THE focus for racing this weekend locally will be the national hunt fixture at Bangor-on-Dee tomorrow.

The action gets under way at 2.10pm with the David Manning Associates Novices' Handicap Chase over two miles, four-and-a-half furlongs. Three Eagles was unfortunate when falling at Worcester two weeks ago after a promising second at Uttoxeter last month. Preference goes to Virgin Soldier, an 18-length winner at Sedgefield last time out over a similar distance.

Blue Venture, trained by in-form Patrick Haslem, scored by half a length at Market Rasen on July 19 when making his hurdles bow and should improve for that experience.

The biggest danger in the two-mile one-furlong Argoed Juvenile Novices' Hurdle looks to be Downtherefordancing, who finished second to Kavi over this course and distance at the last meeting. Most of the other entries have yet to race over timber and the betting market is often an accurate guide for punters in this type of race.

Amateur jockeys contest the Colwyn Bay Handicap Hurdle and may present Haslem with a second winning opportunity. Red Flyer came second, two lengths behind Far Pavilions at Musselburgh back in February, before a disappointing performance at Stratford in April.

If the gelding is fit after a four-month break, he should go close here. Vitelucy, a winner at Worcester two weeks ago, and Knockdoo, who also holds an entry at Perth tomorrow, have place credentials.

It is difficult to oppose Waterberg in the feature race of the afternoon, the long-distance Carlsberg-Tetley Handicap covering three miles and half a furlong. The eight-year-old has two successive wins to his name, the last being a six-length victory over three miles at Stratford when carrying 11stones 9lbs.

Simber Hill and Lisdante, both five-day entries in this contest, finished second and third respectively behind Waterberg in that race, and the gelding, with proven stamina, will be well backed to make it three wins in a row.

Lord Alyn won a National Hunt flat race at Worcester on July 23 and has yet to race over timber, so qualifies for the Dublcheck Maiden Hurdle. Strictly Speaking was third in a Selling Hurdle at Stratford last month and Sarena Pride showed promise when occupying third place in a Maiden Hurdle at Newton Abbot in June. He is the tentative each-way selection in this trappy two-and-a-half-mile contest.

The card comes to a close with the Bangor Bookmakers Novices Handicap Hurdle. A course and distance winner on August 1, Whaleef is improving and is one for the shortlist. Other entries include the second and third horses in that race, Bentyheath Lane and Secrets Out.

Trainer Martin Pipe has entered Royal Prodigy, who won a Selling Hurdle at Stratford on July 31. This is a step up in class and Whaleef is selected to confirm the form.