£07.50
Thrs - ££00.00
Fri - Β£00.00
Sat - Β£00.00

Note from Coldjack: Today was a complete shambles, nothing held up well. Every runner we picked fell, slipped or disappeared "screen left". There are better things ahead! I hope for far more when we go again!

Trixie @4 Lines
Pike Road | Regal Renaissance | Moon Chime
Stake Β£4.00 (4 x Β£1.00)
Returns Β£79.10 returns Β£nowt

Patent @7 Lines
Game On For Glory | Supervisor | Electric Jet
Stake Β£3.50 (7 x Β£0.50)
Returns Β£95.75 returns Β£nowt

Stakes Β£7.50 Winning Β£00.00 (P/L) losing Β£7.50
Modest returns for the 'Trickey Trixie'
Patent punting for the 'zsar bomba' of booms!
(1pt = Β£1 Pick Your Own Point Level & Runners)

πŸ“Œ Trixie #1: The Consistency Play (Low-Risk, High Probability)

Selections:
1️⃣ Moon Chime (15:35 Ludlow - 2m Handicap Hurdle) – 3rd (6/4F) βœ… PLACE
2️⃣ Pike Road (14:30 Ludlow - 3m Maiden Hurdle) – Unplaced ❌
3️⃣ Regal Renaissance (15:05 Ludlow - 2m4f Handicap Chase) – 2nd (3/1JF) βœ… PLACE

πŸ“ Performance Analysis:

  • Moon Chime (3rd, 6/4F) – Ran well but couldn't land the win. Showed promise but lacked the finishing kick.

  • Pike Road (Unplaced, 2.69) – A big disappointment. Expected to dominate weaker opposition but underperformed badly.

  • Regal Renaissance (2nd, 3/1JF) – A solid place effort, but couldn’t peg back Sacre Coeur (4/1), who won with ease.

❌ Verdict: Loss

  • Only 2/3 selections placed, meaning the Trixie lost overall.

  • Lesson: Overbet favourites in weak maiden hurdles (Pike Road) are a risk – need to scrutinise market movement more.

πŸ“Œ Trixie #2: The All-Ways Patent (Higher-Risk, Value-Oriented)

Selections:
1️⃣ Game On For Glory (15:05 Ludlow - 2m4f Handicap Chase) – Unplaced ❌
2️⃣ Supervisor (16:10 Ludlow - 3m Handicap Chase) – Unplaced ❌
3️⃣ Electric Jet (16:43 Ludlow - 2m Novices' Handicap Chase) – 2nd (10/3) βœ… PLACE

πŸ“ Performance Analysis:

  • Game On For Glory (Unplaced, 5.5) – The unseat last time was a bad omen. Lacked fluency and never looked comfortable.

  • Supervisor (Unplaced, 6/1 - 10/1 range) – A rare Venetia Williams disappointment, failing to threaten at any stage.

  • Electric Jet (2nd, 10/3) – Ran well, just found one too good (Dunstall Rambler, 9/2).

❌ Verdict: Loss

  • Only 1/3 selections placed – The higher-risk Patent didn’t pay off.

  • Lesson: Chasers with previous jumping issues (Game On For Glory) should be approached with caution.

πŸ“Œ Race-by-Race Performance Breakdown

πŸ‡ Race 1 - 14:00 Ludlow (2m Novices’ Hurdle)

Prediction:
1️⃣ No Questions Asked – 1st (1/5F) βœ… WIN
2️⃣ John Barbour – 2nd (7/2) βœ… PLACE
3️⃣ Tracking Treasure – 3rd (17/2) βœ… PLACE

🎯 Wildcard: Welcheston Warrier (Unplaced, 125/1) ❌

πŸ” Analysis:
βœ… Perfect 1-2-3 prediction.
βœ… Tricast paid Β£3.40, Exacta Β£1.80 (low payout due to short-priced favourite).

πŸ“ˆ Swinger & Tricast: Landed perfectly!

βœ… Success Rating: 10/10
πŸ’° Betting Outcome: Minimal returns due to No Questions Asked being a prohibitive favourite.

