It’s not often a midweek maiden
hurdle attracts our attention, but the Bitterley Point to Point 1st
April Maiden Hurdle (2.00) at Ludlow on Wednesday has attracted 16
runners, many of whom have the potential to be significantly better
than they have shown so far. With the leading bookmakers offering 9/1
bar the first four in the betting, we couldn’t resist a dabble at
long odds.
The first one that takes our eye is
Calling Des Blins (20/1), one of two runners trained by Dan
Skelton. The daughter of Konig Turf, who has produced some useful
from his first crop of 5-year-olds in 2017, showed signs of ability
on both starts in bumpers for Harry Fry last season, but finished
only eighth of nine, beaten 27 lengths, in an ordinary novice hurdle
at Taunton in January on her debut for her new yard. A winner in
France on her sole start as a 3-year-old, she is surely better than
her rather dismal debut over hurdles and could go well at a decent
price.
Our Delboy (33/1) has been well
beaten on both starts so far, including in a similar race over course
and distance four weeks ago and may simply need more time. However,
he comes from an excellent family, and from a yard in excellent form,
so it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if he was to reward patient
handling with an improved performance on just his second start over
obstacles.
Johanos (16/1) was placed on
both starts in bumpers and far from disgraced when fifth of 10,
beaten 17½ lengths, behind Air Force One at Taunton last month on
his hurdling debut. The winner franked the form in no uncertain terms
when winning the Les Ambassadeurs Casino Handicap Hurdle at Ascot
last Saturday, off a handicap mark of 138 so, with trainer Nigel
Hawke among the winners in the last week or so, Johanos looks one to
take very seriously indeed.
Selections: Ludlow 2.00 Calling
Des Blins (20/1 with bet365), Our Delboy (33/1 with Paddy
Power and Betfair Sportsbook), Johanos (16/1 with bet365)
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