Not surprisingly the pre Cheltenham midweek racing is pretty low key stuff with Ludlow and Taunton supplying the action on Thursday.
Starting at Ludlow with the 2.50 Raysrock is progressing slowly but surely over fences and should be up to winning soon after a series of placed efforts.
In the final race on the card, the 5.20, Eradicate is likely to be a warm order after an impressive debut win over hurdles. Formerly rated 100+ on the flat he will be hard to beat. I see that Wahoo Sam makes his hurdles bow in this race. A winner 14 times on the flat mainly over a mile it would be no big surprise if he were to win a hurdle race or two, probably on an easy track on decent ground.
At Taunton Vodka Brook seeks to follow up an easy win Wincanton. He should go close in the 2.30.
The 3.00 is an interesting looking heat. Mark the Book has always looked to have a future over fences. He was a beaten favourite last time out at Towcester but is probably worth another chance. Quickbeam has had some problems with his jumping but if he can brush up in that department he would certainly be in with a shout. Another that needs to improve his fencing is Sir Winston but he does have ability, a good jumping pedigree and certainly looks the part. He has been brought along patiently and is another I would not rule out. If pushed for a selection I would side with Mark the Book.
With the Pipe stable back to form the former Irish points winner Another Display could be interesting in the 3.30 while the Paul Nicholls runner Qozak looks the one to be on in the 4.30.
Late update – Solid Silver has a chance in the Ludlow 2.20 where he is dropped in class.
Continuing the Cheltenham Festival theme with my illustrations today I am featuring a couple of former Ryanair Chase winners, Fondmort (top) and Our Vic. Both paintings are by kind permission of the artist Lisa Miller.
ahorse 