This detailed response works through all Ffos Las races in chronological order, providing the requested analysis for each.

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1. 12.40 Ascona Group Roadside Retail Specialists Novices’ Hurdle (2m)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Kocktail Bleu (FR) and Our Boy Stan.

(Note: Kocktail Bleu is listed as a non-runner in the race card excerpts.)

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Kocktail Bleu (FR) (Non-Runner): This five-year-old was placed in two bumpers at the start of this year. He returned recently to make a winning hurdle debut in a 14-runner maiden at Fontwell (2m1f, good to soft) on Friday. He would need to be taken very seriously if he made a quick reappearance under a penalty.
• Our Boy Stan: This four-year-old was runner-up in a Listed junior bumper at Cheltenham (soft) on his debut in January. He went one better the following month at Kempton (good to soft), beating Moneygarrow, who recently finished third in the Persian War. He is out of a useful hurdler and looks like a good prospect for the season ahead.

Spotlight Verdict

The spotlight verdict states this race can go to OUR BOY STAN, who looked useful in bumpers last season and is taken to extend Ben Pauling’s good run of form. Chepstow winner Livingit Du Large also makes appeal, while long-absent Bobby’s Nelson still has plenty of time to build upon his very promising bumper debut.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 4-6-41, 5yo 4-12-44, 6yo 2-2-8, 7yo 0-0-2, 8yo 0-0-2.
• Fate of Favourites: The fate of favourites is listed as 1234114511.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Evan Williams 2-1-14, Ben Pauling 1-0-3, Dan Skelton 0-1-2, Philip Hobbs & Johnson White 0-1-2.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Kocktail Bleu (FR):
  • Strengths: Recently won on hurdle debut, indicating good current form.
  • Weaknesses: Listed as a non-runner. He would have been required to carry a 7lb penalty.
  • Suitability: If running, he carried winning momentum.
• Our Boy Stan:
  • Strengths: Displayed useful form in bumpers. His win included defeating a subsequent strong form-marker (Moneygarrow). He avoids a penalty here.
  • Weaknesses: Makes his hurdling debut after a long break (260 days).
  • Suitability: Highly regarded prospect whose bumper form makes him the selection to win.

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2. 1.10 DragonBet Backing British Racing Norton’s Coin Handicap Chase (3m)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Impatient (FR) and Jalisco Star (IRE).

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Impatient (FR): This seven-year-old caused a 40-1 surprise when winning this specific race a year ago, beating Phantom Getaway, reportedly aided by a refitted tongue-tie. His record since has been mixed. However, he came second last month at Uttoxeter (3m, good) following a break. He also ran well on his only previous encounter with soft ground (unraced on heavy).
• Jalisco Star (IRE): This seven-year-old excelled over hurdles last season, securing wins over 3m at Ascot (good) and here (heavy). She finished clear second here in April. Her only prior attempt at chasing (last November) was disappointing.

Spotlight Verdict

The verdict suggests that HOWAYA NOW ran very well when second over C&D in April and, despite his fitness being taken on trust today, he could offer more over fences, having only had two chasing attempts. He is selected ahead of last year’s runner-up Phantom Getaway, with Rouge De L’Quest noted as dangerous if back on song after his break.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 0-0-1, 5yo 0-1-4, 6yo 6-2-21, 7yo 1-4-19, 8yo 1-2-16, 9yo 2-5-15, 10yo 0-2-3, 11yo 1-0-2, 12yo 0-0-2.
• Fate of Favourites: 112142P314.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Evan Williams 2-2-9, Jonjo & A J O’Neill 1-0-1, Rebecca Curtis 1-0-4, Richard J Bandey 0-1-3, Richard Mitford-Slade 0-1-1.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Impatient (FR):
  • Strengths: Proven C&D winner (this race last year). Showed good form recently (second at Uttoxeter). Has handled soft ground before.
  • Weaknesses: Inconsistent record since his previous win here.
  • Suitability: Impossible to rule out given his history in this race.
• Jalisco Star (IRE):
  • Strengths: Strong recent form over hurdles, including a win here on heavy ground.
  • Weaknesses: Disappointed in her sole previous attempt over fences.
  • Suitability: Her talent is primarily showcased over hurdles.

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3. 1.40 Ascona Group Holdings Maiden Hurdle (2m4f)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Minella Apprentice (IRE) and Southfield Finale.

