Pembrokeshire trainer Rebecca Curtis has a healthy 28-114 (25%) strike over hurdles at Ffos Las during the last five seasons and jockey Paul Townend has an even healthier 7-21 (33%) strike rate for the yard over the smaller obstacles in that period, so there’s good reason to expect a prominent showing from the Golden Milan in the Bet Totetrifecta Handicap Hurdle (2.50) on Thursday.
The Milan gelding returned from a 10-month absence to win very easily on his handicap debut, over 3 miles, on the West Wales course last March and, although unable to match that form over 2 miles 6 furlongs at the same venue when last seen in April, deserves another chance to confirm that promise. Of course, the handicapper has had his say, raising Golden Milan 13lb in the weights, but the 7-year-old appeared to relish testing conditions on that occasion and can do so again. Eight starts spread over three seasons suggest that he’s a fragile individual but, while he’s obviously not entirely without risk, he’s also perfectly capable on his day and can make a winning return.
Selection: Ffos Las 2.50 Golden Milan to win