Longing to return to Ludlow...

There's some decent jump racing to look forward to this weekend. Cheltenham holds its first meeting of the new season over two days on Friday and Saturday while Kempton hosts its first meeting on Sunday with WBX.COM sponsoring most of the card. I went to Kempton this time last year but, prior to that, I'd always tried to get to Ludlow as it's a most pleasant spot, particularly on a sunny autumn afternoon. Pictured is a view across the paddock looking out to the Shropshire hills, taken from the grandstand roof.

In the Shropshire Handicap Hurdle due off at 3.50 I see connections have opted to run Herecomestanley as this looks easier than the two entries the horse held in races at Cheltenham. This race used to be a Class Three event run over three miles but recently it's been downgraded to a Class Four and is now run over the shorter trip of two miles five. First place prize money is over five thousand which is reasonable for the time of year.

Sadly, once again I won't make it to Ludlow. If I were there, I'd be looking for something to take on Herecomestanley as he's likely to start odds-on. The Racing Post have put up Dasher Reilly as a horse who might be up to the task and, at around 5/1, he'd appeal as a sporting bet. I'll be watching Bauhaus in the 4.50 while the concluding bumper looks between The Hairy Mutt, Hold Em and The Good Guy. The entry in the form book following The Hairy Mutt's latest victory is most complimentary; as Hold Em has been running over further in points I'd take The Hairy Mutt to gain the upper hand.