Race of the Day / Timeform / 10 November 2011 /

Timeform take a look at a competitive Ludlow handicap chase on Thursday...

Gentleman Anshan is a sound jumper who opened his chasing account at Hereford (21f) in March, and has improved again since, his defeat of Persian Gates at Southwell (21f) in May well franked since. Longer trip a concern.

Cootehill won small-field novices on first 2 starts over fences, but has found things much harder since. Ran creditably over C&D last month behind Bold Perk, while giving impression he's too high in weights.

Bold Perk won 3 times in 12 days in June for David Pipe and better still on debut for new yard when making all over C&D last month. Unshipped at the first at Stratford last time, but clearly of interest here.

Nudge and Nurdle finished a good second to Sun Tzu at Perth on return in June, and not discredited when in frame on next 2 starts. Below form at Cheltenham last time, but possible to forgive that, and not ruled out.

Mud Monkey is an enthusiastic front runner who won at Huntingdon a year ago and unlucky not to follow up here on his next outing. Similar form when placed on last 3 starts, but may need this after a break.

Rockiteer ran best race this season when chasing home Ostland at Market Rasen in June, but rather laboured in 2 starts there since. Given a break, and yard threatening a return to form, but stamina not assured.

Maraafeq opened account over fences in weak C&D maiden in February, but ungenuine nature well established, and typically went with little enthusiasm on last month's return to action.

Forty Five landed a 3-timer in handicap hurdles in 2008/09, but not gone on as expected over fences since. Laboured efforts on both starts this autumn, and now takes a hike in trip sporting cheekpieces.

Tyup Pompey goes well here, winning twice over 2½m in April. All his wins have come in the spring, however, and he's probably best opposed having gone with less encouragement more recently.

Backfromthecongo is not straightforward, but racked up 3 wins in staying handicaps over fences last year, and better than result when distant sixth on seasonal debut at Haydock, weakening after going with zest.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Bold Perk
2. Nudge and Nurdle
3. Gentleman Anshan

Timeform View: Bold Perk was let down by his jumping last time, but a repeat of his C&D effort last month would see him go close, especially with doubts about a few of his rivals. Nudge And Nurdle and Gentleman Anshan are selected as the main dangers.

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