Pace Forecast: Even
Timeform Pace Hint: Horses racing up with the pace are often favoured over this trip at Ffos Las. This could suit PRINCESS KERI, especially if allowed to track the lead of STUMPS OR SLIPS.


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A competitive if modest Class 5 handicap chase rounds out the Ffos Las card, with a field of nine declared. With no clear standout on Timeform figures, several arrive with either profile or trainer angles to recommend them, and a couple of potential improvers could make their presence felt.


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Leading Contenders:

STUMPS OR SLIPS (TFR 114x)
Now making his stable debut for the in-form Olly Murphy, this 8yo has yet to win over hurdles or fences but has hinted at ability in better company. He’s been a sketchy jumper and failed to threaten in a tongue tie for his previous yard, but the yard switch is notable. Murphy has a fine strike-rate with new recruits, and Sean Bowen’s 21% record at Ffos Las adds strength. That said, he’s returning from 183 days off, so market support would increase confidence, especially given his usual hold-up style and patchy finishing efforts. A leading chance if fully tuned.

PRINCESS KERI (TFR 104)
The sole course winner in the line-up, she bolted up here by 17 lengths in March and didn’t disgrace herself when third behind a well-treated rival last time. She’s improving steadily for Evan Williams—a yard currently operating at a strong strike-rate—and her prominent racing style looks ideal for conditions. Though she has a bit to find on pure figures, she’s still only five and remains open to improvement in this sphere.

HIGGS (TFR 109§)
A 12yo veteran but not entirely without hope. Has shaped well the last twice, including when doing too much too soon at Bangor in a novice. He’s a dual Ffos Las winner and is arguably well-handicapped again now. However, his overall profile suggests he needs things to fall right and isn’t always the most willing under pressure. Still, his mark is workable and he could go close if given a soft lead.


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Main Dangers:

SUPASUNRISE (TFR 108x)
Has shown signs of life recently and was third in a better race at Huntingdon in March. Now drops in class and may find this an easier assignment. The Twiston-Davies team has a solid record with older chasers at this level, and the booking of James Turner (5) helps with weight. Jumping remains a concern, but on form he’s capable of involvement.

ANOTHER FOLLY (TFR 102)
Showed some fair novice chase form last season and has the look of a horse who could pick up a race at this level. Front-running tactics could be deployed again, and he might get a relatively uncontested lead. However, his most recent effort was lacklustre, and while he stays the trip well, he lacks consistency. Market moves should be noted.


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Interesting Outsiders:

RADHARC NA SLAINE (TFR 103)
Has very limited form to date, but caught the eye when third in a novice handicap chase at Hereford last time, suggesting some latent ability. That was his best run over fences and the trainer/jockey combo has had some success in small fields here before. At eight, he’s not exposed, and any further market support would be significant off a featherweight.

UNIVERSAL BROOK (TFR 95)
Looks up against it on recent evidence, but has a past second-place finish at this track and trip and is still relatively lightly raced over fences. Jumping issues continue to hold her back, however.


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Trends & Notes:

No past winners of this race from these yards, but Evan Williams (Princess Keri) and Olly Murphy (Stumps or Slips) are both profitable-to-follow trainers in Class 5 chases at Ffos Las.

Horses returning from 60+ days off: Stumps or Slips, Radharc Na Slaine, Another Folly, Pennant Legacy. All require a market check for signs of readiness.

Headgear is applied to six of the nine, with Higgs and Supasunrise both racing in combinations that previously triggered improved runs.



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Summary:

A modest field but some intrigue. Stumps Or Slips has the best adjusted Timeform figure and could prove well-treated on debut for a powerful new yard, but he’s been unreliable and returns from a break. Princess Keri appeals more from a profile and pace-bias perspective and is still progressing. Higgs is a consistent type at this level, though vulnerable late, while Supasunrise and Radharc Na Slaine offer each-way possibilities if the market shows interest.