We head to Ffos Las for our first bet of the day as we side with Mick Channon's Fingal Cave in the opening six-furlong maiden (14:30). Fingal Cave sets a good standard on form having been narrowly denied at York last time, and he could well prove to be a cut above today's rivals. It is fair to expect the opposition to be of a lesser calibre at Ffos Las than either Ascot or York, where Fingal Cave had the misfortune of bumping into two promising rivals, and this is a good opportunity to register a first success.
Felix Leiter has to shoulder top weight in Nottingham's six-furlong nursery at 17:25 but he looks well up to the job based on his win at Yarmouth last time. Felix Leiter made an encouraging start to his career at Hamilton, showing plenty to work with as he finished runner-up despite displaying obvious signs of inexperience, and he went one better at Yarmouth, building on his debut promise to get off the mark. Felix Leiter caught the eye with the smooth manner in which he travelled, while his willing response to pressure was also a positive, and he looks capable of better still.
Our next bet goes in the following race (17:55) as we hope that Enlace can make amends for an expensive defeat at Newmarket last time. Enlace was all the rage on her nursery debut, seemingly allotted a lenient mark following an impressive win on debut, while reports that connections were tempted to fast-track her straight to Group company further whittled away at the price. In the event, Enlace was unable to justify strong market support, but she emerged with plenty of credit, only nabbed close home having helped cut out a strong early gallop. She sets a fair standard here and ought to be difficult to beat.
Timeform UK SmartPlays:
Back Fingal Cave @ 3.259/4 in the 14:30 at Ffos Las
Back Felix Leiter @ 5.69/2 in the 17:25 at Nottingham
Back Enlace @ 2.0811/10 in the 17:55 at Nottingham
