TimeformBlog

Donald McCain and Jason Maguire combined for a treble at Bangor yesterday and the pair can get off to the best possible start at Ludlow today via hurdling debutant Call Back (14:30) in the opening two-mile novice event. Call Back was much improved on his second start when winning a Newcastle bumper in December and was not disgraced in a hot Cheltenham event (third won next time) at the beginning of January that usually works out well, suggesting that he could be one to take seriously once sent hurdling. He gets the chance to prove that synopsis correct in what looks a winnable race this afternoon and, while Call Back's owner will be hoping for Supreme Novices' success with another son of Beat Hollow in the shape of Cinders And Ashes at the upcoming Cheltenham Festival, he can celebrate a victory in his black and green silks more immediately this afternoon.

A vacation to America, albeit a working one, doesn't seem to have done Joe Le Taxi (16:50) any favours judged on his efforts since returning from a couple of starts at Arlington last May/June. A four-time all-weather winner (included on today's fibresand), Joe Le Taxi has shown far from winning ability in his last four outings, his latest ninth of 10 at Lingfield highlighting his struggle for form. Granted he's slipping down the weights as a result, but he looks one to be wary of at present and strikes as a place lay in the six-furlong handicap at Southwell.

Apprentice rider Justin Newman has acquired plenty of admirers in his fledgling career so far and the 5-lb claimer can partner a winner for his boss Bryan Smart this evening courtesy of Hambleton (17:40) in the opening sprint handicap at Kempton. Admittedly the five-year-old has only won one race to date, taking a Redcar amateur riders' maiden off a BHA rating of just 45 in May of last year, but he has shaped well at Wolverhampton on his last two outings since returning from a three-month break and he looks primed to be competitive of a mark of 50 today. The return to six furlongs will suit Hambleton and he's been handed the bonus of stall one.

Back Call Back @ 3.55 in the 14:30 at Ludlow
Lay Joe Le Taxi @ 1.87 for a place in the 16:50 at Southwell
Back Hambleton @ 6.8 in the 17:40 at Kempton

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