Good Ground Sets Up Cracking Evening at Ffos Las
Right then, settle in for what promises to be a grand evening's sport at Ffos Las on Wednesday. The Welsh venue serves up six races under lights, and with the going reading Good, Good to Soft in places, we've got proper jumping conditions that'll separate the wheat from the chaff. That soil moisture reading of 53 tells you everything - it's riding faster than you might expect for early May, which could catch a few punters napping.
The card kicks off at 17:42 and runs through until past eight o'clock, giving us plenty to chew over. While there's no Grade 1 action here, don't be fooled - these handicaps and novice contests often throw up the future stars, and I've spotted a few that'll be worth following through the summer months.
Feature Race: Mercedes-Benz Novices' Hurdle the Main Event
The pick of the card is undoubtedly the 18:12 Mercedes-Benz Novices' Hurdle, a Class 4 affair worth £10,000 to the winner over 2m 1f. Fourteen runners have been declared, and leading the charge is **Flash Man** for Toby Lawes, rated a healthy 110 and sporting the services of Tom Cannon in the saddle.
Now, Flash Man caught my eye when making a winning debut over timber last time out, and this four-year-old looks the type to progress through the grades. At 110, he's got 10lb in hand of his nearest rival on the ratings, which in a novice contest is often enough to seal the deal. The good ground will suit his style, and Cannon's 5lb claim could prove crucial if this turns into a battle up the hill.
But don't go backing him blind just yet. **Bahati Bahati** for Gordon Treacy brings solid form to the table, and at 100 on the ratings, he's no mug. Non Runner connections will be disappointed to miss this one, but that's racing for you.
Course Specialists and Ground Conditions Key
Looking through the Ffos Las racecard, the course and distance winners jump off the page like a good pint of Guinness. In the opening conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle, **Miss Goldfire** carries both the [C,D] tags and sits joint-top of the weights at 103. Ciaran O'Shea takes the ride for Harry Fry, and this seven-year-old mare knows exactly what's required around here.
The good ground plays right into her hands too - she's shown her best form when the surface has pace in it, and that 53 reading suggests we're getting just that. At 7/1 in the early markets, she represents each-way value in what looks a competitive heat.
Over in the 3m 1f handicap chase, **Friends Don't Ask** brings that crucial course and distance form for Clare Ellam. This eleven-year-old veteran might be getting on, but he's a different animal when the ground's in his favour. The extended trip will suit his staying style, and Tom Cannon's booking suggests connections fancy their chances.
Trainers in Form and Jockey Bookings
The Moore brothers - Gary and Josh - have a right good team here tonight, saddling runners in four of the six races. Their **Mystical Mabel** in the novices' limited handicap hurdle looks particularly interesting. This four-year-old is rated 88 but could be well ahead of that mark based on her recent schooling reports.
Harriet Tucker gets the leg up on **Jamaicaine** in the opener, and this combination has clicked before. Tucker's 7lb claim brings the mare down to a workable mark, and Neil Mulholland's string are in grand form at present.
Keep an eye on Dylan Johnston too - he's got three rides on the card and has been among the winners regularly of late. His mount **Washington Singer** in the opener could outrun his odds, while **Alto Alto** in the 2m 3f chase brings solid claims despite a tricky draw.
Dark Horses and Each-Way Specials
If you're looking for a bit of value, cast your eye over **Herbygoesbananas** in the opener. Now there's a name that'll stick with you! This five-year-old is trained by the shrewd Henrietta Knight and has James Turner in the saddle. At 97 on the ratings, he's dropped to a mark that could see him competitive, and the good ground will suit his front-running style.
In the bumper finale, **The Drunken Sailor** appeals at likely big odds. This four-year-old from the Chris Gordon stable has been working well at home, and bumpers often throw up surprises when the market leaders fail to fire.
The 2m 3f chase also holds appeal for the each-way punter. **I Shut That d'Or** tops the weights but brings course form, while **Majestic Moment** could be the value play with course and distance form in his favour.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
**Win bet: Flash Man** (18:12) - The class horse in the feature race with conditions to suit
**Each-way special: Miss Goldfire** (17:42) - Course winner dropping back in trip with good ground in her favour
**Saver: Herbygoesbananas** (17:42) - Interesting outsider for the shrewd Knight yard
The evening's racing should provide plenty of entertainment, and with that good ground holding firm, we're set for some honest jumping. Remember, these smaller tracks often produce the biggest surprises, so keep your powder dry and don't be afraid to take a chance on the outsiders. Sláinte!
