Racing preview for Thursday, January 21

The six-year-old was a winner for Pascal Bary in France back in 2013 but his victory of last weekend, Freud had failed to land a real blow in seven starts for Williams.

Indeed, he had finished stone last on a couple of occasions but his fourth place at Wolverhampton in early January hinted at a bit of ability, which he duly showed when winning by three-quarters of a length at Chelmsford.

Freud showed a nice turn of foot to quicken away and the fact Williams is eager to make a speedy return to the racecourse should be noted.

While the Dalakhani gelding must shoulder a 6lb penalty here, he is expected to put up another good show for 3lb George Downing.

Clive Clifton is another who makes a swift return to the fray having been narrowly denied victory last week.

Yet to hit the target in 11 starts, he appreciated a drop in company when beaten just a head at Kempton by a rival who appears to be on the upgrade.

David Evans turns him out again quickly in the toteplacepot Racing’s Favourite Bet Handicap before the handicapper has chance to reassess his mark.

Connections of What Could She Be will be hoping for victory in the Coral Handicap at Southwell with a date at the sales on the horizon.

The Dark Angel filly is due to go through the ring at Doncaster at the end of the month and a win here would certainly augment her price a little. She struck gold over a mile at this track back in November and while the step up to 12 furlongs is not certain to suit, it is an interesting move.

* Selections

Ludlow: 12.50 Mystic Sky, 1.20 Kalane, 1.55 Altesse De Guye, 2.30 Benenden, 3.05 Baden, 3.40 Topthorn, 4.15 Mac Gregory.

Wincanton: 1.35 Present Man, 2.10 Elenika, 2.45 Shockingtimes, 3.20 Mystery Code, 3.55 Kassis, 4.25 Querry Horse.

Chelmsford: 5.10 Clive Clifton, 5.40 Bushel, 6.10 FREUD (NAP), 6.40 Summer Music, 7.10 Mambo Fever, 7.40 Camdora 8.10 Divine Call.

Southwell: 12.40 Ertidaad, 1.10 What Could She Be, 1.45 Never Say, 2.20 Kaisan, 2.55 Moonlight Venture, 3.30 Stun Gun, 4.05 Final.

Gowran: 12.55 Cradle Mountain, 1.25 Bleu Berry, 2.00 Prince Of Scars, 2.35 Ice Cool, 3.10 Rule The World, 3.45 Tell Us More, 4.20 Tamlough Boy.

Double: Freud and Altesse De Guye.