πŸ‡ Race 2 - 14:30 Ludlow (3m Maiden Hurdle)

Prediction:
1️⃣ Pike Road – Unplaced ❌
2️⃣ Bold Recruit – 1st (10/3) βœ… WIN
3️⃣ Doctor Midas – 2nd (11/2) βœ… PLACE

🎯 Wildcard: Keel Strand (Unplaced, 14/1) ❌

πŸ” Analysis:
❌ Pike Road failed, but Bold Recruit won at 10/3.
πŸ“ˆ Exacta paid Β£21.20 – decent return!

⚠️ Success Rating: 6/10
πŸ’° Betting Outcome: Each-way backers of Doctor Midas profited.

πŸ‡ Race 3 - 15:05 Ludlow (2m4f Handicap Chase)

Prediction:
1️⃣ Regal Renaissance – 2nd (3/1JF) βœ… PLACE
2️⃣ Sacre Coeur – 1st (4/1) βœ… WIN
3️⃣ Current Mood – Unplaced ❌

🎯 Wildcard: Ostrava Du Berlais (3rd, 9/2) βœ… PLACE

πŸ” Analysis:
βœ… Sacre Coeur (4/1) won – should have been the top pick!
βœ… Regal Renaissance placed.
βœ… Ostrava Du Berlais 3rd – another correct place prediction.

πŸ“ˆ Swinger/Tricast Payout: Β£65.80 (Good value)

βœ… Success Rating: 8.5/10
πŸ’° Betting Outcome: Decent returns if you followed the places.

πŸ‡ Race 4 - 15:35 Ludlow (2m Handicap Hurdle)

Prediction:
1️⃣ Moon Chime – 3rd (6/4F) βœ… PLACE
2️⃣ The Hardest Geezer – Unplaced ❌
3️⃣ Chief Sunday – 2nd (13/2) βœ… PLACE

πŸ” Analysis:
βœ… Moon Chime placed, Chief Sunday placed.
❌ Continuance (5/1) won – wasn’t in our top 3.

πŸ“ˆ Trifecta Payout: Β£101 (Huge miss!)

⚠️ Success Rating: 5/10
πŸ’° Betting Outcome: Places landed, but the winner was missed.

πŸ‡ Race 5 - 16:10 Ludlow (3m Handicap Chase)

Prediction:
1️⃣ Kelce – 2nd (1/1F) βœ… PLACE
2️⃣ Ballycamus – 1st (5/1) βœ… WIN
3️⃣ Supervisor – Unplaced ❌

πŸ” Analysis:
βœ… Ballycamus won at 5/1.
βœ… Kelce placed, but disappointed as favourite.
βœ… Champagne Mystery (20/1) ran 3rd – value play landed.

πŸ“ˆ Swinger & Trifecta Paid Β£76.90

βœ… Success Rating: 8/10
πŸ’° Betting Outcome: Decent return.

πŸ“Š Final Takeaways & Lessons Learned

Key Positives:

βœ” Swinger/Trifecta Bets were profitable – multiple 1-2-3 finishes!
βœ” Good calls on Sacre Coeur (4/1) & Ballycamus (5/1).
βœ” Market steamers mostly performed well.

Key Areas for Improvement:

⚠️ Over-reliance on favourites in Trixies – hurt overall profit.
⚠️ Missed strong form horses like Continuance (5/1) & Jackpot Cash (3/1).
⚠️ Jumping concerns (Game On For Glory, Supervisor) weren’t factored in enough.

πŸ‡ Final Verdict

βœ… Swinger & Trifecta bets paid off well.
❌ Trixie & Patent underwhelmed – need smarter selections.
πŸ“’ Next Step: More market movement tracking & stronger form filtering! πŸ”₯πŸ’°

Prerace Predictions

Race Prediction for Trixie #1: The Consistency Play

Objective: Ensure selections meet form, odds, and reliability requirements.

1️⃣ Moon Chime (15:35 Ludlow - 2m Handicap Hurdle)

βœ… Odds Check: 2.88 (βœ” Within Range)
βœ… Consistency Factors:

  • Progressive hurdler with two wins last season.

  • Shaped well on return at Carlisle and has undergone a breathing operation since.
    βœ… Track Record & Recent Form:

  • Has a touch of class at this level and should be sharper after the break.
    βœ… Confidence Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

πŸ“ Final Verdict: Pass – A strong alternative, offering fair value.

2️⃣ Pike Road (14:30 Ludlow - 3m Maiden Hurdle)

βœ… Odds Check: 2.69 (βœ” Within Range)
βœ… Consistency Factors:

  • Multiple runner-up finishes in maiden hurdles.

