RACING On a Roll for Ffos Las winner

PETER BOWEN is eager to run Rolling Maul in next month’s Cesarewitch, so he can be relied upon to be firing on all cylinders as he shoots for a penalty at Ffos Las on Sunday.

Newmarket’s two-and-a-quartermile event looks an ideal opportunity for this dual-purpose performer but he needs to clock up a penalty before even coming close to making the cut.

Therefore it is reasonable to expect Bowen will have Rolling Maul in top trim ahead of the Army Cadets Wales Supporting NSPCC Schools Service Handicap over two miles.

The nine-year-old, who Bowen thinks has lost his confidence over jumps, is seemingly thriving for a switch in discipline and is going for a four-timer on the level here following an earlier win at this track as well as successes at Bath and Newmarket.

It was nip and tuck on that latter occasion as Rolling Maul only just prevailed by a head, but the handicapper clearly liked what he saw as he hiked him 6lb for that run.

That leaves Rolling Maul on a mark of 85, but given he has shouldered National Hunt weights in the past, a burden just short of 10st will hardly feel too heavy.

Added to that his useful claimer Joshua Bryan takes 5lb off again, leaving Rolling Maul poised for another success.

Lorelina turned in a fair effort to finish second last time and can improve on that in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Fillies’ Handicap.

Andrew Balding’s charge clearly likes a bit of cut in the ground and should have conditions to suit at the Welsh venue.

She was beaten by a Godolphin favourite at Epsom on her most recent outing but given that was her first start for 79 days, it would be reasonable to expect a bit of improvement for the run.

The switch up to a mile and a first start in handicap company can see The Bear Can Fly in the best possible light.

David Menuisier’s charge has fallen short in three maiden outings so far, but the BBI Group Supporting Childline Wales Fillies’ Handicap looks an eminently winnable opportunity.