Irish eyes on Wales

Jumps fans get the last chance for a 'fix' before St Stephen's Day today at Ffos Las, and the seven race programme holds plenty of interest for Irish enthusiasts.

The ex-Kevin O'Brien-trained On Borrowed Wings, with Timmy Murphy aboard, is favourite for the Swansea Life Novices' Hurdle at 1.05. He now races in the familiar Wates colours for the Alan Fleming yard and he would appear to be the one to beat on his second to Candy Creek last time.

One of his opponents is Sweet Shock. This German-bred was one of the famous O'Hare-treble from Naas 51 days back and the half-brother to Sweet Wake will have the assistance of Andrew Lynch in the saddle for his jumping debut.

The Jigsaw Man, whose only defeat in five outings, came at the Galway Festival behind Loosen My Load, makes his handicap debut in the 2.10, the toteswinger Handicap Hurdle. Wexford-native, Donal Devereux takes the ride on Rebecca Curtis' Bob Back chestnut.

Meanwhile Devereux half-an-hour later teams up with Jacinta Lightholder's Sanpor in the Swansea Bay Business Life Handicap Chase. This fellow, trained in Co Meath, caused a shock at Hereford last time.

Ballingaddy is an interesting contender for this event, on his chasing bow. He jumped well to win a point-to-point for John Bleahen and Alan King's strapping big sort can now surely put disappointing form figures behind him.

One to seriously consider for the 3.15, the totesuper7 Handicap Hurdle is the ex-Kevin Prendergast Aather. Now representing Wates/Fleming and Murphy, he would seem to be a big player in this two miler.

Action concludes with the Carmarthen Journal Bi Centenary Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race at 3.45. King Rufo is forecast to head the betting here for Michael O'Hare and Andrew Lynch.

Wallace Monument, owned and bred by Willie Carson, looks sure to go close in this contest. He is trained by Nicky Henderson and will be partnered by Galway-native, Richie Killoran.

Adams Island, winner of a Ballybunion point-to-point for the Hydes, has his first start for Rebecca Curtis here. Crannaghmore Boy (a half-brother to Crannaghmore Mist) was lucky to win his point-to-point at Kilsheelan in October for Vinny Keane and he now has his initial outing for Welsh trainer, Keith Goldsworthy.