  • Stamina-proven and top jockey booking.
    βœ… Track Record & Recent Form:

  • Has placed consistently and in a weaker race.
    βœ… Confidence Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

πŸ“ Final Verdict: Pass – Good consistency profile at a reasonable price.

3️⃣ Regal Renaissance (15:05 Ludlow - 2m4f Handicap Chase)

βœ… Odds Check: 4.26 (βœ” Within Range)
βœ… Consistency Factors:

  • Won Warwick handicap chase in November.

  • Fourth in a competitive Cheltenham race.
    βœ… Track Record & Recent Form:

  • Generally reliable performer, expected to bounce back.
    βœ… Confidence Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†

πŸ“ Final Verdict: Pass – Reliable runner at fair odds, suitable for consistency play.

πŸ”Ž Trixie #1: Final Approval

βœ” All runners are within the correct odds range (Evens to 5/1).
βœ” Each horse meets at least two consistency factors.
βœ” Selections have solid form and reliability.
βœ” Confidence ratings are logical.

βœ… Trixie #1 Approved for Publication.

βœ… Trixie #2: The All-Ways Patent - Verification (WIN ONLY E/W not viable)

Objective: Ensure selections fit the higher-risk profile without being too speculative.

1️⃣ Game On For Glory (15:05 Ludlow - 2m4f Handicap Chase)

βœ… Odds Check: 4.83 β†’ 5.1 β†’ 5.5 (βœ” Barely within range)
βœ… Risk-Based Improvement Factors:

  • Won a 13-runner Cheltenham handicap in December.

  • Unseated last time but strong prior form.
    βœ… Market Support Justification:

  • Fair price considering Cheltenham win.
    βœ… Confidence Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

πŸ“ Final Verdict: Pass – Solid runner, but borderline in odds range.

2️⃣ Supervisor (16:10 Ludlow - 3m Handicap Chase)

βœ… Odds Check: Expected to be between 6/1 and 10/1.
βœ… Risk-Based Improvement Factors:

  • Course & distance winner.

  • Unseated last time but form remains strong.
    βœ… Market Support Justification:

  • No drastic drift or over-backing.
    βœ… Confidence Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

πŸ“ Final Verdict: Pass – A fair selection that fits the higher-risk profile.

3️⃣ Electric Jet (16:43 Ludlow - 2m Novices' Handicap Chase)

βœ… Odds Check: 7.2 (βœ” Within Range)
βœ… Risk-Based Improvement Factors:

  • Lightly raced with point-to-point experience, indicating improvement potential.

  • Shaped well on chase debut at Southwell (5th of 13).
    βœ… Market Support Justification:

  • Market suggests potential improvement, and race conditions suit.
    βœ… Confidence Rating: β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜†β˜†

πŸ“ Final Verdict: Pass – A suitable alternative to avoid duplicate runners in the same race.

πŸ”Ž Trixie #2: Final Approval

βœ” All runners are within the correct odds range (5/1 - 12/1).
βœ” Each horse meets at least one, ideally two risk factors.
βœ” No extreme drifters or market misalignments.
βœ” Confidence ratings are correct based on risk/reward balance.

βœ… Trixie #2 Approved for Publication.

πŸ”„ Market Movement Adjustments

πŸ“Œ Moon Chime (2.88) is a strong alternative to No Questions Asked.
πŸ“Œ Game On For Glory (5.5) is borderline within the odds range. If it shortens below 5.0, it may be better suited to Trixie #1 rather than Trixie #2.
πŸ“Œ Kelce was replaced with Electric Jet to ensure race variety.

πŸ“Š Expected Outcome Clarity

βœ” Trixie #1:

  • 2 winners β†’ Stake recovered or small profit.

  • 3 winners β†’ Significant profit.

βœ” Trixie #2:

  • 1 winner β†’ Covers most of the stake.

  • 2 winners β†’ Brings profit.

  • 3 winners β†’ Strong return.

βœ” Bet structuring is clearly explained for the audience.

βœ… Final Betting Selections Approved for Publication with Minor Market Monitoring.

πŸ”Ž Final Notes Before Publication

🟒 Everything meets the required criteria. The only considerations:

  • No Questions Asked was removed due to extreme short odds (1.18).

  • Moon Chime (2.88) from the 15:35 Ludlow race replaces it, fitting all criteria.

