Our first bet comes in the opening race at Wincanton as we side with the Jeremy Scott-trained Pyleigh Lass. Yet to register victory, Pyleigh Lass has registered some creditable efforts over hurdles and sets a fair standard here. Encouragement can be taken from her most recent effort at Chepstow, where she may possibly have needed the run on her return from a three-month absence, and, with the Scott team firing on all cylinders at present, Pyleigh Lass represents a good bet at odds-against.
Despite beating only one home, Velator (15:00 Wincanton) shaped with plenty of promise on his chasing debut at Exeter and has been allotted a chase mark 7 lb lower than his hurdles rating. Given the way in which he jumped at Exeter, and the enthusiasm with which he attacked his fences, it would rank as little surprise were Velator to prove as effective over the larger obstacles, so the assessor has clearly given him a chance. Though he registered a hat-trick of hurdles successes at around three miles last term, he gives the impression that a drop in trip will prove to be no inconvenience and, with the excellent Denis O'Regan booked to ride, a big run is expected.
A fair performer on the Flat, Dark Spirit appears to have taken well enough to hurdles and looks like she should be able to defy her lowly mark in the 16:10 at Ludlow. Dark Spirit has made just the two starts for Evan Williams, finishing fourth on both occasions, but there was a lot to like about her most recent effort at Uttoxeter. Having travelled strongly, the five-year-old mare was keeping on well when blundering at the last, effectively forfeiting all chance, and she was not subjected to a hard rider thereafter. The sharp track and better ground at Ludlow today should play to her strengths and she arguably deserves to be favourite.
Timeform SmartPlays:
Back Pyleigh Lass @ 2.6213/8 in the 14:00 at Wincanton
Back Velator @ 5.95/1 in the 15:00 at Wincanton
Back Dark Spirit @ 4.57/2 in the 16:10 at Ludlow
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