Jake Price's Thursday Betting Tips For Racing Action at Ffos Las

TIP 1: JUSTALARGEWHISKY - 1pt Win

Best odds of 7/2 at bet365 while publishing.

This opening Maiden Hurdle looks a very weak one to me, and the added complication is that the Hurdles races at Ffos Las are still being run on the Flat course, which is described as Heavy (Soft in Places). Such conditions should be absolutely perfect for the reappearance of JUSTALARGEWHISKY though, who gets to step up in trip and go over obstacles for the first time.

This Sam Thomas 6yo has always been very well regarded by his connections, and he comes from a nice French family which includes Bass Rock who peaked at a mark of 141 in Britain. Such was the confidence behind his ability he was sent off a 10/3 shot when making his belated racecourse debut in a Bumper at Chepstow in February, and for a long way he showed plenty of promise when clearly trying to win. Eventually he was well beaten and paid for trying to go with the smart Keltype who had prior experience, but his third place effort was still a decent one considering Big John Ollie was only just ahead in receipt of 7lbs - and he is entered for his Maiden Hurdle at Worcester on Sunday where it looks like he will go close.

Sam Thomas thinks he is much better than he showed at Chepstow that day, and he expects the Horse to improve this season as a Novice Hurdler stepping up in trip to 2m4f. That’s exactly what he gets on his jumping debut, and as I mentioned it is a very winnable contest whereby if he is above average, then he ought to be going extremely close. Whilst the yard is yet to fully get going they do have plenty of entries from Thursday through to Sunday, and Katate Dori ran very well when finishing second at Cheltenham last weekend to boost hopes that they can go well fresh.

TIP 2: JUST OVER LAND - 1pt Win

Best odds of 6/1 at PricedUp while publishing.

Considering this is the Dai Walters Trophy, you’d imagine that JUST OVER LAND will be here to claim the prize in honour of his owner, but regardless of sentiments he looks to have strong claims for the Sam Thomas team.

Last season this 7yo came back a different Horse, winning seasonal reappearance at Fontwell under the first time guidance of Harvey Barfoot-Saunt. That partnership was then kept intact for Chepstow 3 weeks later, where despite a 4lbs rise he was able to see off Ben Solo (126) by a half-a-length in determined fashion, where he only led late in the day.

Connections aimed him a little higher after that, and he was only sent off a 6/1 chance for the Premier Handicap Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. Once again he ran a fine race when finishing fourth despite being a massive 10lbs out of the weights, and whilst he was no match for Matata that day, he was only just behind Grandeur D’Ame (131).

After a break he returned at Sandown in March when finishing third despite losing a left-fore shoe, which may have contributed towards him making mistakes at crucial junctures of the race, and then he ended his campaign when tried over three-miles but not staying at Ayr. With a line put through that run, this drop back to 2m4f should be just what he needs, and old friend Harvey Barfoot-Saunt returns to the saddle to take off 7lbs. Considering he ran well off a mark of 123 despite making mistakes at Sandown it surely is a rating within reach, and it is notable that his early season form was best last year.

Like all Ben Pauling Horses this far, Leader In The Park will surely need this run ahead of his target of the Sir Peter O’Sullevan memorial at Newbury next month.