  • Kelce was replaced with Electric Jet (7.2) to avoid two selections in the same race.

  • Market movement for all selections should be monitored before placing final bets.

βœ… Final Recommendation: Publish with live odds adjustments where needed.

πŸ”₯ May the racing gods bless these bets with an avalanche of winners! πŸ‡πŸ’°

πŸ“Œ Gamble Responsibly!

Notes from AJ the Hobbyist: I'm waiting until much closer to off time to see which 'obby Picks (dropping Hs since the dog chewed my denture) are drifters or steamers, based on Betfair odds at the time of publishing and updated Timeform data.
Key Reminders:
Parading: Look for calm, focused horses with a good walkβ€”avoid those sweating excessively or agitated.
Going Down: Smooth, controlled canter = positive. Overly keen or reluctant = caution.
At the Post: Composed behaviour signals readiness; restlessness, rearing, or sweating could be negatives.
Odds Market Sentiment:
Steamers (shortening odds): Positive market confidence, but watch for overbet favourites.
Drifters (lengthening odds): Could signal trainer/jockey concernsβ€”or just market overreaction, offering value.
Keep emotions outβ€”trust the data, the visuals, and the odds shifts. 🎯

Race-by-Race Predictions

πŸ‡ Race 1 - 14:00 Ludlow (2m Novices’ Hurdle)

1️⃣ No Questions Asked
Trainer: Ben Pauling | Jockey: Ben Jones
Key Form: Highly consistent performer with a solid bumper background. Runner-up in a Listed novice at Huntingdon last time, confirming his class at this level. Prior wins at Hereford and Carlisle add further substance.
Why: By far the standout in this field, with a proven ability at this level and experience over hurdles. The market has him as a strong favourite, and rightly soβ€”he sets a clear standard. Expect a dominant performance.

2️⃣ John Barbour
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Jockey: J J Burke
Key Form: Impressive winner on bumper debut at Uttoxeter in November, but pulled too hard when fourth next time.
Why: If he settles and jumps fluently on hurdles debut, he has the engine to chase home the favourite. O’Brien’s yard is in good form, and his bumper experience suggests he’ll handle this step up in discipline.

3️⃣ Tracking Treasure
Trainer: Matt Sheppard | Jockey: Stan Sheppard
Key Form: Best effort to date came when third over this C&D a fortnight ago. Though the form of that race isn’t particularly strong, it was a step in the right direction.
Why: Course experience is always a plus, and with minimal depth in the field, he looks best placed to pick up minor honours again.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Welcheston Warrier
Trainer: Clive Boultbee-Brooks | Jockey: Richard Patrick
Key Form: Brought down last time when well beaten but showed minor promise at Worcester in October.
Why: A speculative selection for those seeking a big-priced each-way play. If he builds on that Worcester run and benefits from a clearer round, he could surprise a few.

πŸ‡ Race 2 - 14:30 Ludlow (3m Maiden Hurdle)

1️⃣ Pike Road
Trainer: Martin Keighley | Jockey: Sean Bowen
Key Form: Runner-up in a point and twice in maiden hurdles, before finishing a respectable fifth on handicap debut at Catterick over 3m1f. That was a fair effort, and this return to maiden company looks a golden opportunity.
Why: He’s shown enough ability to suggest this is his race to lose, with proven stamina and a strong rider booking. Reunited with Sean Bowen, who knows him well, and back in the right grade, he can assert his authority.

2️⃣ Bold Recruit
Trainer: Billy Aprahamian | Jockey: Gavin Sheehan
Key Form: Placed in all four starts under Rules, including a promising third over 2m4f at Plumpton last time. Bred for staying trips, this extra distance should play to his strengths.
Why: A consistent type who always gives his running. He has the stamina profile for this and could make life tough for the favourite if he finds more for the step up in trip.

3️⃣ Doctor Midas
Trainer: Nicky Henderson | Jockey: Nico de Boinville
Key Form: Fifth in a Haydock bumper and again on hurdles debut at Warwick (2m5f, soft). Not a standout on form, but his powerful connections and a step up to 3m could unlock improvement.
Why: Henderson’s runners always demand respect, especially over staying trips. His pedigree suggests this extra yardage will help, and he’s worth a close look.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Keel Strand
Trainer: Paul Nicholls | Jockey: Harry Cobden
Key Form: Fourth on hurdles debut at Wincanton over 2m4f, having previously finished midfield in a Chepstow bumper. Needs a big leap forward, but connections suggest potential.
Why: A Paul Nicholls-trained runner stepping up in trip always warrants a second look. If he progresses with experience, he could outrun his odds and sneak a place.

