Skelton tries Bella over longer trip

Racing: Trainer confident five-year-old can benefit after near miss at Bangor

BLACK SAM BELLA can enjoy her moment in the spotlight in the Racing UK HD Introductory Hurdle at Ludlow.

A point-to-point winner in February, she changed hands for £35,000 later that month and made a decent start for new connections when finishing second in a Uttoxeter bumper back in April.

Trainer Dan Skelton has wasted no time in sending her over obstacles, though, with the five-year-old just failing to fend off Big Penny when beaten a neck at Bangor last month.

There was much to like about that performance and it is interesting that she steps up in trip here.

RIDGEWAY FLYER made a great start for Paul Nicholls last time and can follow up in the Setsquare Recruitment Novices’ Chase at Taunton.

Formerly trained by Harry Fry, Ridgeway Flyer won twice over hurdles last term before moving to the Ditcheat handler during the summer months.

He benefited from a patient ride at Plumpton, before producing his best effort to lead 50 yards out and just win by half-a-length.

Ridgeway Flyer will surely improve for the outing and the experience and could develop into a decent type. SELECTIONS

LUDLOW: 1.25 Sunshade, 1.55 Dark Mahler, 2.25 BLACK SAM BELLA (NAP), 3.00 Cowslip, 3.30 Aunty Ann, 4.00 Cubswin.

TAUNTON: 1.05 Ridgeway Flyer, 1.35 Contented, 2.05 The Greenvet, 2.35 Mighty Missile, 3.10 Peggies Venture, 3.40 Resolution Bay, 4.10 Hattaab.

DOUBLE: Black Sam Bella and Ridgeway Flyer.