Sun to rise at Ludlow

LONDON: Deep Sunset looks the day’s best bet to make a winning debut over fences at Ludlow today.

The Nicky Henderson-trained mare was due to retire to the paddocks this season but could delay that career move by getting off the mark in the Tattersalls (Ireland) EBF Mares’ Only Novices’ Chase.

Her form in top-notch handicap hurdles stands head and shoulders above what has been achieved by the majority of her rivals this term.

And lack of experience over the larger obstacles is rarely an issue for Henderson’s string, who are well-schooled at home.

Physically, Deep Sunset has enough scope to adapt to fences and being by Supreme Leader out of a Deep Run mare, her breeding provides another positive pointer.

Regal Vision can cause a turn-up in the day’s live Lunchtime race, the Moore Scott Handicap Hurdle.

Clive Cox’s charge was all at sea in testing conditions at Doncaster on his latest start but has some decent form on the sort of surface he should encounter here. This return to three miles will also help and off a temptingly low mark, Regal Vision is well worth chancing.

Recent course winner Nonantais can repeat the feat in the Royal Bath & West ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton.

Mark Bradstock’s gelding has shown progressive form over hurdles and opened his jumping account at the Somerset track in game fashion last time out when holding off by half a length from smart Flat performer Man O’Mystery after making all the running. Nonantais may be flattered by that result as the runner-up was making his jumping debut but even so he should not be overlooked today.

On the sand at Southwell, Kent is worth supporting in the Littlewoods Bet Direct Handicap.

Kent is an old friend to many followers of all-weather racing, who often comes to hand at this time of year and wins a handful before he goes off the boil.

Age does not seem to have dulled much of his talent and he should be able to give the weight away and notch an eighth win at the course.

SELECTIONS:

LUDLOW: 12.45 Regal Vision, 1.20 DEEP SUNSET (NAP), 1.50 Dantes Venture, 2.25 Keltic Heritage, 2.55 Saddler’s Quest, 3.30 Dancetillyoudrop, 4.00 Mrs Philip.

TAUNTON: 2.15 Nonantais, 2.45 Dealer Del, 3.20 Bacardi Boy, 3.50 Massenet, 4.25 Adalie, 4.55 Irbee, 5.25 Fast King.

SOUTHWELL: 2.05 Beauchamp Rose, 2.35 Favorisio, 3.05 Aleron, 3.40 Kent, 4.10 Penwell Hill, 4.40 Quiet Times, 5.10 Mr Pertemps.
DOUBLE: Deep Sunset and Kent.