RACING returns to Bangor-on-Dee tomorrow and includes the Children's Pony Stakes, sponsored by Waltons the Jewellers of Chester, in support of the Clwyd Special Riding Centre.
Racing under rules begins at 2.20pm with the Hill Dickinson Novices Hurdle over two miles and four furlongs. With 61 entries at the five-day stage, this race may be split into two divisions when final declarations are made this morning and, if so, the race times may be amended. Harapour was second at Chepstow three weeks ago over this distance and is one for the shortlist if taking his chance.
In the Warwick International Novices Chase, Palua made no impression at Aintree earlier this month in a Grade One event and will find this easier.
The seven-year-old held Atum Re in third place back in January at Kempton, and the two will be supported to finish in the frame at this level. Bonus Bridge finished in front of Palua at Aintree following a two-month absence and is capable of winning today.
The feature race of the meeting is the £13,000 Kronospan Handicap Chase run over an extended three miles. Thirty-two horses have been entered for the race, but the declared field will be considerably smaller.
Mr Cospector appears to have lost his early-season form and You're Agoodun will find this more straightforward than when finishing in sixth place at Cheltenham with a step down in class. Perfect Fellow will stay this trip and looks a useful type with the ability to follow up on his Sandown victory on March 13.
Bertiebanoo is selected to improve on his second place at Warwick last month when giving 6lbs in weight to the one-length winner. Stamina will not be in doubt for the gelding over the three-mile trip of the Moors Andrew Thomas Handicap Hurdle.
Point-to-point horses and jockeys take centre stage in the Jane McAlpine Memorial Hunters Chase. Coole Venture also holds an entry at Alpraham but, if appearing here, may reverse the Bangor form of last May with Pennyahei. Master Wood is also capable of going close.
Racing concludes with the inaugural running of the Anne, Duchess of Westminster Memorial Handicap Hurdle, over a trip of two miles and four furlongs in which Fruit Defendu may go one better than when finishing second last time out at Chepstow as a longer trip should suit.
Alpraham is the popular venue of the Cheshire Hunt point-to-point fixture this Sunday.
There are seven scheduled races that have attracted 124 entries. Action begins at 2pm and admission is £15 per car irrespective of the number of occupants.
The feature race is the Men's Open, a qualifier for the £10,000 Land Rover Championship Hunter Chase final at Cheltenham on April 28.
Step On Eyre, trained in Threapwood by Steve Wynne, is the local entry and the gelding should have ground conditions to suit.
