3.25 Ludlow: the one race you do not want to miss on Thursday

3.25 Ludlow
Forbra Gold Cup Handicap Chase | 3m | 5yo+ | RTV

Cap St Vincent scrambled home on his first start beyond an extended two and a half miles when scoring over two miles seven at Taunton last time, and would probably have been caught by the rallying Lord Bryan in a couple more strides. The big question is whether he can see out an extra furlong on a course that is not quite as sharp as Taunton. If he stays the distance he could easily follow up.

A strong traveller who powers through his races, the seven-year-old will need them to go a good gallop and Roll Again is unlikely to disappoint. The Venetia Williams-trained horse made all when scoring over course and distance in December and probably went off too quickly when failing to fire in a Grade 2 at Warwick last time.

This is a drop in class for Roll Again but he won’t have it all his own way in front with Station Master in the line up. Kim Bailey’s representative likes to push the pace and stamina is his strong suit. His rider David Bass will need to draw the sting out of the speedier types like Cap St Vincent around this easy circuit, but if he goes too quickly he might just set it up for them.

This is a fascinating race from a tactical perspective but a trappy one to bet in as the other three runners – Bobo Mac, Head To The Stars and Another Venture – also hold strong claims. All three come into the race after below-par efforts last time though, and need to bounce back.
Race analysis by Graeme Rodway

What the stats say

Venetia Williams, who runs Roll Again, has form figures of 154P314 in this race.

Chester Williams partners Another Venture and has ridden more winners at Ludlow than any other track, except Wincanton.

What the trainers say

Venetia Williams, trainer of Roll Again
He's going back to a course he's run well at before. Nothing came to light after his last run at Warwick and I hope we can get him back on track.

Kim Bailey trainer of Another Venture and Station Master
Another Venture would have a place chance. He gave a good showing at Chepstow in December but didn't run particularly well at Cheltenham last time. There will be other days however and he'll run very well in this if all goes to plan. Station Master has had a difficult season because he's a good-ground horse and is high enough in the handicap. The ground won't necessarily suit him, but hopefully he'll get spring ground shortly.

Tim Vaughan, trainer of Cap St Vincent
He's in good form and everything is right. Charlie [Price] has ridden him before so that's all grand but I'd just be a bit concerned the ground is too heavy. I'm hoping the wind helps dry it out.

Henry Daly, trainer of Head To The Stars
He ran a very solid race in the Classic Chase at Warwick last time and I was pleased with him. He'll like the ground and the trip is no issue, so hopefully he'll run well.
Reporting by James Burn

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