Date: Wednesday, 4th Feb 2026
Race: Attwood Memorial Trophy Handicap Chase (Class 3)
Conditions: 2m4f, Soft, 16 Fences
We have eight runners going to post at Ludlow this afternoon on Soft ground. The market is tight, but the data points to a clear split between the progressive types and those struggling with the handicapper.
Here is the verdict.
The Selection: RODNEY (IRE) @ 5/2
Don’t overcomplicate this. Rodney is the standout form horse.
The Form: He arrives on a hat-trick. His latest win at Hereford (Soft) was ruthless—he didn’t just win; he put 20 lengths between himself and Pepe Le Moko.
The Weight: Yes, he carries top weight (12st). The handicapper has slapped him with a 10lb rise (OR 124). However, when you beat a field by 20+ lengths easing down, you are usually more than 10lbs ahead of the mark.
Conditions: He relishes the Soft ground. Ludlow is a sharper track than Hereford, but his jumping has been sound.
Verdict: He is the class act. Unless the 12st anchors him in the mud, he wins.
The Danger: TOOTHLESS (FR) @ 4/1
Paul Nicholls’ runner is the only serious threat to the favourite.
The Form: Won comfortably at Windsor last time out, beating Tax For Max by 15 lengths.
The Variable: That win was on Good ground. Today is Soft. His sire (Authorized) generally produces stock that handle the wet, so he should cope, but Rodney is the proven commodity in these conditions.
The Edge: He receives 4lbs from Rodney. If the favourite falters under the weight, Toothless is the one to pick up the pieces.
The Value / Each-Way: REGAL RENAISSANCE @ 5/1
If you want an alternative to the short prices, look at the bottom of the card.
Course Specialist: She loves Ludlow. Her record here is solid, and the right-handed configuration suits her.
Weights & Measures: She carries a featherweight 11st 0lbs. That is a massive 14lb (one stone) advantage over Rodney. On Soft ground over 2m4f, that weight difference is significant.
Forgive the Fall: She fell here 49 days ago, but was running a big race at the time.
The Ones to Swerve
Pepe Le Moko (4/1): The maths doesn’t add up. He meets Rodney on 12lb better terms today, but he was beaten by 20 lengths last time. He needs a miracle turnaround to bridge that gap.
Charles Ritz (6/1): Won last time, but he is a 10-year-old in a race of younger, improving chasers.
Joker De Mai (15/2): Carrying 11st 13lbs with form figures of FP6 is a recipe for disaster.
Final Call
Win: Rodney (Banker material if he jumps clean).
Saver: Regal Renaissance (To exploit the weight difference).