1.15 DragonBet Towton Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) 2m 3½f
Hillcrest was returning from a huge absence when making a respectable chase debut behind Trelawne in a warm graduation chase at Haydock in November and probably found the ground lively enough when disappointing at Cheltenham last time, his jumping going to pieces in that contest which is best forgotten.
He had clearly done a fair bit of work at home before Haydock but given his size, it’s unlikely that he was fully wound up and he showed more than enough to think he will go on to better things as a chaser. In retrospect, he was a prime candidate to bounce at Cheltenham, and this race should provide a better indication of his current merit, with the testing ground likely to hold no fears.
Hillcrest lost his position after a bad mistake at the 11th fence at Haydock and lost his confidence after an early error last time. His jumping is clearly a concern, but this is not a strong race for the grade and his inherent class should come to the fore. Handstands is a threat but isn’t sure to enjoy cloying ground having to give weight away to all his rivals.
2.25 DragonBet The Independent Bookmaker Handicap Hurdle 3m
Mahland made all to win a course and distance handicap in the spring and shaped very much in need of the run on his return at Bangor, where he matched strides with the progressive Strackan before dropping away from the penultimate flight, spared a hard race as he faded.
Since that run Mel Rowley’s horses have returned to form, as evidenced by the victory of Val Dancer in the Welsh Grand National, and I’d expect plenty of improvement from Mahland now. All his form has come on soft or heavy ground and conditions ought to suit him, with stamina sure to be at a premium.
One Big Bang was a little disappointing behind the aforementioned Strackan at Cheltenham, but the winner was allowed to dictate at his own pace with the race not the test of stamina it might have been as a result.
He had previously finished an excellent second to Shoot First in the Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in November and remains capable of better granted a proper test of stamina, which looks assured here. He should also benefit from the fitting of cheekpieces, which should help him travel into things a little better.
1.45 SBK Dan & Joan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase 2m 1f 50y
Hunters Yarn goes well here and would have made a winning chasing debut at the track last term but for a late fall.
That is his only non-completion at the track and three other runs have yielded two wins and a second to Hercule Du Seuil when he had American Mike 12 and a half lengths behind in fourth. He made up for his unfortunate mishap when beating Path d’Oroux by 10 lengths here before taking his chance in the Arkle.
He lacked the experience needed there on what was effectively his second outing over fences but was far from disgraced in finishing fifth to Gaelic Warrior.
Hunters Yarn started the new season looking badly in need of the run in the Hilly Way Chase at Cork behind Energumene but should have derived plenty of benefit from that outings and has the class to concede weight to all his rivals under ideal conditions.
2.00 Gamble Responsibly At BetUK Handicap 1m 2f
He may have a patchy profile on turf, but Sol Cayo has recorded all-weather form figures of 2121 since his debut and scored with something to spare over course and distance last time, winning by three and three quarter lengths from Brodie’s Boy.
Although he’s been put up 7lb for that win, he’s still on a winning mark, having been successful for James Horton in November 2022 at Wolverhampton. Fionn McSharry has clearly got the son of Havana Gold right back on track and he should get a good pace to chase here courtesy of Lerwick and Midnight Lion, and that pair could compromise each other, which will merely benefit the selection.
Hillcrest 1.15 Ffos Las – 12/1 (general)
Hunters Yarn 1.45 Fairyhouse – 1pt win 5/1 (general)
Mahland 2.58 Ffos Las – 1pt win 9/1 (Hills, 8/1 general)
One Big Bang 2.58 Ffos Las – 1pt win 9/4 (general)