FFOS LAS RACECOURSE: Preview and tips for Thursday’s eight-race meeting

The National Hunt season is well under way, and Thursday’s eight-race card at Ffos Las promises another competitive afternoon.

It comes eight days after Dan and Harry Skelton landed a double on the jumps card here last week.

Read on for a preview of the Ffos Las card from BOYLE Sports, who have all the horse racing odds.

12.51: Two-and-a-half-mile mares’ novices’ hurdle

Fairy Park sets the standard. She won a point-to-point and was placed in both her bumpers, including the Grade 2 at Aintree’s Grand National meeting.

She should relish the longer trip now she goes hurdling, and can score on her return.

Vrheligonne was runner-up in her point and both her bumpers, and brings potential to hurdles for a good yard. Fireball Frenzy has to show she can reach the same level on her first start in over 700 days.

1.26: Two-mile novices’ hurdle, division one

Mourne Crystal looked promising when winning his point, and brings plenty of potential to rules for Ben Pauling in Harry Redknapp’s colours.

Quickkick got off the mark at the third attempt in bumpers and promises to be even better over hurdles.

Sky Grove made a winning hurdles debut at Warwick, but his penalty could leave him vulnerable. He is third choice.

2.01: Two-mile novices’ hurdle, division two

Ex-pointer Common Sense can take this. He was a good winner at the second attempt and has plenty of potential for his good yard.

Trojan Tale showed a useful level in bumpers and needs respecting.

The Walk looked good on his debut before struggling on soft ground in Listed company last time. He has a chance if not too much rain gets into the ground.

2.36: Three-mile handicap hurdle

Kilwaughter has much more potential than most of these. He ran a fine race on his first try at three miles at Haydock in the spring, and has more to offer this season.

Shallow River returned to form when fourth at Hexham on his stable debut earlier this month.

El Gavilan was progressive here last season and, though he pulled up last time, now makes his first start for Dan Skelton.

3.11: Open bumper

Dual point winner Pointofdifference can make a winning debut under rules with Sean Bowen in the saddle. He may want further in time, but the galloping track here should play to his strengths.

Jet Bay was impressive on his debut in a three-mile point and rates the main danger.

Willow Tide fell on her debut before winning a maiden on deep ground, and also has potential.

3.46: Three-mile novices’ handicap chase

Rebecca Curtis has two live chances, and top weight Boulydoolin is preferred. A former point winner, he comes into this off a hurdles win at Chepstow in March.

Stablemate Inishcorker has had more chances over hurdles without winning, but he is also a former point winner and could show much better form over fences.

Island Bridge showed a fair level up to three miles over hurdles and is likely to improve now chasing.

4.20: Two-and-a-half-mile handicap chase

Rap Soul couldn’t land a hat-trick in April, when he was stretched by three miles and four furlongs. Back at this sort of trip he should be happier, and can make a winning return.

Crystello is the main danger on his first start over fences. He has point experience and raised his game when sent handicapping over hurdles earlier in the year.

Owl Of Athens, a winner at Huntingdon when last seen in February, is third choice.

4.53: Two-mile handicap chase

It’s not an easy race to call, but Joker De Mai will be suited by the drop in class and still looks on a fair mark for his return.

Minella Missile has had a wind operation and could do better now chasing, as could Doctors Hill, a former pointer who won over hurdles.

Ffos Las selections, Thursday

12.51: Fairy Park, 4/7
1.26: Mourne Crystal, 4/6
2.01: Common Sense, 4/1
2.36: Kilwaughter, 9/4
3.11: Pointofdifference, 10/3
3.46: Boulydoolin, 9/4
4.20: Rap Soul, 2/1
4.53: Joker De Mai, 7/2

Watching the action at Ffos Las

Racing gets under way at 12.51pm and runs through to the two-mile handicap chase at 4.53pm, eight races in all.

With Welsh trainers and jockeys among the runners, there is plenty for local racing fans to follow. Tickets and raceday details are available from Ffos Las Racecourse.

Odds provided by BOYLE Sports at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. 18+, begambleaware.org.