Ludlow preview: Here’s Herbie handicapped to strike

David Metcalf | November 2, 2015

Here’s Herbie posted a cracking effort last time out and looks weighted to take all the beating in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle on today’s card at Ludlow (14.40) now eased slightly in grade.

The Sue Gardner trained seven-year-old went down by just 1/2 a length when third of 16 to Towering in a competitive contest at Cheltenham nine days ago, holding every chance at the last until being unable to find any extra close home.

It was a really solid effort which suggested Here’s Herbie would soon be back in the winners’ enclosure, and the gelding is able to race in this less competitive affair off just 2lb higher.

Here’s Herbie’s current rating of 117 is also just 3lb higher than when beating Henryville by 1 1/2 lengths in a 19-runner handicap at Exeter 19 months ago, and that gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective.

The son of Classic Cliche also has the services of Lucy Gardner in the saddle who is excellent value for her 3lb claim, and this looks a gilt edged opening for Here’s Herbie to get back on the winning trail if building on his latest effort.

Back Ordensritter for Ludlow opener

In the 2m 7f conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle that opens proceedings (13.40), Ordensritter can take advantage of what looks a handy mark to open his account over the obstacles.

The Chris Down trained gelding is yet to win in 12 starts over hurdles, but does have a couple of solid placed efforts to his name.

They include an excellent length runner-up to the unexposed River Dancing over 3m 1f at Taunton back in March, where the front two pulled 17 lengths clear of the field.