Ffos Las Preview: La Higuera Chases Hurdle Hat-trick

It’s a busy Sunday of jumps racing at Ffos Las, with live coverage on Sky Sports Racing and a number of intriguing contests throughout the afternoon.

3.00 Ffos Las – La Higuera and Sparkling Duke head the market

The Amroth Bay Static Caravan Sales Handicap Hurdle shapes up as the feature, with in-form pair La Higuera and Sparkling Duke expected to fight it out. Toby Lawes’ La Higuera landed his first hurdles success at Wetherby in January and followed up with a 15-length victory at Southwell. He’s progressing quickly, but his mark has risen by nine pounds and he will need to improve again to defy that rise.

Sparkling Duke, trained by Kayley Woollacott and usually partnered by Ben Jones, was an easy winner over course and distance last month, powering through testing ground. He looks the main danger despite another small hike in the weights.

Clondaw Royale, who took advantage of a falling mark at Wetherby last time, also has strong claims if he’s in the same mood. With nine set to run, fitness and how each handles the ground should decide the outcome.

2.30 Ffos Las – Maiden hurdle with a handful of prospects

The 3A’s Wales Largest Motorhome And Caravan Dealer Maiden Hurdle at 2.30 sees Inishcorker and Limerick Star among those looking for a first success over obstacles. Rebecca Curtis’ Inishcorker has shown ability in earlier starts and may appreciate dropping back to two-and-a-half miles; Harry Cobden is a notable booking.

Limerick Star was only a short-head off the placings when fourth at Warwick on his second hurdles outing and his trainer will try cheekpieces to help him improve under Callum Pritchard. Several others can’t be ignored, including Kenzo Des Bruyere, a dual point-to-point winner for Mickey Bowen who should be a bit fitter for his racecourse debut.

3.30 Ffos Las – Face d’Music bids to follow up

Face d’Music, last-time out winner, looks the one to beat in the Paned At 3A’s Handicap Chase. Katy Price’s gelding doubled his tally over hurdles when staying on strongly to win over nearly three miles at Chepstow and switches to fences with plenty of appeal. He’s likely to be ridden positively on the sharper trip and could be better still in this sphere.

Evan Williams’ Followango ended his chase duck at this track on his penultimate start and should appreciate the drop in grade after a hard time in Listed company. Dj Pete, who scored over two miles here nine days ago for Sarah-Jayne Davies, goes up in trip under James Best and must be respected.

Best of the rest

Across the globe, Racing highlights include the Group One Hong Kong Gold Cup at Sha Tin, where Romantic Warrior meets Voyage Bubble, and a Grade 3 Prix D’Indy at Auteuil. Back at Ffos Las, the 4.30 looks interesting with Francky Blue expected to be popular on handicap debut.

Expect a competitive afternoon where tactics, stamina and the ground will play major roles in determining the winners.