Ffos Llas 3.30 - Handicap Chase - Class 5 - 3 miles - 11 run - Good to Soft

 

A fair few of these are simply out of form, some would definitely prefer much softer ground and others would have to prove they can get the 3 mile trip around here.

 

The one horse with assured stamina, a preference for better ground and running off what looks to be a very competitive mark is AIRTOTHETHRONE. A recent change of Stables and a warm up run from his new surroundings should have him spot on for this and I expect a place finish as the very least of expectations (Robin)

 

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Cork 3.57 - Noblesse Stakes - 1 mile 4 furlongs - 13 run - Good (non handicap)

 

A lot of question marks about race fitness and a number whose handicap form would suggest they may be out of their depth.

 

Satin was highly tried in some tough handicaps in 2024 and is one of a number for Jessie Harrington, no investment today but I strongly suggest we follow this horse back into handicaps after this run and I have added to the TRACKER.

 

The one who might just have the ability to worry a few of the fancier types and who brings race fitness to the table from the Jumps is Joseph O'Brien's GOODIE TWO SHOES. Its Flat form and handicap mark translated back to this non handicap would rank it in the top 5 of the 13 declared and the race fitness might be its biggest weapon. I think it can out run early odds (Michael)

 

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Fairyhouse 4.12 - Handicap Hurdle 3 miles - 14 run - Yielding

 

There is a very tight and competitive top end of the market here with 5 runners - Young Lucy (up in trip), Born Bright (trip concerns), Topgun Simmy (best in much softer), Notkeepinyagoing (probably needs this return run) and Miracle Man (solid overall form but non on this specialists Inner Track) all vulnerable in my opinion. Elliott could have a glut of winners in the coming weeks now the horses seem healthier and I rated SLANAGAIBHGOLEIR third best and if you want a dabble feel free.

 

Three at bigger odds really caught my eye though and I would not be surprised to see Crossing The Bar finish in the first 5-6 home here at around 20/1, a win mark of 105 but probably just competitive off a mark of 114 with a 5lbs claim, if that mark continues to fall he'll be a future tip for sure.

 

I really like the Course and Distance credentials of a couple at double figure prices. 

 

JOHN STOREY is a Course and Distance winner, very competitive in the mid 90's handicap range but with concerns about the top end of the market and that proven form here on good ground I think a mark of 101 gives him a sporting chance at around 20/1

 

WEST IS AWAKE is in the 33-40/1 range but is a Course and Distance winner off a mark of 102, has been in really quite deep this winter in some reasonably high prize value handicaps off an inflated mark. This is more his actual level and I would give him a speculative sporting chance of a place at big odds if his confidence isn't shot. (Sean)