Ralph's Charge Could Fit The Bill At Ludlow

I thought Agent Boru again demonstrated he is a horse with lots of ability at Leopardstown, it is just a pity he didn't get much assistance from his jockey. Posted ridiculously wide throughout he travelled further than any other horse in the race, and even so he still led them as they turned for home. The first four home flew by him between the final two flights, but he kept on well for 5th and there is a nice race to be won with him if given a bit more help from the saddle.

Alistair Ralph is having his best season yet.

At a monster price I can't resist having a small each way bet on a horse in the 2m 5f maiden hurdle at Ludlow tomorrow. Billingsley makes his first start over timber for local handler Alastair Ralph, and his stable couldn't be in better form with his last runner winning on New Year's Eve at Uttoxeter. Ralph is having something of a breakout year in the training ranks. He has sent out 9 winners from just 38 runners this season, already more than double the winners he had last year.

Clearly something seems to have clicked at Ralph's yard and Billingsley looks well overpriced for him tomorrow. This nicely bred son of Millenary returns from over a year off, his last run coming in a soft ground bumper at Chepstow when a very good 4th behind Cadeyrn. He was in a sustained duel in the closing stages and just faded late on, and he had Aye Aye Charlie 5L back in 6th, a horse since thought good enough for Listed and Graded races.

He also showed lots of promise on his debut in June 2016 when a fine 3rd beaten just over a length on good ground, but there is a bit more substance to the form of his second run. Alistair Ralph has a decent record at his local track, with 4 wins and 4 places from just 19 runners. Lee Edwards was placed on his only previous ride for the stable, Billingsley is bred for this longer trip and at odds of 66/1 he looks worth having a small bet on each way.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 13.50 LUDLOW-BILLINGSLEY E/W @ 66/1