Eight races to enjoy over the sticks at Ludlow on Thursday afternoon, Oct 26th, between 13.50 – 17.41.

Highly respectable field sizes in the main, and a superb afternoon of National Hunt racing is in store.

15.30 – Outlaw Peter @ Evens

A 3 mile, Class 3 handicap ‘chase. My selection runs in the famous Stewart family silks but among the owners also listed I see are Sir Alex Ferguson and Ged Mason, long-standing patrons as far as the tremendous yard of trainer Paul Nicholls is concerned.

This is a 134-rated hurdler who won on chase debut at Newton Abbot 34 days ago. The 7-yr-old gelding jumped slightly to his right at the left-handed Devon track, so if maintaining that little quirk it will be far less relevant here at right-handed Ludlow.

Outlaw Peter tends to race prominently and is entitled to improve for that first foray over the larger obstacles. Harry Cobden could well decide on a ‘catch me if you can’ policy here and in any event he’s got an awful lot going for him in what is a fascinating little contest.

16.40 – Poetic Music @ 9/4

Another steeplechase, 2m 4f this time, for mares. Poetic Music represents another top combo in Fergal O’Brien and Paddy Brennan, and is making her debut over the larger obstacles.

Signed off for last season in April at Perth when taking a novices’ hurdle, and is a former Listed bumper scorer at Cheltenham no less. At just 5 years of age she’s got any amount of potential improvement, and has been admirably consistent.

Ten career starts to date, and has already done connections proud. Took a hurdle race here earlier in her career, and for me has a bright chance of adding to that course tally on Thursday in what again is a smashing little contest.