An informative six-race card takes place at Ludlow on January 16 with over £44,000 in prize money on offer. The first race of the day begins at 1.20pm, with the concluding contest at 4.00pm. The experts at the Racing Post have previewed all the action with excellent analysis, stats and top tips.

 

The feature contest of the day is the £15,000 Cobnobs Handicap Chase which is staged over two and a half-miles at 2.20pm. Harry Skelton is the leading rider at the track this season with four winners from 16 rides, an impressive 25% strike-rate. He partners Town Parks in the five-runner field for Kerry Lee who is chasing a first win since January 2018 despite posting a series of good efforts in defeat. Philip Hobbs has saddled 25 winners at Ludlow in the last five years and he teams up with champion jockey Richard Johnson with At Its Own Expense who finished a fine third behind a progressive sort at Taunton in December.

 

 Venetia Williams is a frequent visitor to Ludlow from her base in Kings Caple and has enjoyed a consistent season at the track thus far with three winners from 12 runners, an impressive 25% strike-rate. She has a live chance in the main contest of the day with the unexposed Chambard. Second on all three of his starts this season, the eight-year-old chased home the improving Joke Dancer in heavy ground over two miles at Haydock in December. That horse has gone on to frank the form by winning again since and the forecast testing conditons at Ludlow will be in Chambard’s favour.

 

Seven Barrows maestro Nicky Henderson has saddled three winners from 10 runners at Ludlow this term, a 30% strike-rate and he attempts to plunder further riches at the track on Thursday. In the opening C.B. Security Novices’ Hurdle (12.50pm), course and distance winner Hijack will attempt to shoulder a penalty in the two-mile event. A three and a half-length winner at the track in December, the son of Fame And Glory will be a short-priced favourite to continue Henderson’s excellent run of form, which has seen the trainer enjoy six winners from 30 runners in the last 14 days. Henderson also holds strong claims in the second division C.B. Security Novices’ Hurdle (1.20pm) with the highly regarded Allart who fell on his hurdles debut at Ascot in November.

 

Gloucestershire trainer Fergal O’Brien is the leading trainer at Ludlow this season with four winners from 14 runners. He has just the sole representative on Thursday with the consistent I’m Wiser Now. A beaten favourite at Hereford before Christmas, he attempts to get off the mark at the ninth attempt under Rules in the Henman Marquees Maiden Hurdle at 1.50pm.

 

Holworthy Farm handler Jeremy Scott is enjoying a fine time of things, operating at an 18% strike-rate in the last fortnight and runs talented mare Ellens Way in the Join Racing TV Now Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (2.55pm). The eight-year-old daughter of Black Sam Bellamy was pulled-up on her return to action after 728 days off the track, but had previously boasted smart former in Mares’ only races and is of interest if retaining her ability. However, she takes on a host of interesting rivals, including the progressive Winter Getaway for deadly duo Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. Somerset handler Hobbs has saddled eight winners from 30 runners in the last fortnight and Winter Getaway, a seven-year-old daughter of Getaway has won two of her four starts for the stable since joining the yard from Ireland. A good third in handicap company at Taunton last month, this race looks well within her compass and she has to be feared for a potent combination enjoying a stellar season.

 

12.50pm C.B.Security Novices' Hurdle (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (Div I) (Class 4) (4yo+) 1m 7f 169y RTV

 

Tip: Hijack

 

1.20pm C.B.Security Novices' Hurdle (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (Div II) (Class 4) (4yo+) 1m 7f 169y RTV

 

Tip: Allart

 

1.50pm Henman Marquees Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) (4yo+) 2m5f55y RTV

 

Tip: I’m Wiser Now

 

2.20pm Cobnobs Handicap Chase (Class 3) (5yo+ 0-130) 2m 4f 11y RTV

 

Tip: At Its Own Expense

 

2.55pm Join Racing TV Now Mares' Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) (4yo+ 0-125) 2m7f174y RTV

 

Tip: Winter Getaway

 

3.30pm Highflyer Bloodstock Open Hunters' Chase (Class 5) (5yo+) 2m 7f 171y RTV

 

Tip: Alcala

 

4.00pm Conods Mobile Catering Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Class 4) (4-6yo) 1m 6f 7y RTV

 

Tip: Litigate

 

For results, full racecards and tips check Racing Post