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Minella Apprentice (IRE): This five-year-old won an Irish maiden point (good to yielding) on his debut in March. He ran a bold race when finishing second of three in a C&D maiden hurdle (good) last month. He is the first foal from a useful 2m6f-3m hurdle/chase winner.
• Southfield Finale: This five-year-old comes from a fine jumping family. He was fourth in an Exeter bumper last December. In April, he rallied well to take second place out of 11 runners in a maiden hurdle at Newton Abbot (2m2f, heavy).

Spotlight Verdict

The market is expected to provide major clues, especially due to the numerous newcomers from notable stables. They Call Me Hugo and Sallyville Lady are noted as potential leading contenders among the newcomers, while SOUTHFIELD FINALE and Minella Apprentice, who have each had one try at hurdling, showed significant ability.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 1-5-20, 5yo 4-8-41, 6yo 1-3-19, 7yo 3-1-10, 8yo 0-0-1.
• Fate of Favourites: 25223B113.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Anthony Honeyball 2-2-4, Rebecca Curtis 1-1-8, Evan Williams 0-2-6, Olly Murphy 0-1-1, Tim Vaughan 0-1-3.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Minella Apprentice (IRE):
  • Strengths: Won his Irish point. Displayed significant ability and put up a bold show on his recent hurdles debut over this C&D. Has obvious scope to be seriously involved again.
  • Weaknesses: Needs to build on a relatively small field result (second of three).
  • Suitability: Expected to be seriously involved.
• Southfield Finale:
  • Strengths: Ran a rallying second in a maiden hurdle on heavy ground. Comes from a strong jumping family and is expected to improve again. Showed significant ability.
  • Weaknesses: Hasn’t run since April (204 days ago).
  • Suitability: Has strong claims based on his maiden hurdle performance.

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4. 2.15 DragonBet The Independent Online Bookmakers Handicap Hurdle (3m)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Bataillon and Valens Bruyee (IRE).

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Bataillon: This seven-year-old is 0-7 over hurdles. He has been absent since May 2024, when he finished second over C&D (good). He is still unexposed over 3m and is versatile regarding ground.
• Valens Bruyee (IRE): An inconsistent seven-year-old. He was placed in two heavy-ground hurdles last season (2m4f/3m). However, he pulled up in his other four appearances (including twice over fences). He is on a workable mark if he is in the right mood today.

Spotlight Verdict

The top selection is topweight SEATOIT, who showed sufficient promise in his first two hurdling starts, despite being below form in his final qualifying race, to make him a strong interest on his handicap debut. Bataillon (second choice) is noted for his C&D second in spring 2024, and the fact that Philip Hobbs retained him after the owner-rider’s retirement is potentially significant. Cooleenymore and La Higuera are also worth consideration.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 5yo 1-0-7, 6yo 5-6-24, 7yo 1-2-11, 8yo 1-6-18, 9yo 2-0-9, 10yo 0-3-9, 11yo 0-0-6.
• Fate of Favourites: 6214124152.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Evan Williams 2-3-13, Jonjo & A J O’Neill 0-1-1, Rebecca Curtis 0-2-3.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Bataillon:
  • Strengths: Unexposed over 3m and seems versatile regarding ground. Ran second over C&D previously. Trainer connection suggests potential (retained after owner retirement).
  • Weaknesses: Has a significant absence (543 days since last run).
  • Suitability: A big player if fully tuned up.
• Valens Bruyee (IRE):
  • Strengths: Proven ability on heavy ground over 3m. Currently on a workable mark. Sean Bowen is booked to ride.
  • Weaknesses: Extremely inconsistent, having pulled up in four of his last six starts.
  • Suitability: Requires finding his best form and being “in the right mood today”.

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5. 2.50 DragonBet Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (2m)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Boston Joe (IRE) and Falco Des Pins (FR).

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Boston Joe (IRE): This nine-year-old has an excellent course and distance record, with three of his five chase wins achieved here. His current mark is considered fine. His recent third place over hurdles (beaten 6l over 2m4f) was encouraging.
• Falco Des Pins (FR): A five-year-old placed in one of his four French hurdles, suggesting he possesses ability. He failed to show much form for his current yard last season over hurdles. He has dropped significantly down the weights and may have needed time to acclimatise. He makes his chasing debut.

