Race Preview: Ludlow 2:07 (Class 4 Mares’ Handicap Chase)

This is a small-field (5 runners) handicap chase for mares over nearly 3 miles (2m 7f 171y). Ludlow is a flat, right-handed track, often favouring horses who race prominently.

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Runner-by-Runner Analysis

• Another Day Out (12-0):
  • Form: Ran respectably when 3rd over this course and distance just 15 days ago off a 2lb higher mark (OR105), although she weakened late on (jockey reported a slip). Before that, she was 2nd at Taunton over further. She’s a previous course and distance winner (off OR99).
  • Rating: OR103. Looks fairly treated based on her course form and recent runs.
  • Notes: Carries top weight but loves Ludlow (1 win, 1 place from 4 runs). Proven stamina and fitness on her side. Strong contender.
• Kit’s Coty (11-7):
  • Form: Returns from a long 225-day break. Her form before the layoff was reasonable but didn’t suggest she was improving (6th, 8th, 5th). She has placed form over fences at Ludlow (3rd off OR99).
  • Rating: OR96. Has dropped to a potentially workable mark if ready after the absence.
  • Notes: The long break is the main concern. Has course form, but needs to find her best to trouble the principles.
• Loud And Proud (11-11):
  • Form: Also returns from a lengthy break (205 days). Before that, she bolted up by 9.5 lengths at Doncaster over 3m2f (off OR91) and was then 2nd (of 2) at Fakenham. She looked progressive prior to that last tactical run.
  • Rating: OR100. Now 9lbs higher than her win.
  • Notes: Lightly-raced chaser open to improvement. Steps up from Class 5 to Class 4. Stamina assured. James Bowen booking catches the eye. Interesting runner.
• Trapista (11-8):
  • Form: Comes here race-fit after a decent 3rd at Stratford 17 days ago (off OR98). Form before that was inconsistent. She’s a course winner at Ludlow, but that was over a shorter trip (2m4f).
  • Rating: OR97. Fairly handicapped on recent efforts.
  • Notes: Consistent yard and race fitness are positives. Her stamina for this extended trip (almost 3 miles) is the biggest question mark.
• Mini Fortune (10-4):
  • Form: Absolutely thriving! She won very easily at Ffos Las just 7 days ago over 3 miles (off OR72). That was her first win after a string of placed efforts.
  • Rating: OR79. She runs here under a 7lb penalty for that win, meaning she races off OR79 effectively. Callum Pritchard claims 5lb, further easing the burden.
  • Notes: Comes here in the form of her life and carries bottom weight. The quick turnaround is a slight concern, as is the step up in class, but confidence is high, and she could easily follow up if handling the rise in grade. Major player.

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Verdict

A competitive small-field contest.

Mini Fortune is hard to ignore given she won so easily just a week ago and effectively races off only 2lb higher today thanks to the jockey’s claim. She’s clearly peaking.

However, Another Day Out has strong course and distance form, including a win, and ran well here just two weeks ago off a higher mark. She represents solid, reliable form at this level and track.

Loud And Proud has the potential to be better than her mark if ready after the break.

Preference is narrowly for the course specialist who is slightly down in the weights.

1. Another Day Out 2. Mini Fortune 3. Loud And Proud