Breaking It Down: Murt Khan tips at Ludlow

Recommended Bets

1pt win Nicolas Chauvelin in 4.00 Ludlow at 7/2 - Fast-run race could suit him if he settles in the early stages

1pt win Un Beau Roman in 4.00 Ludlow at 10/1 - Perhaps not the best-treated in the race but could bounce back here with plenty in his favour

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4.00 Ludlow preview

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The first thing that immediately stands out in this two-mile handicap chase is that it's likely to be run at a fair pace.

Deadly Approach is a horse who enjoys going from the front and has run some solid races.  Ludlow is a track he has shown his form at and he is unlucky not to have two wins to his name over the course and distance.

Fair Loch had been running with credit on the All-weather in March and he switched back to chasing last time out and was very unlucky to be collared late, having jumped in exemplary fashion from the front.

NICOLAS CHAUVIN has made the running before as he can be keen when in behind. With a decently-run race on the cards, connections will most likely be a bit more patient with him and he is of interest if settling today.

Noche de Reyes has finished runner-up four times in his last six starts. He's slowly slipping down the ratings and it would be no surprise for him to be involved in the finish once again.

Thank You Very Much has had a very consistent year and on the book he is entitled to go close. However, he tends to get a bit low at his fences and around Ludlow at pace I have an inkling he may hit the odd fence, which could make things tough for him.

UN BEAU ROMAN started last season in impressive fashion winning a competitive handicap at Cheltenham's Open meeting and followed that run with a very creditable second to Eastlake.

He then lost his form, disappointing next time at Doncaster, and he had a tough task in the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual at Chelteham where he broke a blood vessel.  

Last month connections stepped him up to two miles, five and a half furlongs, and he showed his trademark high cruising speed, but struggled to see out the trip. This was a much more promising run.

He may not be the best-handicapped horse in the race but I feel conditions are right for him to run to his best and at a best price of 10/1 at the time of writing represents a bit of value.

Saturday's Review - 3.10 Haydock Park - 2nd

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Evan Williams continued his fine record in the Swinton Hurdle with runaway winner John Constable. Having been heavily supported throughout the day he is now likely to take a hammering from the handicapper - connections also indicated that a Flat campaign could await. OPTIMUS PRIME went the other way in the market, but ran with a lot of credit finishing second. Held up off a decent pace, he made his move two out and ran on well without troubling the winner. 

Saturday's Review - 7.30 Warwick - 1st 4/1 (adv 5/1)

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GOLDEN BIRTHDAY was a worthy winner and is value for more than the winning margin suggests. Brahms de Clermont set out from the front with the absence of Robin Of Locksley and still looked a bit green, he faded into fourth and will come into his own over chases. Red Indian ran on well and looked threatening as Golden Birthday ran around in front for much of the home straight. He still has scope for improvement. 

Saturday's Eyecatcher - 2.20 Hexham

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I'm not sure what RIGHT OF REPLY beat in this contest, but there was nevertheless a lot to like about him for the future. A strong sort who has already run in a few point to points, he looks the type who will keep improving and make into a really nice staying chaser with some cut in the ground. He reportedly goes to the Doncaster sales and is sure to attract a bit of interest.  

Follow Murt on Twitter at @purple_n_gold1  

Posted at 0935 BST on 14/05/17.