Cootehill to be rewarded for consistency at Ludlow

By Stephen, bettingexpert.com | Edited 10:02 29.04.2012

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Nigel Twiston Davies has his stable in blistering form and his ultra consistent Cootehill can land Ludlow's featured handicap chase at 4.25 this afternoon.

The 8-y-o won over this trip at Leicester in December and has remained in terrific form since over three miles at today's venue. He has travelled smoothly and appeared sure to prevail turning for home the last twice, until tiring when driven between the last two at this sharp course. The drop back to 2m4f seems ideal and the easing ground will be against many of his principal rivals for the £12,000 prize money.

Main danger may come from Evan Williams unexposed Drumbaloo. He has improved markedly since joining this yard, winning on his chasing debut over 3m here last month and shaping much better than the bare result when a remote second at Cheltenham 11 days ago. These easier fences will suit and a more positive ride seems assured in a more suitable contest.

Tatispout is a headstrong keen-goer who has failed to start twice recently and clearly has a mind of his own. He was travelling best when falling four out in a conditionals handicap last time out, but the recent rain easing conditions means his stamina may ebb in the closing stages here.

Darceys Dancer will interest the number crunchers. He is now fully 18lb below the mark he finished a decent third at Ascot in October, and hinted he may be returning to form when rallying strongly at Newbury in March. Any support in the betting near the off would be a huge clue his astute yard had him readied, but stable jockey Paul Moloney prefers Drumbaloo.

Cool Friend is a consistent type but ran poorly last time out when his jumping became rather ragged. His best efforts come when the ground rides on top and he may have had enough for the time being after a busy season, while topweight Song Sung Blue never went a yard last time at Aintree and seems to have lost his way.

In summary, a competitive handicap to "start" the new jumps campaign. Cootehill goes very well round here and will relish the drop in trip having just failed to stay three miles recently. At around 5-1 this morning he is a solid each way proposition to assert late on under Sam Twiston-Davies.

Stephen's Sunday Nap Quarton 2.10 Ludlow

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