FFOS LAS RACECOURSE: Preview and tips for Wednesday’s seven-race meeting

The National Hunt season is upon us, and the Ffos Las jumps opener on Wednesday brings seven high-class and competitive races to get stuck into.

The action gets under way at 1.45pm with a three-mile novices’ handicap chase, and runs through to the three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase at 5.13pm.

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

1.45: Three-mile novices’ handicap chase

Tell The Tale returned to form when beaten just three-quarters of a length at Fontwell last time, and could have more to offer now he switches to fences.

He won a point-to-point over three miles, so the longer trip looks a positive, and he is the selection to go close again over the bigger obstacles.

The Magus was travelling well when he stumbled and fell at the second-last here last time. He was third at Hereford the start before, and can open his account over fences if he puts that mishap behind him.

Wannabe was left with too much to do when second at Newcastle last time, beaten two and a quarter lengths off a 1lb lower mark, and could improve again back over a staying trip.

2.20: Two-mile novices’ handicap chase

Sinnatra looks an exciting prospect on his chasing debut, after finishing three lengths second in the Grade 1 Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree last time.

He was very progressive over hurdles, and as a strong, workmanlike type he can make an instant impact over fences.

Pourquoi Pas Papa has kept improving over hurdles since arriving from France for Paul Nicholls, and ran to form when beaten four lengths at Aintree. He should improve for fences and is a respected rival.

Light Fandango won the Sea Pigeon Hurdle Series Final at Musselburgh by half a length last time and has more to offer over fences, but may have a bit to find with these.

2.55: Veterans’ handicap chase over three miles

Iron Bridge returned to winning ways at Haydock last time, scoring by half a length off a 4lb lower mark, and arrives in good form with a chance of following up despite the rise.

Guard Your Dreams had every chance when fourth at Haydock, beaten seven and a quarter lengths. A former Grade 2 winner over hurdles, he is well treated if he recaptures his best, and the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies yard is in form.

Hold Your Fort dictated from the front to win at Uttoxeter by a length and a half off a 4lb lower mark. He is steadily progressive and could be dangerous if allowed to dominate again.

3.30: Listed novices’ chase over two and a half miles

Tutti Quanti was still in front, though under pressure, when he departed late in the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr, and looked sure to have gone close.

A progressive handicapper over hurdles, he has more to offer now he switches to fences, and this test should suit.

George’s Lad won a handicap hurdle at Haydock by 11 lengths on his first start after a wind operation, and has plenty of scope to progress over fences.

Tamarind Bay was six lengths second at Perth last time but has won three of his five chases. Captain Teague, a former Grade 1 winner, pulled up at Aintree after racing too freely, but is an interesting recruit for the Skeltons after leaving Paul Nicholls, now back over fences.

4.05: Three-mile handicap chase

Viroflay outclassed his rivals when he dropped in grade at Newton Abbot last time, winning by 43 lengths off a 4lb lower mark. He remains progressive and can go well again back up in class.

King Roly improved for the step up in trip when winning by five and a half lengths at Worcester off a 7lb lower mark, and is still unexposed as a stayer.

Scarface continued his revival with a two-and-a-half-length win at Newton Abbot, but a 4lb rise asks more of him over this longer trip.

4.38: Three-mile handicap chase

Crebilly returned to form when winning at Worcester by two and a half lengths off a 3lb lower mark, and is still well treated on his old efforts. He found better ground under a good ride last time and can go well again.

Saint Segal pulled up after jumping poorly in the Grade 1 Melling Chase at Aintree, but he has been hugely progressive and the drop in class gives him a good chance to bounce back on his first run of the season.

Matterhorn also pulled up after jumping poorly, in the Grade 2 Oaksey Chase at Sandown, but has plenty of form over fences and could do better on his first start for Dan Skelton.

5.13: Three-and-a-half-mile handicap chase

Yes Day took a step forward when stepped back up in trip at Fontwell, winning by seven lengths off a 5lb lower mark. His reliability is a slight worry, but he is well treated on his old form and can follow up if he builds on that.

Puddlesinthepark was beaten nine lengths at Cartmel but was not knocked about, and returns from a break below his last winning mark. He could bounce back down in class.

Yes And Yes never travelled and pulled up at Stratford, but may have needed the run after the summer off. He ended last season with an emphatic double, though his mark leaves little room for error.

Ffos Las selections, Wednesday

1.45: Tell The Tale, 10/3
2.20: Sinnatra, 11/8
2.55: Iron Bridge, 9/2
3.30: Tutti Quanti, 8/11
4.05: Viroflay, 3/1
4.38: Crebilly, 4/1
5.13: Yes Day, 13/8

Watching the action at Ffos Las

Racing at Ffos Las gets under way at 1.45pm and continues through to the final handicap chase at 5.13pm, a full afternoon of jumps action to open the season.

With local trainers and jockeys among the runners, the meeting promises plenty of interest for Welsh racing fans. Those wishing to attend can find tickets and event details direct from Ffos Las Racecourse.

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