Timeform Daily: Wednesday, Ludlow 15:50

Ludlow is the venue of Wednesday's Race of the Day.

Timeform analyse the 15:50 at Ludlow, a handicap chase over two and a half miles...

Cootehill jumped soundly when resuming winning ways over C&D in April from Cadoudalas, but below best since returning from a break in the autumn. Becoming well treated if finding his old dash after a break.

Oscar Hill was hooded when winning over hurdles at Huntingdon (claimer) and Taunton (seller) in November. Left Gordon Elliott after latest start, and no easy task back in handicaps/over fences for new yard.

Grandioso matched pick of hurdles form when scoring on chase bow at Wincanton in December, and not disgraced there last time. Remains open to improvement in this sphere, so merits respect now handicapping.

Comehomequietly was enterprisingly ridden when just denied over fences at Ffos Las in August, but not been able to build on that, and ran poorly (made numerous errors) at Newbury in December. Plenty to prove now.

Siberian Tiger got back to form when third in a 3m handicap hurdle at Ffos Las in November. Better than bare result over fences next time, but ran poorly there on Saturday, and is building up a patchy profile.

Cadoudalas was successful 3 times over fences in 2010/11, and runner-up over C&D on return. Not fired since, however, and headgear now reached for after dropping out tamely at Chepstow last month.

Valmari is pretty useful when jumping holds up over fences, adding to tally in a C&D novice last month despite again making mistakes. Can't afford to take such liberties here, but remains of interest.

Moulin de la Croix has been successful 3 times this season for Nigel Twiston-Davies, and fair start for new yard when third over hurdles at Wetherby in November. Not at best since, and no easy lead in prospect here.

Timeform 1-2-3:
1. Valmari
2. Grandioso
3. Cootehill

Timeform Verdict: Valmari can't afford to take the same chances as she did here last time, but is undeniably well handicapped in form terms, and is worth chancing to get round without mishap. Grandioso is unexposed and respected for his in-form yard, while C&D winner Cootehill is capable of bouncing back from some lacklustre efforts.

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