Horse Racing Tips: Best Bets for Ludlow, Wincanton & Newcastle on Thursday

Thursday marks the eve of the inaugural Winter Million Festival at Lingfield, but the valuable Somerset National takes centre stage at Wincanton and there’s plenty more to whet the appetite.

We’ve shared our thoughts on three, pretty strong, selections up and down the country.

 

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Ludlow: 2:30 Billy Preston Handicap Chase 2m4f11y

Winning pointer Bobhopeornohope opened his account over regulation fences at Market Rasen on Boxing Day and, with the second, Omar Maretti, winning earlier this week, that form has received a timely boost. A 5lb rise in the weights looks entirely fair and the stoutly bred 7-year-old remains open to further improvement over the larger obstacles.

Selection: Bobhopeornohope (5/2 with William Hill)

 

Wincanton: 3:50 Somerset National Handicap Chase 3m2f162y

Not for the first time this season, Colorado Doc proved no match for Iwilldoit in the Welsh Grand National, but he drops back down in class and distance and warrants close inspection, despite top weight of 11st 12lb. He has yet to win beyond 3 miles, but is well handicapped on his Newbury form in November and may be able to take advantage of this easier opportunity.

Selection: Colorado Doc (8/1 with William Hill)

 

Newcastle: 5:30 Betway Handicap 5f

Ornate hasn’t won since last March, but has plummeted down the handicap as a result and may be ready to resume winning ways. He was only beaten half a length when dropped to this grade, for the first time in nearly three years, at Wolverhampton ten days ago and is 1lb lower in the weights here. Indeed, he is 3lb ‘well in’ compared with future engagements, so it may be a case of now or never for David Griffiths’ 9-year-old.

Selection: Ornate (3/1 with William Hill)

 

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