Ruby makes a quick visit to Ludlow Ruby Walsh visits Ludlow for a couple of mounts at the start of the programme and the Kildare man will have plenty of punters rowing in behind him. He begins in the 12.30, on the grey, Royal Collonges. A half-brother to Neptune Collognes, Royal Collonges was fully expected to make a winning debut for Paul Nicholls at Chepstow 30 days ago but on a rotten day for Manor Farm Stables he was beaten into third at odds of 4/9 by subsequent winner and top-prospect, Tell Massini. In the Sizing Europe ownership of Ann & Alan Potts, it will be a surprise if Royal Collonges can't leave that effort behind him now dropping down in distance. Truckers Hall, a grand type when with Jimmy Mangan, is one of Royal Collonges' most interesting rivals as he begins life with his new trainer, Tom George. Meanwhile Nicholls said the following of Walsh's second ride, Hell's Bay in a stable tour: "Impressive winner of the Grade Two Persian War Novice Hurdle first time out last season who failed to find that form in four subsequent runs. A novice chaser for this season who has undergone a breathing operation to help him keep his form; he goes well fresh and should be winning chases this year." Hell's Bay faces six rivals (one of them actually doubtful) and he looks certain to be a popular market-choice.
