Our first two bets run at Ludlow. We start in the 14:40, which has a few unexposed sorts among the field of 10. Chief among them is arguably Kings Apollo, though the market doesn't reflect that at present and that marks him out as a bet. He took off in handicaps earlier in the winter, winning here and at Towcester (second in between) before just looking like a busy spell was catching up with him when fourth on testing ground at Exeter. He's been given a break now, which is probably a deliberate act, so that he's not priced up as the progressive young handicapper that he almost certainly still is means Kings Apollo ought to be shorter than current odds of 7.06/1.
In the following race (15:15), selection Lucky Sunny is priced up more accurately but nevertheless appeals as a bet. He had given the impression that he'd been working up to something prior to his last start and he duly showed much more that day, still five lengths ahead when coming down three out. Jumping and hard pulling are common features in Lucky Sunny's races, which is almost a positive here: as a sharp track with easy fences, Ludlow is just about the perfect course for Lucky Sunny. With him racing off the same mark as last time, he has plenty in his favour and not much in the way of opposition.
We do eventually stop by Doncaster's very strong midweek card, taking in the handicap hurdle at 15:55. A number are interesting for one reason or another, none more so than Matthew Riley. Last time, on just his third start in a handicap, Matthew Riley pulled clear with another well handicapped pair at Haydock, despite a modest pace. He was ultimately second to Sausalito Sunrise, but that's cushioned the blow from a handicapping perspective: he's up only 2 lb where he shaped as though a lot better treated than that. There's also the fact that he's very much unexposed over staying trips, Haydock having been his first try. Matthew Riley deserves to be a clear favourite today.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
Back Kings Apollo @ 7.06/1 in the 14:40 Ludlow
Back Lucky Sunny @ 2.915/8 in the 15:15 Ludlow
Back Matthew Riley @ 6.05/1 in the 15:55 Doncaster
