Ludlow best bet: Hurricane Harvey ready to storm to course hat-trick
A view of Ludlow racecourse
After his selection ran a decent race to finish a close-up second on Thursday, Tipstrr racing expert Steve Jones is hoping to go one better when his Daily Bargain lines up at Ludlow on Friday.
14:10 Ludlow: Racing UK Handicap Hurdle (3 miles)
Hurricane Harvey is the only one of these six runners to have won over this course and distance before, something he did when winning this race last year on similar soft ground and carrying today’s jockey, Jack Hogan.
The 10-year-old came into last year’s renewal in good form, having won at Uttoxeter the previous month in a lower-graded three-mile handicap which he won off a mark of 120.
It is therefore fair to say that he comes into this year’s renewal in even better shape, having most recently finished fourth of 12 in a far stronger Class 2 handicap at Newbury, which he contested off a mark of 129.
Even though he ran particularly well at Newbury (three miles on good-soft), his mark has been dropped a pound, which means he is able to defend this prize off a mark that is only two pounds higher than when winning last year.
Last year’s renewal was a stronger race than this one, featuring seven runners rated up to 137 with five of the first six home rated between 126-137, while only one rival is rated above 124 this time around.
With so much in his favour, not least his latest good effort in higher grade, Hurricane Harvey looks set to retain the prize and complete a hat-trick of unbeaten outings at this venue.
Suggested bet: Hurricane Harvey in the 14:10 at Ludlow
- Tip advised by Steve Jones who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr
Of the others, Saint Davy should not be underestimated because he is a very lightly-raced seven-year-old who was very highly tried when last seen in April.
As it turned out, the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree was asking a bit too much of him, but his entry must have meant that he is very highly regarded.
Unbeaten in three runs (a point-to-point, a bumper, and a maiden hurdle) prior to that Grade 1 run, he now makes his handicap debut after a break of 266 days.
He might need the run, but he should be competitive off his opening mark, although it has to be said that his yard could be in better form.
Next Best bet: Saint Davy in the 14:10 at Ludlow
READ MORE: Ludlow racing tips: Best bets for Friday January 5
