Racecards
16:20 Ludlow
Wedding Reception At Ludlow Conditional Jockeys' 'Hands And Heels' Intermediate National Hunt Flat (Class H)
- 18 Runners
- Distance: 2m
- Going: Good to Soft, Good in places
Brassie
34- Form 1
- Age 5
- Weight 11-11
- Trainer R M Beckett
- Jockey W T Kennedy
chased leader, led over 6f out, pushed along and headed over 2f out, one pace
Celtic Boy (IRE)
256- Form 2-F23
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer P & M Bowen
- Jockey J Pritchard
held up, headway 6f out, weakened over 3f out
- Form P
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer W Brisbourne
- Jockey R Lucey-Butler
mid-division, headway over 6f out, weakened 4f out
Demarco (IRE)
275- Form P-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer N J Henderson
- Jockey M Palmer
always prominent, led over 2f out, clear final furlong, comfortably
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
chased leaders, hampered 5f out, pushed along and soon weakened
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer W Brisbourne
- Jockey R Mackenzie
soon pushed along in rear, headway 6f out, weakened over 4f out
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer Miss H Knight
- Jockey N Carter
mid-division, pushed along 6f out, headway 5f out, stayed on same pace final 2f
- Form F/F1-20
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer S Gollings
- Jockey S Karnicnik
mid-division, pushed along after 5f, weakened 6f out
- Age 5
- Weight 10-13
led until over 6f out, soon weakened
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer D E Cantillon
- Jockey Matthew Smith
held up, headway over 5f out, weakened over 3f out
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
held up in rear, lost touch and tailed off final 7f
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer P A Blockley
- Jockey D Cosgrave
held up in rear, pushed along 7f out, soon weakened
- Age 4
- Weight 10-7
- Trainer P & M Bowen
- Jockey W Jones
in touch, pushed along 7f out, weakened 5f out
- Age 4
- Weight 10-2
held up, headway halfway, every chance well over 3f out, weakened 2f out
In depth
Verdict
Brassie has obvious claims and is expected to defy a penalty, with the likes of Seaniethesmuggler, River Trapper, Caber and Demarco names to conjure with in a tricky finale. With so much unexposed talent on view, it may be best to keep bets to a minimum, but Brassie at least has a win to his credit when successful at Uttoxeter in December on what was his introduction. It was a slowly-run affair but he quickened well and should have more to offer. Seaniethesmuggler looked to have a future when second at Warwick but did not progress in soft ground at Chepstow. He too though has a bit of experience that should stand him in good stead. River Trapper and Demarco hail from top stables that both do very well in this sphere, so any moves in the market for either should be noted. Charlie Chapel was pulled up behind the selection at Uttoxeter but was fancied. He did look to have a mind of his own but must have some ability to have attracted support. Oliver Sherwood has enjoyed a return to form this season so Caber has to be noted, while Paul Blockley has been on fire on the all-weather and so Maloy is also worth a mention. With the form in the book though, it is Brassie who gets the nod.