April 09 / 15.25 Ffos Las

15.25

Heavy

3As Leisure “West Wales National” Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £9241.75
  • 3m 3f 208y
  • Class 3
  • 11 runners
SKY
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3As Leisure “West Wales National” Handicap Chase

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £7.00
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 6-9458

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

11 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Made the frame in three Welsh Nationals over 3m6f at Chepstow and took the Midlands National (4m2f, heavy) in March 2020; that was his last win, however, and his powers have been on the wane; falling in the weights but others now have more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

4

16th Mar 2024

Heavy

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Truckers Lodge

11st 3lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

An easy winner of this race on heavy ground four years ago but unplaced in the last three runnings, well held in the last two; his powers are on the wane, despite reconfirming his affection for the mud when beating Beauport at Sandown in December (3m4f), since when he's pulled up in the Welsh National (a regular in that as well).

14/1

0

8

27th Dec 2023

Good To Soft

3m 6f 130y

Class 1

14:50 Chepstow

Truckers Lodge

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Second, seventh, third and fourth in the last four Welsh Nationals, as well as winning the Midlands National (4m2f, heavy) in 2020; this year he's added wins in the West Wales and London versions at Ffos Las (3m4f) and Sandown (3m4f, heavy) under his now regular partner Freddie Gingell, the latter race 18 days ago; has 4lb penalty and this probably requires his best form in nearly two years, but he should be on the premises once more.

11/1

8/1

  • Place: £3.10

Form: 1365P2 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won last season's Lincolnshire National at Market Rasen (3m3f, soft; not proven on heavy) and short-headed at Taunton (3m4f) on latest outing; respected but 4lb rise probably makes him vulnerable for win purposes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

23rd Feb 2024

Soft

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Sidi Ismael

12st 0lb

J: Gearoid Harney

T: David Pipe

10yo who is having a substandard campaign, but last month's fifth at Plumpton was a step back in the right direction and he's well handicapped on last season's marathon chase form (including on soft); not ruled out.

14/1

5th

2

7th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 4f 102y

Class 3

14:50 Plumpton

Sidi Ismael

11st 9lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Well-held fifth in this last year off 2lb higher; ended that campaign well with two seconds over 3m4f and a blind eye could be turned to this season's no-shows for one reason or another (lost his action last time).

40/1

6/1

  • Place: £2.80

Form: 1P-P6P CD

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Won the last two editions of this race (on good to soft/good; acts on soft though) on his only two runs here; not so good in his two starts this winter but that's not greatly off-putting given what happened in the previous two seasons and he showed on penultimate start that plenty of ability remains; has to be shortlisted, especially as he's back on last year's winning mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 3

16:55 Chepstow

Amateur

10st 10lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: John & Rhys Flint

Last four victories all gained over Ffos Las's 3m4f trip in April or May (good, good to soft); present attainment level is conjectural, having survived just two fences on his recent first outing since last May.

25/1

1

26th Mar 2026

Good

3m 6f 136y

Class 4

15:50 Chepstow

Amateur

12st 2lb

J: Mr Edward Vaughan

T: John & Rhys Flint

A regular in long-distance chases, with an excellent record at Ffos Las but pulled up on all four appearances over these fences (twice in Welsh National); he's now a 13yo with no win since May 2024 (his only race under Edward Vaughan) but some ability remained last spring when last seen and he's accelerating down the weights.

12/1

3rd

4

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Amateur

11st 2lb

J: Connor Brace

T: John & Rhys Flint

A regular in long-distance chases and faces an easier task than on some occasions; two decent efforts when fifth of eight at Newbury (3m2f, soft) and 21l last of three at Haydock (3m4f, good) in March but was well beaten at Perth last time; others preferred.

10/1

Form: 5-5P34

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 5lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Detached in last from the word go at Uttoxeter (3m, good to soft) in February but made late headway into third of 12; never quite landed a blow when creditable fourth at Ludlow (3m, good) latest but best efforts have been on soft and he has to be worth a first go at this sort of trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Fuji Flight

11st 11lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

On a career-low mark but very evident that he's not the force of old and the return of cheekpieces did nothing last time; perhaps blinkers will help, as they did aboard the stable's Cheltenham winner Martator.

20/1

6

1st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:55 Market Rasen

Fuji Flight

11st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Lightly raced in recent years and patently not the force of old but ran well for a long way in Exeter marathon (3m6f, soft) in December and competes off another career-low mark here; cheekpieces (worn regularly in France in 2019) are given another go; not ruled out.

