Racing Chat - Monday Dec 17th

[BillyHills]

250 Ffos Las

The richest race of the day is at Ffos Las where we have a Class 3 handicap worth over £10,000 to the winner. Another dreadful turnout for one of these races with just 5 runners entered. It's a tight little race at least with just 6lbs from top to bottom of the handicap and apart from Starcrossed the bookies are giving any of the other four a chance of sorts.

Favourite is last time out winner The Gipper, that was a step back in the right direction after some poor efforts and was his first run for 214 days. He has won twice after a break so he may be best fresh. This time last year he was rated 131 and comes here a stone less so if he has come back to something like his best form he will be hard to beat.
Second favourite Llantara won two handicaps on heavy ground in the spring and had her first run since when 3rd of 4 at Ludlow 12 days ago. She ran as though she needed that and gets her ground here.
Radical Archie is the stable mate of the favourite and he showed his first worthwhile form when winning at Uttoxeter in April, that was on heavy ground and was off a mark of 102. He went up 8lbs and followed up next time 228 days later at Chepstow. He's gone up another 7lbs and another grade.
Alohamora is the last one to look at and is a 4yo filly, she was very moderate on the flat (rated mid 50's) in Ireland. She won quite well on he hurdles debut at Catterick last February and then was only beaten 3 1/4 lengths at Fairyhouse next time in a Grade 3 contest. She came back to Catterick for her last run and was a respectable 3rd and now returns after 285 days off and has her handicap debut off a mark of 116.

I'm not that wild about backing The Gipper at 6/4, he has yet to follow a good run with another so close together and would be more interested in the yards other runner Radical Archie at the prices. He has improved no end and no doubt will go chasing soon but could nick this weak looking race along the way. Alohamora could be anything and rates a danger for me.

4pts Radical Archie 7/2 bet365
1pt Alohamora 8/1 bet365