12:30 Ludlow

Wednesday 18 December 2019

All12:3013:0013:3014:0514:3515:1015:40

Tanners Wines 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle

Off time: 12:33 | Winning time: 3m 52.50s

Garry Clermont²³

Age: 4| Weight: 11-4| J: R P McLernon| T: J & A O'Neill| OR: 125| CD

2/5

Broke his maiden over hurdles at the second time of asking on his latest start over this C&D, scoring by 4½L. Will have to carry a penalty here but he has a great chance of following up at this course.

Form: 1-131

Dogon²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls| OR: 119

10/1

A winner over fences in France, however, is still waiting for his first victory in the UK after five starts. Ran in a couple of graded races at Cheltenham last season. Was ninth of 12 on his latest outing at Taunton (2m½f). One for the shortlist.

Form: 1P2P-39

Fair To Dream²³

Age: 6| Weight: 10-12| J: Lee Edwards| T: S-J Davies

150/1

Has been a long way down the field on his two appearances to date, including last time over this C&D where he was 12th of 16 runners as a 100/1 shot. Hard to make a case for on the evidence of what we have seen from him.

Form: 9-0

Hijack⁴⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: J McGrath| T: N J Henderson| BF

9/2

Was fancied to get off to a winning start on his debut at Fakenham (2m) in a bumper but he could only finish fifth of seven after going off as the 5/4 favourite. Likely to improve now he is over hurdles. One to consider.

Form: 5

Lemon Shoulder¹⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Michael Mitchell| T: D Skelton

100/1

Has struggled on both of his two appearances over hurdles. He failed to beat a single rival on his latest attempt at Bangor over the extended 2m trip. Needs to a take a huge step forward.

Form: 09

Nautical Star⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: W T Kennedy| T: J & A O'Neill

20/1

Finished fourth of 12 on his debut at Chepstow (2m) in an encouraging display, however, he failed to build upon that last time at Uttoxeter (2m) as he was well held when he was sixth of 11. Remains open to improvement so can't be discounted.

Form: 46

No No Maestro⁴⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: J J Burke| T: O Sherwood

13/2

Went close to an opening success on his debut as he was second of six at Fontwell (2m1½f) in a bumper. Was fourth of 13 last time at Plumpton on his first run over hurdles. Has shown potential so is one to consider.

Form: 24

One Fine Man³⁷

Age: 4| Weight: 10-12| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| BF

14/1

Came home sixth of nine on his opening start last month at Carlisle in a bumper after going off as the 11/8 favourite. He took a keen hold early in that race. More likely to come from him over hurdles. Can't ignore.

Form: 6

Samtara²⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 10-12| J: James Best| T: M Keighley

150/1

Has failed to shine on his three appearances on the track so far. His latest effort was his hurdles debut where he was 12th of 16 at Chepstow (2m3½f). Will need to improve to be in the mix.

Form: 0-00

Fair And Dandy²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 10-5| J: R Patrick⁽³⁾| T: H D Daly

100/1

Made her debut over hurdles at Warwick (2m5f) on her latest outing where she had just one rival behind her in a 12 runner contest. Stepping down in trip here but she is not one that stands out.

Form: 6-0

Forecasts

Garry Clermont (2/5), Hijack (9/2), No No Maestro (13/2), Dogon (10/1), One Fine Man (14/1), Nautical Star (20/1), Fair And Dandy (100/1), Lemon Shoulder (100/1), Samtara (150/1), Fair To Dream (150/1)

GARRY CLERMONT was very impressive over this C&D last time out and he should be able to follow that up here for a repeat success despite the penalty as he remains open to progression. Hijack failed to shine on his bumper debut at Fakenham but a lot more can be expected now from him on his first run over hurdles from this leading yard, while Dogon has clearly not shown his best form yet in the UK but should be good enough to finish in the placings in this novice hurdle.