14:35 Ludlow

Wednesday 18 December 2019

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

Tanners Claret Handicap Chase

Off time: 14:35 | Winning time: 6m 15.7s

Equus Secretus²⁵⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-8| J: David Bass| T: B Pauling| OR: 135| D

16/1

Has been successful twice over hurdles but is 0-4 in chases. Lined up in the Topham over the Grand National fences last time where he was 18th of 27. This assignment will be much easier. Can't be discounted.

Form: 36/2520-

Sumkindofking^p,t³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-7| J: Mr N George⁽⁷⁾| T: T R George| OR: 134| C| D

13/2

His last victory came at Southwell (3m1½f) back in May. Has failed to follow that up in three runs since, however, his last appearance was in Listed company at Wincanton (3m1f) where he was sixth of 13. Worth consideration.

Form: 03-1446

Cresswell Legend^t³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-6| J: Chester Williams⁽⁵⁾| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls| OR: 133| CD

9/2

Broke his maiden over fences over this C&D back in April. Has performed modestly well so far this season in two runs without success, including when he was fourth of eight at Taunton on his latest outing. Has strong claims on his return here.

Form: 291-P34

Another Stowaway^t⁵⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-6| J: J J Burke| T: T R George| OR: 133

10/1

Prevailed for the first time over fences at Leicester (2m6½f) back in January. Was seventh of 10 on his return to action at Exeter (3m) in what was his first run since having wind surgery. Has been eased 3lb which puts him in with each-way claims.

Form: 2P136-7

Bally Longford^t⁸

Age: 11| Weight: 11-5| J: H Cobden| T: C L Tizzard| OR: 132| D

20/1

Recorded back-to-back successes at Ffos Las back in June. Came down at the first fence at Fontwell (3m2f). Remains off the same mark and is capable of much more. One for the shortlist as he looks to bounce back.

Form: 233U5U

Bobo Mac³⁴

Age: 8| Weight: 11-3| J: S Bowen| T: T Symonds| OR: 130| C

7/2

Produced his best run yet over fences to score for the first time at this course (3m1½f) last time out. He was clear on the run in where the margin of victory would have been wider if he wasn't eased up. Gone up 10lb but is a big player again.

Form: 1/2085-1

Roll Again²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-2| J: Charlie Deutsch| T: Miss V Williams| OR: 129

7/2

His sole success so far came over hurdles at Down Royal (2m½f) back in March. He made his chase debut at Market Rasen (2m5½f) last month where he was fourth of six runners. Up in trip and can't be discounted on his second chase start.

Form: 4155-04

Regal Flow¹¹

Age: 12| Weight: 11-1| J: Sean Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: R H Buckler| OR: 128| D

16/1

Former Midlands Grand National winner who has been a long way below his best this year. He came down during the Becher at Aintree (3m2f) over the Grand National fences last time out. Others appeal more.

Form: P36-03F

Wicked Willy^t³⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 127| D

5/1

Has scored twice over fences but has been well held on his two starts this season. His latest effort did come in a Listed contest at Wincanton (3m1f). Has been eased 3lb but needs to improve on recent form.

Form: 3517-58

Non-Runners

The Welsh Paddies⁶⁴

Weight: 11-3| Age: 7

T: Kerry Lee J: J E Moore

Forecasts

Roll Again (7/2), Bobo Mac (7/2), Cresswell Legend (9/2), Wicked Willy (5/1), The Welsh Paddies (6/1), Sumkindofking (13/2), Another Stowaway (10/1), Equus Secretus (16/1), Regal Flow (16/1), Bally Longford (20/1)

BOBO MAC got off the mark over fences at this track on his latest appearance over a slightly longer distance than this. He was well on top at the finish which suggests he can defy his 10lb rise in the weights for another victory. The Welsh Paddies was denied from his first chase victory by just a short-head at Hereford on his latest appearance and he can once again be in contention after the last fence here, while Bally Langford should bounce back from his recent fall early into the contest at Fontwell last time out.