Timeform Radio Tips: Aurora to light up Doncaster's card

David Cleary suggests bets at Doncaster and Ludlow.

David Cleary reckons he has found winners at Doncaster and Ludlow this afternoon...

Doncaster and Ludlow offer competitive jumps cards to liven up a mid-week afternoon, with the novice hurdle at 15.25 at Doncaster potentially the high spot. The 2011 Champion Bumper winner Cheltenian makes his belated hurdling debut in a strong race, with the runner-up in the 2012 renewal of that race New Year's Eve also lining up, along with Valdez, Minella Forfitness and Snake Eyes, who have all shown themselves well above average. In short, this is more a race to watch and learn from and there look to be better betting options elsewhere.

The preceding veterans chase at Doncaster, due off at 14:50, has an open and competitive look to it. There are cases to be made for Swing Bill, who was in good form before Christmas, Corkage, who usually goes well at Doncaster and was unsuited by very testing ground here last time, the in-form Dashing George and Marufo but all four look to be where the handicapper wants them, so this could well be between Monkerty Tunkerty and Auroras Encore. Monkerty Tunkerty is an unexposed sort to be running in this type of race. He wasn't seen to best advantage when more patiently ridden than usual at Newbury last time and a return to more prominent tactics should be noted. However, the BHA handicapper has taken a real chance with Auroras Encore's mark, having been dropped 13 lb since the start of the season. Auroras Encore shaped better than the distance beaten in the Classic Chase at Warwick last time, when the hold-up tactics employed were no use the way things developed. Today's lesser company and the prospect of optimum ground conditions point to a bold effort from Auroras Encore and he rates the best bet in the race.

The feature race at Ludlow, at 15:45, is a competitive handicap hurdle, with Ultimate, Dreambrook Lady and Drussell all having solid claims. However, the strongest form chance is held by Rowlestone Lad. His BHA mark of 113 looked stiff enough when beaten off it at Taunton in December, but that race worked out really well, the first two winning since and the fourth going very close to doing so. Off the same mark here, Rowlestone Lad is sure to give a bold show himself. 

Timeform Radio Tips:
Back Auroras Encore @ 9.28/1 in the 14:50 at Doncaster
Back Rowlestone Lad @ 5.49/2 in the 15:45 at Ludlow

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