PADDOCKS PATENT (FRIDAY)

13:20 Ludlow This 2m Handicap Chase at Ludlow throws up a fascinating duel for success between two closely rated opponents. The rivals in question are Harry Fry’s Overtown Express and Tom George’s Baby King. If the race was run over hurdles then there is nothing between them. The former’s recent experience over fences, however, has given him the edge in the eyes of the bookmakers at least. Overtown Express has already had two spins over the larger obstacles and has shown a decent level of form mainly when a solid fourth to the progressive Poker School who has won again since. That form looks strong, but it is the Tom George trained Baby King who catches the eye given he is unexposed over fences. The horse is only 2lb higher than for his last win and has placed off higher marks over hurdles, so he could be on a handy mark if taking to fences and he looks the value pick here. A Little Magic trained by Jonjo O’Neill won last time out and could take a hand here if the two main protoganists falter. BABY KING (WIN)

14:50 Ludlow The Alan King stable have started the new campaign like a house on fire and the in-form yard look to have found a golden opportunity to enhance their record. The 1m7f hurdle contest looks a perfect chance for last time out winner Fidux to follow up his narrow success on debut when winning by a head at Catterick over today’s trip. Despite the small margin of the victory, he will have learned plenty from that hurdling bow and should have more than enough in the tank to come out on top over a lacklustre field. Don Bersy ranks the biggest danger after still being well in contention before falling on his own debut at Warwick last time out, so he looks the most likely to take adavntage should the selection fail to fire. Another who could feature is the Dr Richard Newland trained Bishop of Bling who took part in a grade 2 last time out at Doncaster. Despite being a distance fourth that day, trainer clearly rates it to have some ability, but a tall task to lower the King horse so it gets the clear nod. FIDUX (WIN)

18:30 Dundalk The final selection comes from Ireland on the All weather at Dundalk. The Garvan Donnelly trained Plough Boy was a course and distance winner in November before being found out by the step back in trip three weeks ago. If you put a line through that run, then the six year old has some of the best form in the book over today’s trip and looks a massive price at double figure odds to make the frame here. The trusted hood is back on and he looks highly competitive on some of his best form so expect him to be bang there at the finish. Dance Alone was unlucky to bump into the well treated A Shin Impala last time out and so he will rate a big danger to the selection if repeating that form here tonight. The handicapper has also taken a chance with Purple Party based on his UK form and the 10lb claim from Sean Bird enhances his chance further, but neither are the most consistent of picks. The main danger may therefore come from course specialist Split the Atom. The five-time course winner got back on track with a decent fourth last time out and he would have a good chance on his very best form of troubling the selection, but will need to get the breaks from a tricky draw, so Plough Boy looks the most solid each way option. PLOUGH BOY (E/W)