Ludlow preview: Armchair Theatre can take centre stage

David Metcalf | November 23, 2015

Armchair Theatre shaped with bags of promise on seasonal reappearance and looks a worthy favourite to open his account over the obstacles in the 2m maiden hurdle that opens proceedings on today’s card at Ludlow (13.20).

The Tim Vaughan trained gelding won his first two starts in bumpers last year in impressive fashion, before finding the step up into Grade 1 company too much when a well-beaten 15 of 19 to Barters Hill at Aintree.

However,the five-year-old always looked the type who would come into his own once sent hurdling and that view was confirmed when Armchair Theatre finished third at Ffos las earlier in the month.

Armchair view could be pure Theatre

Although eventually beaten 14 lengths by Ma Da Fou, the son of King’s Threat travelled sweetly for much of the contest and was not knocked about in very testing conditions once it was clear he would not be winning.

Armchair Theatre showed enough to suggest that he should have little difficulty winning a race of this nature, and the better ground this afternoon will definitely be in his favour.

Another plus is that both his bumper successes came at this venue, and granted normal improvement this looks a nice opening for Armchair Theatre to get off the mark over hurdles.

Tanit River could be source for punters

Vaughan looks to hold leading claims of landing a double on the card with Tanit River in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle (15.55).

The five-year-old showed improved form to land a couple of handicap back in March, and was then far from disgraced when eighth of 19 to Roll On Ruby in a competitive class 2 contest at Cheltenham off a mark of 112.

Tanit River is able to race off 1lb lower in this weaker class 4 contest, and comes into it on the back of a pleasing return to action at Ascot last month when fourth of 15 to Masterplan.

After being held-up off the pace, Tanit River kept on nicely under tender handling to be beaten 19 lengths.

That run should have blown away the cobwebs and put the son of Indian River spot on for this and, with 5lb claimer Alan Jonhs in the saddle, Tanit River looks weighted to take all the beating.

Selections

13.20: Armchair Theatre (NAP)
13.50: Policy Breach
14.20: Ballybolley
14.55: I Am Colin
15.25: Jackfield
15.55: Tanit River (NB)

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