Ten Fires is a fascinating contender in the 2.50 at Ffos Las on his first run for Brendan Powell and looks worth chancing at 20/1.
The gelding had some decent form when trained in Ireland by Dessie Hughes, the pick of which would give him a major shout in this off his current mark of 116.
His sole win came on soft ground in a handicap at Thurles back in 2010 off a mark of 105, but he went on to finish an excellent second on his seasonal reappearance in 2011 after 253 days on the sidelines when beaten just a length by Imaahall in a class 1 handicap chase at Naas off 114 and followed that up with a solid 4th of 16 to Carrigmartin in a competitive affair at Leopardstown off 118.
The 10-year-old then put in a mixed bag of performances, but he was in the process of running a huge race on his final start in Ireland when a close third and falling at the last in a race won by Groody Hill at Punchestown.
He then joined Tor Sturgis for his final start of 2011 and was pulled up in a race at Ludlow where he was reported to have finished distressed.
However the handicapper has since dropped him 8lb to a mark of 116, and if his new handler can get him back to anywhere near his best he would have a shout in this.
His fitness has to be taken on trust after 298 days on the sidelines, but he has run well after lengthy lay-offs in the past and it could well be that first time up is the time to catch him.
Backing him obviously comes with risks attached as a major bounce back is required after his last run, but at the odds on offer it looks a risk worth taking given that he has conditions to suit.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 1pt each-way Ten Fires (20/1 Betfred – BOG)