8/1

4th

5

26th May 2025

Good

3m 5f 80y

Class 3

16:05 Cartmel

Fuji Flight

11st 2lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Venetia Williams

Won novice handicap chases at Hereford (3m1f, soft) and Newbury (2m7f, soft) in 2022 but hasn't won since, although a couple of fair efforts, including over 3m4f last term; on a good mark and could go well.

3/1

Form: 0-PP8P

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won the 2021 Midlands National and third in it in 2022 but he was pulled up three weeks ago in the latest renewal, which was symptomatic of his poor season; way down the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

9th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 3f 208y

Class 3

15:25 Ffos Las

Time To Get Up

11st 5lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Won the 2021 Midlands National and third in it in 2022 but he was pulled up three weeks ago in the latest renewal, which was symptomatic of his poor season; way down the weights.

16/1

13

18th Mar 2023

Soft

4m 2f 8y

Class 1

15:00 Uttoxeter

Time To Get Up

10st 3lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

This campaign hasn't taken off at all but he has history in this race, having won it two seasons ago (good to soft) on only his fourth start over fences and he was a highly credible 12l third last year (soft); dangerously well handicapped if he can stage a revival and you wouldn't put it past him.

12/1

8th

9

18th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 1

14:40 Haydock

Time To Get Up

10st 7lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Jonjo O’Neill

Ran well when third in last year's Midlands National (4m2f, soft), a race he won in 2021, and he's well handicapped on that form; however, he's been pulled up on both starts this term and a major turnaround is needed.

20/1

OUR TIP

Form: 21-213 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Impressed in a novice handicap chase at Chepstow over Christmas; disappointing favourite in another at Uttoxeter (again about 3m on soft) three weeks ago, although that 17l third was better than seemed likely given he was sluggish even before halfway; plausible as an out-and-out stayer and should have more to offer but he needs more zip than he showed last time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

16th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 2

18:50 Uttoxeter

Super Survivor

12st 0lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

Very useful staying hurdler who has won six of his 13 races, two of them last season, at Haydock in December (3m, good to soft) and at Warwick in March (3m2f, good to soft); not so good last time but these conditions suit and he could bounce back.

10/1

8th

1

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

14:46 Haydock

Super Survivor

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Jamie Snowden

Back in good form this winter, including on last two starts (good to soft) when he prevailed narrowly over C&D in December and battled back for a clearcut win at Warwick (3m2f; from Porter In the Park) four weeks ago; raised another 4lb but the return to a sharper test is more of a worry.

10/1

1st

1

8th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 3

16:13 Warwick

Super Survivor

12st 1lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Jamie Snowden

A thorough stayer who has won over fences; back in good form over hurdles following a break and seemed to do just enough when prevailing narrowly at Haydock (3m, good to soft); every chance off this 5lb higher mark.

4/1

Form: 42-351 D

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 8lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 128

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 8yo; jumped well and had plenty of use made of him when stepped up to 3m4f at Haydock (soft; acts on heavy) 18 days ago, holding on by half a length with the first two well clear; raised 5lb but a serious player if he's in the same form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

9th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 3f 208y

Class 3

15:25 Ffos Las

Equus Dreamer

11st 8lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

Lightly raced 8yo; jumped well and had plenty of use made of him when stepped up to 3m4f at Haydock (soft; acts on heavy) 18 days ago, holding on by half a length with the first two well clear; raised 5lb but a serious player if he's in the same form.

4/1

1st

6

22nd Mar 2023

Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

16:10 Haydock

Equus Dreamer

11st 12lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

Hasn't really threatened on his two starts this season (3m, soft/heavy) but those were still fair performances and it's possible this lightly raced 8yo will be suited by the step up in trip; not ruled out.

7/1

5th

1

10th Jan 2023

Heavy

3m 0f 54y

Class 3

15:15 Exeter

Equus Dreamer

11st 13lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

Lightly raced 8yo who only conceded defeat in the closing stages when running well for a long way at Carlisle (3m, soft); does go well fresh so not guaranteed to find loads on that form, but entitled to be in the thick of it.

