Experts at Racing Post have previewed all of the action ahead of Wednesday afternoon's winter jumps meeting at Ludlow, which brings the curtain down on the year for the Shropshire course.

Admission prices start at just £15 so make sure you wrap up warm and get down for a highly competitive card, which features seven races - the highlight of which is the 2.05, a Class Two Handicap Chase boasting over £20,000 in prize money, supported by the 2.35, another handicap chase with a similarly valuable prize pot, run over 3 miles.

 Champion jockey Richard Johnson – who boasts at 27% strike rate at the track -  has strong book of four rides, while father & son team of Nigel & Sam Twiston-Davies will also be represented.

Local trainer Kerry Lee, fresh from landing the big race (BetVictor Gold Cup) at Cheltenham last month saddles a fancied runner in the shape of The Welsh Paddies, who makes the short 16 mile journey to compete in the contest where he must hold a strong chance.

The first race is underway at 12.30 with the last at 3.40.

Three to back from expert tipsters at Racing Post:

Philip Hobbs could send a strong team north from his Somerset base and COTSWOLD WAY (1.00) looks his best chance of a winner. The six-year-old won four of his nine starts over hurdles and looked sure to find races in this discipline over course and distance last month, plugging on for second behind Western Ryder after contesting the lead for most of the way. He will be hard to catch if allowed his own way in front this time.

HATCHER (2.05) can take his chase record to four wins from just six starts in the feature 2m handicap. He faded out of contention after setting the pace at Ascot in November but appreciated a drop in grade over this course and distance last time out, sauntering clear in the home straight.

Dan Skelton’s charge can overcome a 6lb rise in this company.

SEEMINGLY SO (3.10) went off the boil at the end of last season and never looked like justifying favouritism when last seen at Ayr in February, but he looks feasibly treated on the pick of last season’s form, which included a win first time out. Olly Murphy’s charge could be revitalised by a break and the early booking of smart amateur Gina Andrews is another reason for optimism.

Race by race guide

Going: SOFT

 

 

12:30 Tanners Wines "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle Cl4 (4yo+) 2m RTV

Tip: Hijack

 

1:00 Alfa Aggregate Products Beginners' Chase Cl3 (4yo+) 2m4f RTV

Tip: Cotswold Way

 

1:30 Tanners Champagne British EBF Mares' "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle (EBF Mares' NH Novices' Hurdle) Cl4 (4yo+) 2m5½f RTV

Tip: Subway Surf

 

2:05 Tanners Cava Handicap Chase Cl2 (4yo+ 0-145) 2m RTV

Tip: Hatcher

 

2:35 Tanners Claret Handicap Chase Cl3 (4yo+ 0-140) 3m RTV

Tip: The Welsh Paddies

 

3:10 Chilton Liqueurs Amateur Riders Handicap Hurdle (for Lady Amateur Riders) Cl4 (3yo+ 0-120) 2m5½f RTV

Tip: Seemingly So

 

3:40 G.C Rickards Ltd Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race Cl4 (4-5yo) 1m6f RTV

Tip: Presuming Ed

 

 

Top jockeys at Ludlow this season

 

Jockey – wins/rides-% win rate – level stakes profit %

Harry Skelton - 4-13 – 31% -1.66

Adam Wedge - 3-15     - 20% +0.50

Gavin Sheehan - 3-15 – 20% +4.00

Nico de Boinville - 2-2 – 100% +3.50

Richie McLernon - 2-5 – 40%  +16.00

 

Top trainer - wins-runs - win rate – level stakes profit %

Fergal O'Brien - 4-12 – 33% - +4.13

Dan Skelton     - 4-13 – 31% -1.66

Evan Williams - 3-22 – 14% -6.50

Rebecca Curtis - 2-3 – 67% +1.07

John Groucott - 2-6 – 33%       +11.00

 

 (profit based on a £1 stake on every runner at Ludlow this season)

 

Travellers’ check

 

 HORSE              TRAINER            RACE    MILES

Peruvien Bleu  Ryan Chapman 3:10   195

Doyen Express Ryan Chapman 3:40   195

Meldrum Lad   Justin Landy    2:35      165

Shetland Bus    Justin Landy    3:10      165

Movie Legend Lucy Wadham 2:05      160

 

Horses which have come from furthest stables to race at Ludlow

 

For all results and racecards check Racing Post