Karl Thornton runs Bearly Legal at Ludlow

Trainer Karl Thornton is confident recent Musselburgh scorer Bearly Legal will put up another bold show as he returns to British turf for the Alfa Aggregate Products Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at Ludlow.

The County Dublin-based handler has saddled eight winners under Rules since taking over the licence from his father Sean three years ago, half of which have come over jumps in Britain.

Bearly Legal became the latest to strike when getting off the mark over fences at the second attempt in Scotland late last month and amateur rider John Barry gets back on board.

Thornton said: "We were going to take him back to Musselburgh for the last meeting but a couple of horses were coughing at the time, so we couldn't take him.

"The horse is fine and in good form. I think he's come on a lot for his last run and the young lad who rides him is one of the better point-to-point riders in Ireland. He's ridden the horse a few times and knows him inside out.

"I'm hoping they don't get too much rain and so long as the ground is all right and they go a good gallop, he should be bang there with a clear round.

"I think he might still be well handicapped, so we'll see."

Bearly Legal features in an intriguing 12-runner affair, with the Rebecca Curtis-trained El Macca heading the weights.

Other contenders include Fergal O'Brien's course and distance winner Rio Milan, Robert Waley-Cohen's Makadamia and It's A Steal from Evan Williams' yard, who turns out under a penalty six days after bolting up at Warwick.

An excellent card also features the £25,000 Tanners Champagne Handicap Chase and the £27,500 Tanners Wines Handicap Chase.

According To Trev, First Fandango, Gorsky Island and Royal Player all contest the latter event.