3 minute read
The team return with two selections from Saturday’s jumps action at Ffos Las…
Irish point-to-point winner Rosscahill could prove better than an opening mark of 120 in the 2m7f DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle (14:58) at Ffos Las on Saturday.
A brief glance at the sectional times of his last winning effort at this venue would indicate that he will improve for the step up in trip, staying on strongly through the line to win going away. This is reaffirmed in the gelding's pedigree, being by Malinas whose progeny has been most effective tackling longer journeys. His sole Irish point win was also over three miles, where he won by five lengths with well-regarded prospects Angostura and Good N' Kind resolutely in behind.
While Saturday's contest represents Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge's toughest assignment to date, an official mark of 120 could perhaps be considered lenient given the fact that he defeated the now 111-rated Andy Amo by a comprehensive four-and-a-half lengths on rules debut here in October. With proven form on heavy ground, conditions underfoot should also work to the six-year-old's advantage.
Current odds of 5/2 represent decent value about Rosscahill preserving his unbeaten record and continuing on an upward trajectory.
ROSSCAHILL – WIN – 5/2
Proven graded winner Handstands is taken to continue his smart run of form in the 2m3f Grade 2 DragonBet Towton Novices' Chase (13:15) at Ffos Las on Saturday.
While tackling a longer journey at Sandown last time out, I would contend that his victory there was defined by a combination of high cruising speed and quick turn of foot in the latter stages of the race. This is backed up in the sectionals, which saw the gelding record an above-average top speed of 33.51mph and a final speed of 28.25mph (ATR) – 2mph clear of the second-placed Resplendent Grey.
As such, dropping back in trip on this occasion from 3m to 2m3f shouldn't be to the selection's detriment given his proven ability at the distance. The Listed Sydney Banks Hurdle at Huntingdon last season could prove to be a key line of form here, a contest where he defeated Jango Baie who has since gone on to become a creditable performer at Grade 1 level.
While Cherie d'Am has been the talking horse going into the race, and she is more than likely primed for the run given connections' recent announcement of their departure from the sport, I find it all too easy to pick holes in her form. She has not won outside of Mares' races since November 2023 and has much to prove now going into open company.
To my eye, Handstands shapes like the obvious class angle in the race and can justify favouritism to win.
HANDSTANDS – WIN – 11/10