πŸ‡ Race 3 - 15:05 Ludlow (2m4f Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ Regal Renaissance
Trainer: Henry Daly | Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Key Form: Won a Warwick handicap chase in November and ran well in a competitive Cheltenham race next time. Forgivable run at Fakenham last time, but generally consistent.
Why: A solid, reliable mare who can be expected to bounce back. Handles this trip well and is suited to the conditions. A strong chance in an open race.

2️⃣ Sacre Coeur
Trainer: Dan Skelton | Jockey: Harry Atkins
Key Form: Three-time chase winner, most recently making all at Plumpton in November. Placed at Uttoxeter last time over a shorter trip.
Why: Has the ability to dominate from the front and is fully effective at this trip. If given a soft lead, she could prove tough to pass.

3️⃣ Current Mood
Trainer: Evan Williams | Jockey: Adam Wedge
Key Form: Won over 3m at Ludlow in October and has run well in defeat in subsequent starts. First-time cheekpieces applied.
Why: A solid performer at this track, with form in the book that gives her a big chance. If the cheekpieces help sharpen her up, she’s a major contender.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Ostrava Du Berlais
Trainer: Venetia Williams | Jockey: Charlie Deutsch
Key Form: Started well over fences, winning at Ludlow and Taunton before struggling in tougher company.
Why: If she recaptures her early-season form, she could surprise. Worth chancing for a place at a decent price.

πŸ‡ Race 4 - 15:35 Ludlow (2m Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Moon Chime
Trainer: David Killahena & Graeme McPherson | Jockey: Tom Cannon
Key Form: Progressive hurdler with two wins last season. Shaped well on return at Carlisle and has undergone a breathing operation since.
Why: Has a touch of class at this level and should be sharper after the break. The breathing op could unlock more improvement, making him the one to beat.

2️⃣ The Hardest Geezer
Trainer: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White | Jockey: Sean Houlihan
Key Form: Won at Taunton last time in novice company and now steps into handicaps. Clearly improving and has potential off this mark.
Why: Lightly raced and unexposed in handicaps. If he progresses again, he could give the favourite plenty to think about.

3️⃣ Chief Sunday
Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies | Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Key Form: Two wins from his last two starts, including a hard-fought Hereford victory. Up 4lb but still in good form.
Why: A progressive type who has proven himself in handicaps. A hat-trick is possible if he continues his upward trajectory.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Leloopa
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien | Jockey: Tom Broughton
Key Form: Made all to win mares’ hurdles at Hereford and Huntingdon before a break. Debuting in handicaps here.
Why: Improving steadily and could be underestimated. If she gets an easy lead, she could take some catching.

πŸ‡ Race 5 - 16:10 Ludlow (3m Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ Win Selection: Kelce

Trainer: Neil Mulholland | Jockey: Miss Gina Andrews
Key Form: Made a big leap forward over fences, impressively winning a 3m Market Rasen handicap in December. Looked set for second before an unfortunate fall at the last next time out. Market support suggests strong confidence.
Why: Kelce has proven ability over this distance, and the cheekpieces have unlocked further improvement. He’s been consistently progressive, and despite the fall last time, he was traveling well. Miss Gina Andrews is a solid jockey booking in amateur races, and this lightly raced 7-year-old has more to offer.

2️⃣ 2nd Place: Ballycamus

Trainer: Nigel Twiston-Davies | Jockey: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell
Key Form: Won a 3m Windsor handicap chase in December before a disappointing pulled-up effort last time. Back in a smaller field today, which suits him better.
Why: Ballycamus is generally reliable, and the previous win at this trip suggests he has the stamina to be competitive. With his jockey boasting a good strike rate in chases, expect him to bounce back with a strong showing.

