This 11-1 shot can upset them at Ludlow plus two other longshot picks

SUN RACING has picked out three big tips which could land a tasty return on Thursday.

The horse racing world is gearing up for a big weekend at Cheltenham – but there are some fine horses running before then.

For a bigger return from less cash, read on to see who could land the spoils at a high price.

Each-way Thief

LORD BRYAN (2.15 Ludlow)

You’re never quite sure what you’ll get from this nine-year-old but he’s definitely up to hitting the frame at this level.

He went close at Uttoxeter two runs ago on the back of another solid run at Newton Abbot.

He’s long overdue a win but should be on the premises in an open race.

SIGURD (3.07 Sedgefield)

The booking of champion jockey Brian Hughes takes the eye as this eight-year-old returns from eight months off.

He has dropped to just 1lb higher than his win at Wetherby last Boxing Day.

The stamina test at Sedgefield should be right up his street and there are question marks over some of the market leaders.

Longshot

SOCIAL CITY (7.30 Chelmsford) is a big price if finding anything like his best form.

He has had some help from the handicapper after a couple of modest runs. But he has plenty of decent outings on his CV with his best efforts on the all-weather.

This trip is ideal and this doesn’t look the strongest race, even for a class six contest at Chelmsford.

Aside from these, SunSport resident tipster Templegate has picked a horse in each race today.

SEDGEFIELD

11.50   Check My Pulse           

Decent Flat performer who ran well when winning two runs ago.

12.20   Grand Coureur            

Consistent and good effort when second here last time out.

12.52   Flood Defence 

Needed comeback over hurdles last time and can do better.

1.22     Millie The Minx          

Improved effort when third last time out.

1.57     Monbeg Theatre         

Fit and well weighted to win this tricky contest.

2.32     African Dance 

Showed lots of promise when third at Ludlow last time out.

3.07     Bobmahley      

Looks much better over fences than he did over hurdles.

3.40     Temple Man    

Good run at Kelso last time and repeat would be good enough.

LUDLOW

12.35   Shore Shanty   

Did well in a bumper last time and can get off the mark.

1.07     Go As You Please (nb) 

Consistent and went close again at Lingfield latest.

1.40     Valleres           

Looked good when winning at Wetherby last time out.

2.15     Versatility        

Was given too much to do when fifth at Bangor latest.

2.50     OVERPRICED MIXER (NAP)     

Flat winner who won despite being very green on hurdles debut.

3.25     Lygon Rock     

Best over this course and distance, has dropped to winning mark.

3.55     Doddiethegreat          

Well bred and comes from leading connections.

TAUNTON

1.00     Mr Caffrey       

Gone close on past two runs, doesn’t need a lot more.

1.30     Diocletian       

 Good on the Flat and should be up to this level over timber.

2.05     Tomorrow Mystery     

Landed hat-trick latest and back without a penalty.

2.40     Looksnowtlikebrian    

Jumped better at Carlisle latest and stays strongly.

3.15     Zarrar  

Has improved with every run and should be right there again.

3.45     Peterborough (treble) 

Just keeps winning and can make it four in a row.

4.15     Frau Georgia   

Still well weighted after a run of solid efforts.

CHELMSFORD

4.30     Addosh            

Traffic problems last time and good enough to win this.

5.00     Echo Beach     

Good run at York latest and has much more to offer.

5.30     Libby Ami        

Plenty in hand last time and can score again under a penalty.

6.00     Eyes     

Didn’t get run of the race when solid fifth here last time out.

6.30     Absolute Scenes         

Improved on debut when third here latest.

7.00     Aim For The Stars       

Good run to win at Wolver and fair mark for handicap debut.

7.30     Bad Attitude   

Two good seconds in a row and interesting over this longer trip.

8.00     Alsvinder         

Best over course and distance and went close at Wolver latest.