UK Horse Racing Tips: Ffos Las

VICKI VALE showed up well for a long way in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle at Newbury on New Year's Eve before weakening quickly late on. The Dan Skelton inmate holds strong claims running under a penalty (for her Hereford win) at this lower level and should take all the beating. Endless Escape is no back number after winning impressively on both of her hurdle starts, but giving 5lb to the selection could see her coming up short. Thunderclap may fare better once reaching handicaps, but the five-year-old still makes more appeal than the remaining opposition.
Prediction : 1st Vicki Vale 2nd Endless Escape 3rd Thunderclap

UNCLE BERT has run two sound races in defeat and this looks a good opportunity for the six-year-old to get a first win on the board. Propelled would rate a live threat if back to the form that saw him finish second at Huntingdon in March, but he will need to come on plenty for his recent reappearance at this course when only sixth. Hercules Morse remains open to improvement and is another to take seriously.
Prediction : 1st Uncle Bert 2nd Propelled 3rd Hercules Morse

Militaire sets the standard of those who have raced over hurdles and he should prove competitive now dropped to a class 4 contest. There are, however, some intriguing point-to-point winners who make their debuts under Rules, with MYLESFROMWICKLOW getting the vote. The Dan Skelton-trained charge won in impression fashion over in Ireland and looks just the type the trainer could excel with. Regal Blue romped home on the point-to-point course here and the betting market should reveal more clues as to what is expected of him.
Prediction : 1st Mylesfromwicklow 2nd Regal Blue 3rd Militaire

THOR DE CERISY ran with plenty of credit on his chasing debut at Lingfield in November before reverting back to hurdles and returning to winning ways here earlier in the month. The handicapper raised him 5lb for that effort, but the nine-year-old may improve for the application of cheekpieces. Mongol Emperor wasn't disgraced at a higher level when fourth at Newbury last month and he is capable of a decent showing, while others to note include Prime Pretender and Real Stone.
Prediction : 1st Thor De Cerisy 2nd Mongol Emperor 3rd Prime Pretender

ROCKY MAN has progressed well in two starts this season, having scored at Wetherby before filling the runner-up spot over C&D in December, and Dan Skelton's entire appears likely to take another step forward. Equinus steps up in distance on his handicap bow following a placed effort at Chepstow over the Festive period. Lingfield winner No Tackle and New Found Fame both command a fair amount of respect.
Prediction : 1st Rocky Man 2nd Equinus 3rd No Tackle

PILOT SHOW scored on his chasing debut at Catterick last month and a subsequent 6lb rise in the handicap might not be enough to stop Warren Greatrex's gelding from following up. The Boat has been largely consistent in recent starts and he's likely to be in the thick of things once more, along with Airtothethrone, who drops in class following a below par effort at Huntingdon on Boxing Day.
Prediction : 1st Pilot Show 2nd The Boat 3rd Airtothethrone

A wide-open contest to conclude proceedings, in which a chance is taken on PRIDE ROCK. The son of Westerner takes a marked step up in trip on his handicap debut, which ought to suit, and an opening mark of 93 ought to be well within range. The progressive Shot Boii must be of interest as he goes in search of a four-timer, while similar comments apply to Pageant Material following her narrow course success earlier this month. Prince Des Fichaux shouldn't be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Pride Rock 2nd Shot Boii 3rd Prince Des Fichaux