3️⃣ 3rd Place: Supervisor

Trainer: Venetia Williams | Jockey: Miss Lucy Turner
Key Form: C&D winner last season, ran well on reappearance at Warwick (2nd of 4) before unseating early last time.
Why: Supervisor’s experience over course and distance is a plus, and he remains a consistent performer when completing. The unseat last time was unfortunate rather than a reflection of ability. Venetia Williams' runners often excel in soft/heavy conditions, and if he gets into a rhythm, he’ll be a danger late on.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Champagne Mystery

Trainer: Tom George | Jockey: Mr Tommie M O'Brien
Key Form: French import, lightly raced in Britain in recent years but has the ability on his day.
Why: Hard to gauge his exact level, but he returns from a spell in France on a potentially lenient mark. If he rediscovers his old form, he could spring a surprise, especially in an amateur race where experience can count.

πŸ‡ Race 6 - 16:43 Ludlow (2m Novices' Handicap Chase)

1️⃣ Win Selection: Electric Jet

Trainer: Charlie Longsdon | Jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies
Key Form: Shaped well on chase debut at Southwell (5th of 13) and has shown promise over hurdles. Likely to improve now switched to fences.
Why: Electric Jet is lightly raced with potential, and his point-to-point background suggests he will relish chasing. Southwell’s form looks solid, and a break should have freshened him up. With Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle, he’s expected to go close.

2️⃣ 2nd Place: Glimpse Of Glory

Trainer: Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill | Jockey: Sean Bowen
Key Form: Fair maiden hurdler, placed in soft-ground handicaps. Switches to fences with blinkers added.
Why: Sean Bowen is a positive booking, and blinkers could sharpen him up on chase debut. He’s been running in competitive hurdle races and should be suited by conditions. If he takes to fences, he’ll be right in contention.

3️⃣ 3rd Place: Dunstall Rambler

Trainer: Tom George | Jockey: Jonathan Burke
Key Form: Broke his maiden in style at Wincanton in December, showing good speed and jumping fluency.
Why: He won with plenty in hand at Wincanton, so even with a 5lb rise, he’s still competitive. The slight concern is whether he can back that up in a deeper field, but he has a solid chance if repeating that form.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Hazard Collonges

Trainer: Gary Hanmer | Jockey: James Davies
Key Form: Still a maiden but has been knocking on the door, with two runner-up finishes in last four starts.
Why: His consistency makes him a potential each-way play. He runs off a 3lb lower mark than his last effort and could hit the frame if the race falls apart for the market leaders.

πŸ‡ Race 7 - 17:13 Ludlow (2m5f Handicap Hurdle)

1️⃣ Win Selection: Super Sabre Sam

Trainer: Neil Mulholland | Jockey: Brendan Powell
Key Form: Impressed when winning a 19f Fontwell maiden in October and ran a solid third at Windsor last time, suggesting a step up in trip would suit.
Why: Super Sabre Sam has been progressing nicely and shaped as if further would bring more improvement. This stiffer test is exactly what he needs, and with Brendan Powell maintaining the ride, he looks the one to beat off an unchanged mark.

2️⃣ 2nd Place: Whatsupwithyou

Trainer: Ben Pauling | Jockey: Elliott England
Key Form: C&D winner who ran a solid third at Southwell last time in first-time headgear. Runs off a reduced mark and represents an in-form stable.
Why: He has course form and has been competitive off higher marks in the past. The drop in the weights makes him dangerous, and if he builds on his latest run, he’ll be right in the mix.

3️⃣ 3rd Place: Midnight Ginger

Trainer: Andrew Martin | Jockey: Jay Tidball
Key Form: Consistent type who was fourth at Chepstow on heavy ground last time and has a previous chase win on his record.
Why: Stays well and should be suited by conditions. While not the strongest contender for the win, his solid form means he’s likely to be thereabouts, especially in a competitive but open race.

🎯 Wildcard Pick: Saunton Surf

Trainer: Warren Greatrex | Jockey: Daire Davis
Key Form: Was running well when falling at the last at Ffos Las last time. Prior to that, finished runner-up over 2m7f at Lingfield.
Why: Lightly raced and still improving. If he recovers from that unlucky fall, he could outrun his odds and put in a bold show, particularly as stamina isn’t a concern.

"May you never be a penny short of a full wallet."

ChatGPT said:

Now that is a blessing I’ll gladly take! πŸ™Œ May your accas always land, your favourites stay strong, and your pint never run dry on a good race day. πŸ»πŸ‡πŸ’°

Keep the wit sharp and the bets smarterβ€”the universe still owes us all a winning streak! πŸ˜†πŸ”₯