Spotlight Verdict

BOSTON JOE (nap) appeals most due to his pleasing reappearance over hurdles and his strong record in handicap chases at this venue. The ex-French Falco Des Pins is considered very interesting on his chase debut off a much reduced mark, possibly needing time to acclimatise previously. King Of Brazil is also a likely contender.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 0-0-2, 5yo 1-0-6, 6yo 2-5-19, 7yo 1-4-22, 8yo 3-2-10, 9yo 2-1-6, 10yo 1-0-7, 11yo 0-0-1, 12yo 0-1-2, 13yo 0-1-1, 14yo 0-0-1.
• Fate of Favourites: 13P23115B.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Venetia Williams 2-0-3, Evan Williams 0-3-11.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Boston Joe (IRE):
  • Strengths: Exceptional C&D record. Good current mark. Encouraging recent run over hurdles, suggesting readiness. Chosen as the nap selection.
  • Weaknesses: N/A in the provided material.
  • Suitability: Highly suitable for this race given his proven track record here.
• Falco Des Pins (FR):
  • Strengths: Has ability based on French hurdle form. Significantly dropped in weights. Chase debut may bring improvement.
  • Weaknesses: Poor UK hurdles form last season. Chase debut presents an unknown factor.
  • Suitability: Interesting if he has acclimatised and thrives over fences.

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6. 3.25 DragonBet Your New Bookmaker Novices’ Handicap Hurdle (2m4f)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Bells Of Ufford (IRE) and Youdecide (IRE).

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Bells Of Ufford (IRE): This five-year-old has run well in two of his three handicap hurdles. He had a pleasing return run over 2m on good ground at Uttoxeter (wearing first-time cheekpieces). Returning to a further distance (2m4f) should aid his performance.
• Youdecide (IRE): A lightly raced five-year-old who made an immediate impact when entering handicaps, winning by 4l at Huntingdon and then finishing runner-up at Market Rasen (both 2m4f on good ground). He won his point-to-point on heavy ground. He is 4lb higher than his last defeat but brings a progressive profile into the season.

Spotlight Verdict

The 5yo YOUDECIDE is selected as he made a bright start in handicaps last campaign and has plenty more to offer. His trainer is currently successful with seasonal newcomers. Bells Of Ufford, who was encouraging on return over 2m but likely needs further, is the second choice. Smart Casual is preferred among the remainder.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 0-0-5, 5yo 2-5-15, 6yo 1-1-9, 7yo 0-0-2, 8yo 0-0-3.
• Fate of Favourites: 410.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Anthony Honeyball 0-1-2, Evan Williams 0-2-5.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Bells Of Ufford (IRE):
  • Strengths: Returning to a longer trip should be beneficial. Has shown good form in previous handicap hurdles. Sean Bowen is retained for the ride.
  • Weaknesses: His return was over 2m, which he probably found inadequate.
  • Suitability: One to consider, likely to be aided by the distance.
• Youdecide (IRE):
  • Strengths: Progressive profile. Proven winner at this trip in handicaps. Point-to-point form suggests he handles soft/heavy ground. Trainer excels with seasonal newcomers.
  • Weaknesses: Is 4lb higher than when he was last defeated.
  • Suitability: The strong selection with scope for improvement.

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7. 4.00 DragonBet Extra Places And BOG Mares’ Open National Hunt Flat Race (2m)

TimeWise Master Top Two Rated

The TimeWise Master Top Two rated horses in this race are Katies Melody (IRE) and Ledecka.

Summary of Recent Form and Comments

• Katies Melody (IRE): This five-year-old is an Irish point winner. She was beaten as the favourite on her bumper debut at Tipperary (good to yielding) in May. The winner of that bumper subsequently won well over hurdles and now looks useful, boosting the form. She is making her debut for Harry Derham.
• Ledecka: This five-year-old beat only two home when running at 33-1 on good ground at Uttoxeter. She needs to show considerable improvement.

Spotlight Verdict

Jollie Dame and Telegram Dam are of interest due to their connections. However, KATIE’S MELODY is the safest option after showing substantial promise in Ireland, particularly as the horse that beat her in the Tipperary bumper was a good one.

Race Statistics

• Age Groups: 4yo 1-1-12, 5yo 1-2-7.
• Fate of Favourites: 44.
• Trainer Records (Win-Place-Runs): Evan Williams 1-0-2.

Assessment of the Top Two

• Katies Melody (IRE):
  • Strengths: Irish point winner. Her bumper debut form has been significantly boosted by the subsequent success of the winner. She is the safest option and could easily be too good for this field.
  • Weaknesses: Was a beaten favourite on her sole bumper start.
  • Suitability: High chance based on quality of previous competition.
• Ledecka:
  • Strengths: N/A.
  • Weaknesses: Showed modest form in her single bumper outing, beating very few rivals. Needs much more to contend here.
  • Suitability: Unlikely to feature based on current form.