1. Conditions & Pace Angle
This is a 0–115 Class 4 handicap hurdle over 2m4f with just six runners. The pace forecast is uncontested, and TWIST OF FATECATCH (FR) is confidently expected to get an easy lead. This strongly boosts his claims on a track where prominent racers can control steadily-run contests. With no draw factor in play over hurdles, pace positioning will be key.


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2. Contenders, Dangers, Outsiders, and Trends

TWIST OF FATECATCH (FR) (Timeform adjusted rating 128p) – Open to further improvement after just five career runs. Hugely impressive 21-length winner at Fontwell in April and backed that up when third in a competitive Worcester handicap. Timeform flags his potential (“p” symbol) and profile comments suggest he’ll improve further. Crucially, the pace setup is expected to favour him, and Neil Mulholland’s runners often thrive in small-field tactical affairs.

MOHAWK CHIEF (USA) (129) – Edges the adjusted ratings by a point but has looked a hard ride under pressure and was off the bridle a long way out at Market Rasen. Still placed in three consecutive starts and now tries 2½m, which looks a plus. Lightly raced for the Bowens and may have more to offer, but a hold-up style could prove suboptimal in a steadily-run race. Worth monitoring market support.

D’JO DELA BARRIERE (FR) (125) – Landed a modest Plumpton handicap last month but couldn’t go with the winner back here at Ffos Las last time in a small field. Evan Williams has won this race previously (Gone Platinum in 2019) and the 7lb claim offsets the mark. Interesting that connections bring him back quickly – sometimes a positive, especially with in-form types.

NEW FOUND FAME (IRE) (127) – Dual winner in heavy-ground Bangor hurdles this season, but returns after a 45-day break following a lacklustre run at Chepstow. Profile suggests better when fresh, but he has mixed chasing and hurdling campaigns and lacks the progressive profile of the principals. Has worn headgear consistently and might need things to fall right tactically.

LAND AFAR (IRE) (?) – Has ability (bumper and novice claimer winner), but has bled in two of his last three starts and was pulled up last time out at Exeter when sent off 8/13. Now with new connections and not seen for 64 days. Risky on that basis, and may need this outing – market support crucial.

BALKARDY (FR) (126) – Exposed handicapper who won a chase at Stratford last season but has failed to threaten in three runs since, including over hurdles. Often held up, and that could leave him poorly positioned behind a soft lead here. Isabel Williams takes off 3lb again, but he’s on a retrieval mission.


Notable Trends:

Evan Williams has trained a past winner of this race (2019) and saddles two: D’jo Dela Barriere and Balkardy.

Horses prominent in the betting and/or race prominently have typically gone well in this type of small-field, mid-range Ffos Las handicap.

Four of the last five winners were aged 8 or older; this year’s leading two contenders (Twist of Fatecatch, Mohawk Chief) are both 5.



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3. Runner Ratings out of 10

Twist of Fatecatch (FR) – 9 – Ticks all the boxes on pace, profile, ratings, and potential.

Mohawk Chief (USA) – 8 – Unexposed and solid form but not guaranteed to be suited by race shape.

D’jo Dela Barriere (FR) – 7 – Consistent enough and better than latest run; trainer won this in 2019.

New Found Fame (IRE) – 6 – Capable on his day, but recent form and race setup not ideal.

Balkardy (FR) – 5 – Hard to win with and needs things to collapse in front.

Land Afar (IRE) – 4 – Questions over fitness, bleeding issues, and trainer switch. Watch the market.


⚠️ Watch the market for LAND AFAR (64 days off, changed yards) and MOHAWK CHIEF (off 93 days prior to last run, now in handicaps). Second-time handicap runners can often show sharp improvement.


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4. Each-Way Angles
No each-way advice applicable due to field size (6 runners).


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5. Private Tissue Estimate

Twist of Fatecatch – 6/4

Mohawk Chief – 3/1

D’jo Dela Barriere – 9/2

New Found Fame – 11/2

Balkardy – 10/1

Land Afar – 14/1+



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6. Summary

A tightly-knit Class 4 where the small field and lack of pace look likely to favour TWIST OF FATECATCH, who has the strongest profile, progressive ratings, and a tactical edge. MOHAWK CHIEF is next best if coping with the run style mismatch, while D’JO DELA BARRIERE is of note given Evan Williams’ past success and the quick turnaround. LAND AFAR is risky off a bleeding issue but worth monitoring for market strength on stable debut.