AN interesting card is in prospect at the Bangor-on-Dee meeting tomorrow afternoon where the feature race is the Bright Future Novices' Chase.
Provided the ground remains good, prolific winner Iris's Gift is set to build his experience over the larger obstacles in this event.
Front running Mister Flint comes with a hat trick of victories to his name, the latest over the course and distance last month when the seven-year-old recorded an unchallenged four-length success. Trainer Philip Hobbs has also entered the capable Fool On The Hill and Croix de Guerre. This is no one-horse race and Iris's Gift will offer little value for punters. A wager on Tonic Du Charmil may represent a better return on investment.
Racing begins at 2.20pm with the Numark Handicap Hurdle. Flame Phoenix from the Ginger McCain yard finished fourth in a similar contest at the last meeting here and may have to be content with a place again today.
Star Member is one of the few entries with recent form to his name in the Gordon Mytton Homes Novices' Hurdle. The six-year-old coped with the soft ground at Stratford four weeks ago on his hurdles debut. His flat form suggests that he should be capable of going close again today.
Trainer Jonjo O'Neill may hold the key to the totescoop6 Handicap Chase with either Master Tern or The Sister. Both
horses have been on the racecourse in recent weeks with the former finishing second at Worcester on his last outing. The Sister is preferred with proven stamina to stay this extended three mile trip.
Jeremy Cuddle Duck could not have been more impressive when galloping to a 10-length victory in the 16-runner bumper at Bangor-on-Dee back in August. The gelding started favourite that day and looked a decent hurdling prospect who should know enough about the jumping game to score on his debut in the Totepool Awaybet 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle. Twelve Paces looks the danger.
The Miles Macadam Handicap Chase covers two miles one and a half furlongs. Jazz Knight drops down in class here and may enable him to recapture winning form. Bonchester Bridge finished a creditable second behind Jeremy Cuddle Duck on her last racecourse appearance.
The totesport.com Mares' Only Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race looks an opportunity for her and trainer Nicky Henderson to close the meeting on a winning note.