9/2

Form: -PP21P

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Usually front-runner; won six-runner North Yorkshire National at Catterick (3m6f, heavy) in January on his first chase start this term and only his fourth overall; concern is that he's been pulled up in five of his last seven races, latest instance in the Midlands National (12-1) three weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

30th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

15:13 Catterick

Bushypark

12st 0lb

J: Joe Williamson

T: Philip Kirby

12yo who is without a win since December 2023 but he ran his best race for some time when fourth at Carlisle (3m2f, soft) in November and when seventh at Ayr last time he was back up in grade; his mark continues to fall and this front-runner, who has won here, could make a bold bid.

11/2

Form: 4-4222 C

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 9yo; runner-up at Ffos Las, Exeter and Taunton on last three starts, with cheekpieces on latest two occasions; stays 3m on heavy going but unraced beyond that and others may see this out better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

9th Apr 2023

Heavy

3m 3f 208y

Class 3

15:25 Ffos Las

New Age Dawning

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Lightly raced 9yo; runner-up at Ffos Las, Exeter and Taunton on last three starts, with cheekpieces on latest two occasions; stays 3m on heavy going but unraced beyond that and others may see this out better.

7/1

2nd

5

20th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 3y

Class 3

15:15 Taunton

New Age Dawning

11st 6lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

In the frame all three starts this season, most recently when second in stamina test at Exeter (3m, heavy; first-time cheekpieces) in January; given ten weeks to recover from that and should be fine on today's forecast faster ground; one to consider.

6/1

5

31st Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 3

15:00 Lingfield

New Age Dawning

11st 6lb

J: Tom Scudamore

T: David Pipe

Had ups and downs since going chasing and no real reason to think he's well treated despite being on the same mark as when beating two rivals at Ffos Las last January (2m5f, heavy); perhaps this shorter trip will suit after an unavailing slog over 3m at Exeter recently.

5/1

Form: 632541

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 1lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
Races prominently and can make the running; peak efforts on soft or good to soft; won the same Warwick 3m5f race for three years running, the latest four weeks ago; back up 6lb today and his attempts to follow up in this race in the last two seasons both came to nothing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

14:10 Hereford

Volcano

11st 12lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Sheila Lewis

Has gained most wins at Warwick, the last three over 3m5f; best effort this term came over same distance in cross-country race at Cheltenham; drops back in grade off a workable mark but this doesn't look an ideal scenario; 0-4 at Hereford.

11/4

0

14

13th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 5f 54y

Class 1

15:00 Warwick

Volcano

10st 2lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Sheila Lewis

Often front-runs; Warwick specialist with five wins from six appearances and two of those wins were over 3m5f (one on soft); the defeat, however, came in this race last year (heavy) when beaten 16l in a respectable fifth; best to forgive this season (way out of the weights on Cheltenham cross-country on last two starts) but 2lb wrong today and this task looks a bit too tough.

16/1

Form: /32-22 BF

Last run: 22 days

W: 10st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Novice hurdle winner in 2019; seen in only five races since, all handicap chases in the mud and runner-up on last three occasions; that's a solid record and he's worth a go beyond 3m1f but this should be quite a slog.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

25th Feb 2024

Heavy

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

14:10 Hereford

Southern Sam

12st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Richard J Bandey

Tired in the latter stages over 3m3f last month; opened his chase account at Haydock (3m1f, heavy; narrow win) the time before and has proved largely consistent; possibilities back down in trip, provided he takes well to first-time headgear.

15/8

3rd

2

28th Jan 2024

Soft

3m 3f 149y

Class 4

15:55 Fontwell

Southern Sam

12st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Richard J Bandey

disputed lead, led narrowly before 6th, hit 11th

2/1

1st

1

30th Dec 2023

Heavy

3m 1f 125y

Class 4

14:00 Haydock

Southern Sam

12st 0lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard J Bandey

Yet to win over fences but plenty of sound runs to his credit, including on reappearance when third at Wetherby (3m, heavy; jockey dropped his whip on home turn); a possible

9/4

Non-runners

Super Survivor, Bushypark

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £77.50
Straight Forecast £71.88
Tricast £581.12
Trifecta £767.20

Selections

POSTDATA:

Equus Dreamer

LAMBOURN:

Super Survivor

TOPSPEED:

New Age Dawning

RP Ratings:

Fuji Flight

Daily Record:

Southern Sam

The Star:

Volcano

SPOTLIGHT:

Amateur

D Express:

Super Survivor

WEST COUNTRY:

Equus Dreamer

Telegraph:

Equus Dreamer

Daily Mirror:

Equus Dreamer

The Sun:

Equus Dreamer

The Times:

New Age Dawning