The opener on the Friday card at Bangor is a 2m1f Novices’ Chase, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.
IN SUMMARY: Staritecht is especially interesting on chase debut as he was a very useful handicap hurdler, but he isn’t bred for the job and preference is for POUGNE BOBBI. Only thrice raced and twice over hurdles, he showed significant promise in both and has the stature of a chaser. He should improve for the switch to fences and is given the vote today.
1 ROADIE JOE – Useful hurdler at his best, but made hard work of what should have been an easy chase debut at Worcester in September (2m4f, Good). Has something to find on hurdles form and may struggle today.
2 A HARE BREATH – Fourth in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last month which represents very good form and makes his chasing debut today. Pedigree suggests he should improve for the switch to fences and needs to be respected as a main threat.
3 GALA BALL – Very good hurdler at his best, winning three of his seven hurdles starts. Has scope now going over fences and should be given a market check. Very attractive pedigree which further boosts his claims meaning he cannot be underestimated.
4 LETTHERIVERRUNDRY – Fair hurdler in the context of this race and his fourth on chasing debut at Wincanton last month was moderate to say the least (1m7f, Good). Tougher task today and needs to find much more.
5 POUGNE BOBBI – Displayed significant promise on both his hurdles efforts thus far and this switch to fences should bring out even more improvement as he definitely has the stature for it. Henderson usually does well with these types and is a hugely interesting runner who demands plenty of respect.
6 SAGE MONKEY – Very modest in two chases as yet and, although those were tough assignments, he’s still best watched all the same.
7 STARCHITECT – Very useful handicap hurdler for David Pipe placing in a Grade 3 and winning 25% of his races under all codes. Not bred for chasing, but on his handicap form he has to be greatly respected.
8 QUERRY HOUSE – Very lightly raced over hurdles and made a pleasing start over fences when second of three at Huntingdon, but not disgraced (2m, Good). Still has something to find and needs to show a big amount of improvement to feature today.