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Il Est Francais makes stable debut for Skelton at Ffos Las

Il Est Francais makes his debut for Dan Skelton in the feature Faucets Handicap Chase at Ffos Las on Wednesday, facing Crebilly in a competitive card across multiple grades.

By The Sports Pulse Editorial Team··5 min read·How we work
Il Est Francais returns this afternoon

Ffos Las stages an outstanding Wednesday jumps fixture headlined by the return of Il Est Francais, who makes his first appearance for the Skelton operation in the feature race against a strong field led by Crebilly.

The Welsh track hosts a card packed with competitive contests across multiple grades, offering plenty of intrigue for punters and racing enthusiasts alike.

4.38 Ffos Las - Il Est Francais tests credentials in Faucets Handicap Chase

Il Est Francais arrives at the track as a dual Grade 1 winner, having captured the Kauto Star Novices' Chase back in 2023. However, the eight-year-old carries baggage from his recent campaign, having been pulled up on each of his last three starts. According to Racing Post, he is set to carry 12st with Harry Skelton in the saddle, holding an official rating of 155.

The switch to Dan Skelton's yard represents a fresh opportunity for the gelding to rediscover his best form, though he faces a stern examination in a handicap where he must concede weight throughout the field. His pedigree suggests he possesses the class to succeed, but consistency has proven elusive of late.

Notably, Sporting Life's race preview highlights that Il Est Francais was runner-up in the King George at Kempton in 2024, underlining his ability at the highest level.

Jonjo and AJ O'Neill's Crebilly heads the alternatives and arrives in excellent order. The chaser doubled his tally over fences when recording victory at Worcester during his last outing in September, giving him a clear fitness advantage over rivals who may lack recent racecourse experience.

Saint Segal enjoyed a productive season last year, registering two victories. The drop into handicap company should suit him well after contesting top-level events during the spring months.

Torneo, Down Memory Lane and Southoftheborder offer value options for each-way players seeking alternatives to the principals.

According to Racing Post, the Faucets Handicap Chase is scheduled for 16:38 over 2m3f83y with eight runners declared, with Il Est Francais and Crebilly quoted at 100/30 and 7/2 in the forecast respectively.

3.30 Ffos Las - Tutti Quanti leads novice chasers

A stellar field has gathered for the Listed Adept GRP Cabinets Novices' Chase, where Tutti Quanti stands out as the likely favourite among four runners.

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Tutti Quanti
Tutti Quanti

The Paul Nicholls-trained six-year-old produced an impressive display when winning by a wide margin in the William Hill Hurdle during February, though he subsequently disappointed in the Champion Hurdle. This 151-rated hurdler has long been earmarked for a career over fences, and he could prove significantly superior to his rivals on his chasing debut under the guidance of Sam Twiston-Davies.

Captain Teague makes his debut for Dan Skelton following his switch from the Paul Nicholls operation. A Grade 1 winner as a novice hurdler, he struck on his initial start over fences before encountering setback at Newbury. Since reverting to hurdles, connections will be hoping he can reestablish himself in the jumping sphere.

George's Lad impressed when dominating a respectable field at Haydock in April and presents genuine appeal on his fencing bow. Tamarind Bay cannot be overlooked either, having won three of his five starts over fences, with his experience potentially allowing him to mount a serious challenge.

2.20 Ffos Las - Sinnatra and Pourquoi Pas Papa over the jumps

Sinnatra and Pourquoi Pas Papa headline an excellent lineup for the JCP Solicitors Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at 2.20pm.

Dan Skelton's Sinnatra demonstrated steady improvement throughout his hurdles campaign, culminating in a superb second-place finish behind Storming George at Aintree. Now he transitions to fences on this handicap debut, and this imposing type could flourish even more in the jumping discipline.

Pourquoi Pas Papa represents a formidable threat for Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies. At just four years old, the youngster will receive a substantial weight allowance and, having placed at the Aintree festival on his most recent outing, he rates as a smart prospect with considerable potential.

Light Fandango seeks a third consecutive victory after winning handicap hurdles at both Doncaster and Musselburgh and must be respected given a trouble-free round. Wandering Ego and Desertmore News complete a competitive five-runner field.

2.55pm and beyond

Nocte Volatus, Ben Solo and Iron Bridge feature in the 2.55pm RWK Goodman Veterans' Handicap Chase, with Iron Bridge looking to build on his success at Haydock when last seen in April.

Fresh from demolishing five rivals at Worcester last week, King Roly attempts to follow up for Mickey Bowen in the Adept GRP Cabinets Native River Handicap Chase at 4.05pm. He faces a stiff challenge from Viroflay, who now carries a mark of 144 after winning at Newton Abbot by an enormous margin on his previous start.

The card concludes with the 5.13pm Enigma Flooring Handicap Chase, where Yes Day and Jaccours are expected to command the betting.

What happens next

Ffos Las's next listed fixture is scheduled as the Jump Season Opener on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, with the track continuing to offer competitive racing throughout the autumn and winter months.

This article was sourced from Sky Sports

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