A quality renewal of the Grade Two Towton Novices’ Chase tops the bill at Ffos Las on Saturday – live on Sky Sports Racing.
1.15 Ffos Las – Cherie d’Am, Hillcrest and Handstands headline
A quality renewal of the rearranged DragonBet Towton Novices’ Chase sees Ben Pauling’s Handstands concede weight all round. A taking winner of the Grade Two Esher Novices’ Chase at Sandown last month, he looks an exciting recruit to fences and a bold bid can be expected under Ben Jones.
Cherie d’Am has been the subject of bullish reports from her connections and she must be feared having comfortably claimed a mares’ Listed event at Warwick.
Others to note include Saint Davy who was third behind Handstands last time, while Henry Daly’s Hillcrest bids to bounce back from his Cheltenham defeat.
2.00 Newcastle – Last-time winners Sol Cayo and Midnight Lion clash
Fionn McSharry saddles recent course and distance winner Sol Cayo who improved on his recent efforts to comfortably land a similar event, and he must be feared as he heads up in class for the Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap.
Midnight Lion rates an obvious danger having scored nicely at this course on his last two starts, but this looks a stiffer task off his 5lb higher mark.
Others to note include Lerwick who disappointed when favourite here last month, but remains capable of bouncing back for the Ed Bethell team.
6.30 Wolverhampton – Hat-trick seeking Manara face Patrol
The Kevin Philippart de Foy-trained Manara has thrived since tackling handicap company, winning both starts impressively. He can continue to improve and rates the one to beat despite an 11lb hike in the weights.
Dylan Cunha’s Patrol built on a couple of placed efforts to get off the mark at Southwell on his last start but will need to step forward again as he heads up in grade. Fernando and Tiempo Allegre merit respect in this Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap.
Best of the rest
Evan Williams’ Juby Ball looks the pick of the runners for the DragonBet Supporting British Racing Maiden Hurdle at Ffos Las (12.12pm), but he will have to get the better of the promising Dunskay who goes for the on-song Jones and Pauling team.
Stolen Silver and Madaket look set to clash in the 2.58pm DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle, with One Big Bang also in the mix for James Owen.
Studious will be a popular runner in the 3.10pm Gamble Responsibly At BetMGM Handicap at Newcastle, although Penelope Valentine stands every chance in the hands of Luke Morris. Loveable veteran Muscika takes on Showtime Mahomes in the Extra Winnings With BetUK Acca Club Handicap later on the card (4.45pm).
Over at Wolverhampton, a decent 7.00pm Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap is headlined by Master Of My Fate who returned to winning ways at Lingfield the last day.
Watch Ffos Las, Newcastle and Wolverhampton live on Sky Sports Racing on Saturday January 11.
