Welsh Valleys Welcome Evening Action
Right then, racing fans, it's off to the Welsh valleys we go for a proper Thursday evening session at Ffos Las. Six races on the card tonight, and while it might not be the most glamorous meeting you'll see this season, there's still plenty of sport to be had on what looks like ideal jumping ground.
The going is posted as Good, Good to Soft in places with a Summer Reading of 52 – that's about as perfect as you'll get for mid-May racing. None of this rock-hard summer nonsense or winter bog, just proper jumping conditions that'll suit the honest types and give the front-runners a fair crack of the whip.
Tonight's Ffos Las racecard is headlined by the Mercedes-Benz of Chichester Mares' Maiden Hurdle at 5:34, a Class 4 affair worth £10,000 to the winner. It's the pick of the evening's entertainment, and with ten fillies and mares lining up over two miles and a furlong, we should see some proper racing.
Feature Race: Mares' Maiden Hurdle Holds the Key
The evening's main event sees ten ladies battle it out, and there's some serious talent on show despite the maiden tag. Shutfrontdoor stands out like a sore thumb here – she's the only one with an official rating (105) and crucially holds both course and distance form. The Gary and Josh Moore-trained five-year-old has Freddie Mitchell in the saddle, and at this level, class usually tells.
But don't go backing her blindly, because Hidden Fortune looks the business for the Skelton team. Harry Skelton wouldn't be making the trip to Wales for any old plodder, and Dan Skelton's yard is flying at the moment. The five-year-old daughter of Getaway has been working well by all accounts, and this looks a perfect starting point.
Keep an eye on Flash Bardot as well – Henrietta Knight doesn't send many runners these days, but when she does, they're usually well-schooled and ready to do themselves justice. Brendan Powell takes the ride, and his experience could prove invaluable in what might turn into a tactical affair.
Handicap Hurdle Holds Surprises
The 6:10 KSR Lighting Handicap Hurdle over two miles and three furlongs looks a proper puzzle, but that's where the value often lies. Bel Ombre tops the weights on 108 but has course form and looks well-handicapped despite the burden. Neil Mulholland's six-year-old has Conor O'Farrell doing the steering, and this longer trip should suit down to the ground.
Motazzen is another with course and distance form, and at eight years old, he knows his job. Henrietta Knight again, with Brendan Powell aboard – there's definitely a theme developing here with the Knight/Powell combination looking well-fancied tonight.
The interesting runner might be Khalk'eau Spigao at the bottom of the weights. Four-year-olds don't often win these staying handicaps, but Chris Gordon's charge gets a featherweight and could outrun his odds if the pace collapses.
Chasing Action Provides Excitement
The novice handicap chase at 6:40 sees Ballyfinn as the class act on paper, rated 97 and with course form to boot. Anthony Honeyball's eight-year-old has been knocking on the door and this looks his chance to get his head in front over fences.
Don't overlook Thickthorn Tom though – another for the Skelton team, and Harry Skelton clearly fancies his chances with two rides on the card. The six-year-old is lightly raced over fences and could be anything.
Later in the evening, the V2 Radio Handicap Chase doubles as an ARC Summer Chase Series Qualifier, which adds a bit of spice to proceedings. Saint Polo looks the one to beat here, with the Jennie Candlish-trained six-year-old holding a class advantage at the weights.
Bumper to Close the Show
The evening concludes with a competitive-looking bumper featuring some well-bred sorts making their debuts. Red One from the Nicky Henderson yard with Nico de Boinville aboard screams class, while Short Sell gives the Skeltons another strong chance with Harry Skelton completing what could be a profitable evening.
The going conditions will suit the more galloping types in this finale, and with twelve runners, it should provide a fitting end to the evening's entertainment.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
Hidden Fortune in the mares' maiden hurdle looks the bet of the evening – the Skelton team are in flying form, and Harry wouldn't be making the journey for a no-hoper. At what should be decent odds, she's the value play.
Bel Ombre in the handicap hurdle appeals as an each-way proposition, while Thickthorn Tom could provide another winner for the Skelton team in the novice chase.
For the brave punters, a small each-way punt on Red One in the bumper might pay dividends – Henderson bumper debutants are always worth a second look, and the breeding suggests this one could be anything.
All in all, a solid evening's racing awaits in the Welsh valleys. The ground is perfect, the fields are competitive, and there's enough quality on show to make it worth your while. Sláinte to that!
