Paul Ferguson has two selections for us on Thursday; Clondaw Castle in the 13:15 and Smackwater Jack 14:50 both at Ludlow. Compare odds and bet.
Only fifth on his chase debut at Newbury in late-November, Clondaw Castle (1:15) shaped better than the bare result might suggest and can score at Ludlow this afternoon.
Tom George’s seven-year-old jumped well in the main (made an error 3 out) and has been dropped a further 3lbs to 129. Today’s tight track shouldn’t pose a problem and he looks to have the potential to be a cut above today’s three rivals.
Last week’s Leicester winner Le Precieux is respected, but Clondaw Castle was thought good enough to contest the Grade 2 at Aintree as a bumper horse and beat Springtown Lake (fourth at Kempton last week off 142) in an Irish Point-to-Point.
Later on the card Smackwater Jack (2:50) can win the maiden hurdle for trainer Olly Murphy, who enjoyed a treble on New Year’s Day.
The five-year-old shaped with real promise until falling at Aintree on his hurdles debut and probably found the drop in trip against him at Wetherby last time. The way he went through his bumper around Fakenham also suggested that he will be better over a longer distance and he goes back up to 2m5f this afternoon.
Thursday’s selections:
1:15 Ludlow – Clondaw Castle; 7/4 Betfred
2:50 Ludlow – Smackwater Jack; 6/4 Ladbrokes
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