15:40 Ludlow

Wednesday 18 December 2019

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

G.C Rickards Ltd Standard Open NH Flat Race

Off time: 15:40 | Winning time: 3m 18.30s

Ahead Of Schedule⁵²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: James Nixon⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs N S Evans

66/1

Failed to prevail in seven point-to-points prior to this contest. He was third of seven on his latest attempt back in October at Dowth Hall (3m). Set for Rules debut now where others are preferred.

Form: 26-35P3

Bretney

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: R Patrick⁽³⁾| T: H D Daly

14/1

Milan gelding who is a brother to Pearlita who was quite useful over hurdles. He is also related closely to Captain Cattistock who performed well over hurdles and fences. Likely to get better over obstacles.

Form:

Fanfan La Colmine³⁶⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: James Davies| T: C J Down

50/1

Finished third of six on his one and only appearance on the track so far at Hereford (2m) back in December 2018. Set for his first appearance for his new yard here. Will need to improve from his debut.

Form: 3-

Fou Detoi

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: R T Dunne| T: M Mullineaux

80/1

Lord Du Sud gelding who cost £6,500 as a three-year-old. He is a half-brother to five winners, including useful hurdler Soi Beni and Requin who stayed at trips up to 2m6f. Best to watch on his opening start.

Form:

French De Guye

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Benjamin Poste| T: H J Evans

100/1

Lord Du Sud gelding who cost £16,000 as a three-year-old. His dam was unraced. He is a half-brother to four winners, including Prophete de Guye. Market likely to speak volumes about his chances.

Form:

Lord Apparelli²⁵

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: David Bass| T: K Bailey & M Nicholls

2/1

Showed some promise when he finished fourth of 13 at Ascot (1m7½f) last month where he bumped into a couple of smart horses. Open to improvement on his second start. Leading contender.

Form: 4

Mexican Dave

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: C J Todd⁽⁷⁾| T: Ian Williams

25/1

Sakhee gelding whose dam won over hurdles (2m). He is a half-brother to Artic Nel who was successful over 1m6f. Would be interesting if there was market confidence behind him, otherwise best to watch on his debut.

Form:

Mont Segur^t³⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Rex Dingle⁽³⁾| T: A J Honeyball

9/4

Ran well on his opening start when he was third of 18 runners at Wincanton (1m7½f), 2L behind the winner. He hung left inside the final 1f otherwise the result could have been better. One to consider.

Form: 3

Pisgah Pike^t¹⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Jamie SnowdenWS

6/1

Was well held on both of his two appearances in Ireland before switching yards earlier this month, including when he was sixth of 18 at Cork (2m). This is his return to action after having wind surgery. Will need to improve.

Form: 76

Presuming Ed³²

Age: 4| Weight: 11-0| J: R Johnson| T: P Hobbs & J White

14/1

Finished fourth of seven on his sole appearance so far at Uttoxeter (2m, heavy) where he just weakened inside the closing stages. Likely to improve on that first run here. One to think about.

Form: 4

Doyen Express²²⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-7| J: Sean Houlihan⁽³⁾| T: R Chapman

100/1

Has been well beaten in all three of her starts in point-to-points, including last time at Sowlin (3m) where she was eighth of 15. Set for first start under Rules here. Others appeal much more.

Form: 46-8

Fantasy Shift³²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: T Scudamore| T: M Scudamore

50/1

Struggled on her debut at Cheltenham (2m½f) where she came back at the rear of the 11 runner field after going off at 50/1. Will need to take a huge stride in the right direction to be in the mix this time.

Form: 0

Fillybusta⁴⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Lee Edwards| T: David Dennis

100/1

Finished 13th of 16 on her opening start on the track at Warwick (2m) where she was 34L behind the winner. She weakened with 2f to go in that contest. Much more will be needed here so others are preferred.

Form: 0

Lex Eleven⁵⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Harry Skelton| T: D Skelton

7/1

Was just 2L off the winner in second place on her debut at Sedgefield (2m1f) back in October. Stepping down in trip here which should help her chances. One for the shortlist on her second attempt.

Form: 2

Shore Shanty

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: J J Burke| T: H Whittington

9/1

Shantou filly who is a sister to multiple winners, including Mr Shantou and Lake Takapuna who were both useful over hurdles. Interesting newcomer who is worth giving consideration to, especially if there is market confidence behind her.

Form:

Forecasts

Lord Apparelli (2/1), Mont Segur (9/4), Pisgah Pike (6/1), Lex Eleven (7/1), Shore Shanty (9/1), Presuming Ed (14/1), Bretney (14/1), Mexican Dave (25/1), Fanfan La Colmine (50/1), Fantasy Shift (50/1), Ahead Of Schedule (66/1), Fou Detoi (80/1), French De Guye (100/1), Doyen Express (100/1), Fillybusta (100/1)

LORD APPARELLI ran well on his debut without success behind some smart bumper horses. He can gain his first win here in this contest as he should fare even better with that experience on his side now. Mont Segur hit the frame on his debut at Wincanton where he hung left in the closing stages which hindered his claims. He is with a good chance again, while Lex Eleven can hit the frame once again on his second appearance from a shorter trip.