Ludlow is one of five meetings taking place in the UK and Ireland on Thursday on what is a busy day. 

Unfortunately, Chelmsford has been abandoned, so the Essex recourse will not be hosting any action.

The opening race from Ludlow comes at 1pm, while the finale on the seven-race card is scheduled for 4pm. 

And we have picked five horses for you to follow.

1pm - Racing To School Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle (2m)

POKER MASTER got off the mark as the eighth attempt over hurdles when he scored at Huntingdon (2m) last month. 

He caused a big upset in that race, scoring by seven lengths in what was a significant improvement in his form.

The drop in trip at Huntingdon appeared to help the five-year-old. 

He has a 7lb penalty to contend with here. But if he repeats his latest performance, he should be able to add another success to his tally.

LiveScore selection: Poker Master

1.30pm - Alan Bore Belated 50th Birthday Novices' Hurdle (2m)

Recent Fakenham winner HIDOR DE BERSY is one of two horses who must carry a penalty in this race. 

He scored over this distance at Fakenham, where he made all and was able to ease up close to the finish line.

There is likely to be a lot more to come from Tom Symonds' runner. 

On paper, his strongest challenger looks set to be Knickerbockerglory. 

It is the younger horse of the two who is the most unexposed heading into this novice hurdle contest.

LiveScore selection: Hidor De Bersy

2pm - 1985 Cool, Crisp Lager Novices' Limited Handicap (2m4f)

KARL PHILIPPE scored over this C&D back in January in a six-runner field. 

He was ridden patiently by Paddy Brennan before swooping to the front of the field four fences from home.

That opening chase success could be the first of many for the novice chaser from Fergal O'Brien's yard. Expect to see him defy this 6lb rise in the weights.

LiveScore selection: Karl Philippe

3pm - Forba Gold Cup (3m)

After prevailing at this course over 2m4f back in January, JAVA POINT then stepped up in class at Cheltenham on Trials Day, finishing a respectable third of eight in a novice handicap chase.

The seven-year-old has shaped like he will appreciate this stiffer trip. 

He was successful over 3m in a points contest earlier in his career. Tom George's chaser can make a winning return to this track.

LiveScore selection: Java Point

3.30pm - Wye Valley Brewery Novices' Handicap Hurdle (2m5½f)

Former Flat raider TECHNOLOGICAL has had two appearances over hurdles so far and he has hit the frame on both occasions. 

He is now set for his opening start in handicap company off what appears to be a lenient mark.

Milton Harris is in excellent form at the moment with his horses. 

It would be no surprise to see this novice hurdler step up on what he has shown to date to improve that record for the yard.

LiveScore selection: Technological