As winter racing deepens across Britain, Ffos Las Racecourse prepares to host a competitive seven-race National Hunt programme on Friday afternoon, running from 1:52pm through to 4:52pm. The Carmarthenshire venue is known for producing thorough stamina examinations at this time of year, and the February 20 card is no exception. While the staying chases add grit to the schedule, particular attention will centre on Race 2 and Race 3, both Class 4 hurdle contests offering £10,000 in prize money. These two races not only carry the joint-highest purses of the afternoon but also bring together promising names who could progress beyond this level in the weeks ahead.
The blend of experienced handicappers and progressive novices ensures that the meeting has both depth and intrigue. From the opening extended chase to the stamina-testing finale, each race offers its own narrative yet it is the maiden and novice hurdles in the early middle portion of the card that may provide the most significant future clues.
The afternoon opens at 1:52pm with Race 1, The Roperhurst Limited 50th Anniversary Handicap Steeple Chase, a Class 5 contest worth £8,400 over 2m 7f 218y. With seven runners declared, the extended three-mile trip ensures stamina is the defining factor from the outset. Winter ground conditions at Ffos Las can place significant pressure on rhythm and accuracy at the fences, making patient tactics and a strong late finish vital in the opener.
At 2:22pm, attention turns to one of the most valuable races on the card Race 2, The Download The Fairplay App National Hunt Maiden Hurdle, a Class 4 event offering £10,000 over 1m 7f 203y. With only five runners, tactical positioning becomes crucial. Jamada (Sean Bowen) represents the in-form Olly Murphy yard, while Kara Sacre (Charlie Deutsch) brings the respected Venetia Williams operation into play. Makinbecon (Callum Pritchard) adds intrigue for John & Rhys Flint, Minella Mission (Richie McLernon) lines up for D. J. Jeffreys, and Shade of Winter (Jonathan Burke) completes the field for Evan Williams. Over this sharper trip, fluent hurdling and a decisive turn of foot could separate the principals.
Race 3 at 2:52pm features The roperhurst.com Scrubbers From Barry Novices’ Hurdle, another Class 4 contest worth £10,000, run over 2m 4f 28y. Though only four runners go to post, the smaller field may heighten the tactical element. Harbour Island (Sean Bowen) ensures Olly Murphy maintains a strong presence, while Rathkenny (Conor O’Farrell), Soldier For Glory (Jack Tudor), and Slack Alice (Shane Fenelon) complete a competitive quartet. The step up in distance introduces greater stamina demands, rewarding those able to maintain a smooth jumping rhythm.
The mid-card feature at 3:22pm is Race 4, The fairplay.co.uk Handicap Hurdle, a Class 4 contest over 2m 4f 28y with £9,000 at stake and six runners declared. Expect a steadily run race that intensifies from the home turn, where energy conservation and well-timed challenges often decide the outcome.
At 3:52pm, Race 5, The Fairplay Let’s On It! Handicap Hurdle provides the largest field of the afternoon, with eight runners contesting the Class 5 event over 1m 7f 203y for £7,500. The sharper two-mile distance increases the importance of pace and clean hurdling, with small margins typically separating the field at this level.
Race 6 at 4:22pm sees The fairplay.co.uk Handicap Steeple Chase staged over 2m 21y. Six runners compete for £7,500 in this Class 5 contest, where speed and accurate fencing come sharply into focus particularly if the tempo lifts early.
The meeting concludes at 4:52pm with Race 7, The Download The Fairplay App Handicap Hurdle, run over a stamina-laden 2m 7f 219y. Offering £7,700 and featuring seven runners, the finale returns to near three-mile territory, ensuring the card closes with a thorough test of staying ability.
From emerging maiden hurdlers to seasoned handicappers tackling extended trips, the Ffos Las racecards 20 February present a balanced winter programme defined by stamina, tactical nuance and competitive depth.
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