In the opening Family Day on 8th May Novices’ Hurdle (2.10) at Ludlow on Tuesday, Ozzie The Oscar carries a 13lb penalty for winning both starts over hurdles so far, but has done so with plenty in hand and can complete a hat-trick. Philip Hobbs has a 23% strike rate with his hurdlers at the Shropshire track over the last five seasons, rising to 33% for the 2015/16 season, and looks to have excellent prospects of improving that record.
Later on the Ludlow card, in the Eddie Mapp Memorial “Grassroots” Hunters’ Chase (5.10), Tugboat did well to overhaul Hazy Tom over course and distance two weeks ago on ground that appeared plenty lively enough for him and, with the benefit of that run, may be capable of following up. His previous record when fresh is less-than-stellar, so he could be open to significant improvement, even as an 8-year-old, on just his second run back after nearly a year off. He looks the one to beat in a race where form, especially winning form, under rules is something of a rarity.
Selections: Ludlow 2.10 Ozzie The Oscar, Ludlow 5.10 Tugboat, 1-point Win Double
