Timeform Daily: Thursday, Ludlow 15:30

Thursday's race of the day comes from Ludlow

Timeform examine each runner in a class 3 handicap chase at Ludlow...

Zarrafakt produced a smart performance when landing a 25f Wincanton handicap 13 months ago. Jumped poorly/looked none too keen both subsequent outings and something to prove after another break.

Pearlysteps took his form to a new level when second in a 3m Haydock handicap in January 2012. Shaped well on belated reappearance at Exeter recently, and enters calculations if building on that.

Buck Mulligan jumped soundly when deservedly resuming winning ways at Sedgefield (2m) in November. No problem with longer trip and capable fresh, but revised mark just about sums him up. 

Cootehill has largely run respectably since last win over shorter here in April. Just about stays this far, but rare poor effort on return visit here last time leaves him with questions to answer.

The Chazer was good as ever when getting back on the scoresheet at Doncaster (19f) this month, but up in the weights as a result, and stamina/well being to prove following his recent Haydock fall.

Grove Pride was fortunate to make a winning chase bow at Exeter (3m) in November (left clear last), but plenty to prove following a couple of lesser efforts since, shaping as if amiss at Kempton in December.

Politeo cashed in off a sliding mark in good style at Wincanton (21f) in January. Stays this far, and very much of interest again, despite subsequent 8 lb rise.

Ballyoliver is a consistent sort who has been in the grip of the assessor since last win at Newbury (3m) in December. Not as fluent as usual last time, though, and this hardly any easier.

Requin has shown signs that he was getting back on track when fourth at Stratford (21f) in October, but quickly back in the doldrums after a break in cheekpieces in December, and yet to prove he stays this far.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Pearlysteps
2. Politeo
3. Buck Mulligan

Timeform View: Pearlysteps was runner-up off a 2 lb higher mark in a Grade 2 Haydock handicap last season, and may prove too strong for recent winner Politeo, following his promising reappearance. The consistent Buck Mulligan may fare best of the rest.

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