Ludlow Farm Shop Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:40 | Winning time: 3m 47.1s

Timberman^h²⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 11-12| J: Liam Harrison⁽³⁾| T: F O'Brien| OR: 125| D

6/1

Fine third in a Cheltenham handicap on return in October and strong at the finish when scoring at Kempton (2m, good) a month later. Not disgraced at Taunton last time and he merits consideration.

Form: 6-14314

Just The Man¹¹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-4| J: K Brogan⁽³⁾| T: J G M O'Shea| OR: 117| CD

4/1

Scored over C&D in October and produced a career-best when second to a next time out winner at Hereford on his most recent hurdles start. 4 lb rise for that performance is fair and he's considered.

Form: 7-31532

Fontana Ellissi¹⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 11-3| J: Danny Burton⁽⁵⁾| T: S Drinkwater| OR: 116| BF| C| D

2/1

Took advantage of a reduced mark to win at Ffos Las in February and was unlucky not to go close at Taunton next time. Ground an excuse for recent disappointment, and he should be closer to form here.

Form: 055124

Technological^p²⁰

Age: 7| Weight: 10-8| J: Kevin Jones| T: M F Harris| OR: 107

16/1

Useful at best on the Flat up to 2m and promising return from 17 months off when third in a 2m maiden in January. Pulled up last time but his mark may remain workable and he's worth a market check.

Form: 3-3P

Coolnaugh Haze²⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-2| J: T J O'Brien| T: P Hobbs & J White| OR: 111| D

7/4

Promise when second on sole Flat start and improved for hurdling debut to win a Plumpton maiden in January. Travelled well on handicap debut (C&D) last time and is worth another go from same mark.

Form: 313

Non-Runners

The Grey Falco¹⁰

Weight: 11-4| Age: 7

T: A Ralph J: Nick Scholfield

Petrastar⁷⁹

Weight: 11-4| Age: 7

T: D J Jeffreys J: Archie Bellamy

Forecasts

Coolnaugh Haze (7/4), Fontana Ellissi (2/1), Just The Man (4/1), Timberman (6/1), The Grey Falco (7/1), Petrastar (12/1), Technological (16/1)

FONTANA ELLISSI has regained his form across recent months, unlucky not to finish closer in a better race at Taunton last month, so looks the one to beat back on more suitable ground for his in-form yard. Juvenile Coolnaugh Haze shaped well over C&D last month and has the potential to improve on the form of his Plumpton maiden win. Timberman is capable at this level and can complete the placings.