Chasing Could Make Mahler At Ludlow

It was a poor day for the blog today, with just one winner and a 2nd on a difficult day. Landofhopeandglory was impressive in the opener, and he has bigger days ahead of him. Apple's Jade prevailed in a thrilling Hatton's Grace, repelling the late challenge of Vroum Vroum Mag and showing what a tough filly she is.

Anibale Fly was given a shocker by Geraghty and, though Coney Island was a good winner, I got the impression that Anibale Fly had plenty left in the tank. Whiteout and Macnicholson never landed a blow, and Kilgefen Star was in the process of running a good race until a shuddering mistake on the final circuit.

Mahler is a promising NH Stallion.

Tomorrow I think Prince Mahler looks an interesting contender on his chasing debut in the 20f handicap at 1.00 at Ludlow. This lightly raced 6yo son of Mahler is 0 from 8 under rules, his best efforts coming in maiden hurdles at Chepstow (both 16f soft) in November last year for his former handler Caroline Keevil. He stayed on nicely for 3rd behind The Gipper on the first occasion, and again kept on well behind Maxanisi next time out.

He didn't show much on his last three starts for Keevil, and he reappeared for his new trainer Richard Woollacott at Fontwell off a mark of 100 in a good ground 21.5f handicap hurdle. He was heavily restrained early on by Tom O'Brien, and he travelled wide for much of the race. His jumping caught my eye early on, and I think that chasing could be the making of him.

He is out of a dam that is related to a trio of multiple chase winners, and all three won over today's trip of 20f. He is out of Coolmore sire Mahler, and he has produced some useful sorts already, including the exciting Grade 2 Hurdle winner Sutton Place. Mahler is still relatively young as a national hunt sire, so whether he is capable of producing quality chasers remains to be seen.

However, his daughter Presenting Mahler, bred along similar lines to the selection, won a mare's beginner's chase at Sligo before going on to earn black type by finishing 2nd in a Listed chase. I think Prince Mahler could prove to be better than his opening mark of 98 over fences, and Daryl Jacob is a good booking. He is 11/99 for Richard Woollacott (5/35 in chases) and at odds of 20/1 I think Prince Mahler is worth a couple of quid each way in an open looking race.

STEVOS' SELECTION: 1.00 LUDLOW PRINCE MAHLER E/W 20/1