1.15pm Bangor Tips & Betting Preview 03/01/2017

Bangor’s Tuesday card kicks off with a handicap chase, with seven runners vying for the win in this 3 mile contest. See our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Although he remains frustrating at present, its all got to click into place for WESTERN JO at some stage and he is a good mark for his previous exploits over fences. He is on a much lower mark than he was when first starting out and there is hope that he can return to his best today with Sam Twiston-Davies now taking over the ride. He’ll need to fend off the most likely main danger Pithivier, who was a good 3rd on chasing debut at Wetherby against two fairly useful rivals.

1 SAROQUE – 10 year old whose been struggling of late, finishing a tailed off 8th of 10 at Carlisle on his latest excursion. At his best he’d have a good chance in this, but does face some younger legs and horses with much more potential so isn’t fancied for win purposes.

2 PITHIVIER – Decent enough hurdler for the short time he was over those obstacles and made a good start to life over fences when 3rd behind two relativity useful rivals at Wetherby in November, his first start in just under a year (3m Soft). He should have much more to give for the Ben Pauling team and it would be a surprise to see him not in the shake up come the finish.

3 THE HORSECHESNUT – Won a handicap hurdle at Uttoxeter in March 2015 (3m, Soft) but hasn’t hasn’t had much joy over fence thus far, falling on his first run at Punchestown in November, well beaten at the time (2m 4f, Soft). He then pulled up a month later at Ffos Las (3m, Heavy), and although should be capable of much better than this, he doesn’t make much appeal.

4 CAFE DE PARIS – Well into the veteran stage at 12 and hasn’t been hitting his best form at present, well beaten at Wincanton on his latest start (3m 1f, Good to Soft). Others make more appeal today for win purposes but if back to near his best, he could have each way claims.

5 COPPER BIRCH – Hit a good patch when winning twice in November, at Ffos Las (3m, Good) and then Hereford (2m 3f, Soft). Clearly very versatile and there didn’t seem to be much excuse for his blow out at Ffos Las at the end of the month (2m 5f, Good), although it may well have come too soon. Has had a break since and returns for the in form Evan Williams team, and if back to his best he’d have definite each way claims today.

6 WESTERN JO – In consistent hurdler but good at his best and started well over fences, placing twice before things started to go wayward. He’s only beaten one rival in his last three starts, including pulling up on penultimate start, and has dropped a long way in the ratings. He is however surely capable of better and if returning to near his best he seems to be on a good mark, with Sam Twiston-Davies taking the ride which looks significant. Has to be considered today despite recent form.

7 CABRAGH – Very modest over hurdles but has improved massively when switched to fences, winning on debut at Sedgefield (3m 2f, Good to Soft). Wasn’t as good at Newcastle latest (2m 4f, Soft), but the trip could well of been an excuse that day and if bouncing back he could be an interesting place contender today.