Ludlow test for Racing Demon
Trainer Henrietta Knight has confirmed the six-year-old will now run in the Concha Y Toro Wines Novices’ Chase rather than tackle a similar event at Newbury the day before.
Knight has been persuaded towards running at Ludlow as regular pilot Timmy Murphy will be available and she feels the easy track will be ideal as Racing Demon steps up in trip.
She explained: “The two courses he’s run on so far this season have hills in them. Ludlow is a flat, sharp course and they might have gone too quick for him over two, but two and a half should be fine.”
Although Racing Demon is the general 5-1 joint-favourite along with Accordion Etoile for the Arkle, Knight does not see Thursday’s race as a penalty kick.
She added: “Paul Nicholls has said he will run Taranis, who looked very good when he won at Newbury and he could give us a race.”
Meanwhile, Martin Pipe has multiple options at the five-day stage ahead of the Totesport Classic Steeplechase at Warwick on Saturday.
The champion trainer has impressive Cheltenham scorer Joaaci, Comply or Die, who was fourth in the Hennessy, and Control Man in at this stage and will decide on which horses take their chance later in the week.
All three are owned by champion owner David Johnson, who said yesterday: “I’ve no idea what we will run yet. We will have to see later in the week what kind of chances they have.”
Baron Windrush, who won the race last year, will attempt back-to-back victories and Sir Rembrandt, who has been placed in the past two Cheltenham Gold Cups, could also take his chance.
Crystal d’Ainay, who was fourth in the Welsh National on only his second run over fences in Britain, has an entry, along with Scottish National winner Joes Edge from Ferdy Murphy’s yard.
Ladbrokes bet: 4-1 Joaaci, 7-1 Dead-Eyed Dick, 8-1 Eurotrek, 9-1 Baron Windrush, 10-1 Artic Jack, Double Honour, 12-1 Comply Or Die, Control Man, Crystal D’Ainay, Sir Rembrandt, 14-1 Campaign Trail, Dunbrody Millar, Jack High, Mini Sensation, 16-1 Merchants Friend, Shardam, 20-1 Glen Warrior, Granit D’Estruval, Major Benefit, Tribal Venture, 25-1 bar.
