Bangor-On-Dee – Friday 11th February

Sometimes close calls can make or break a day, and unfortunately for us yesterday – we were not quite on the right side of things. Jack Foley gave Nelly’s Money a very daring ride from the rear, but she had just too much to do on this occasion, and was unable to peg back the leaders in third. On another day, it could have gone differently. However, given it was the horse’s third near miss in a row without really threatening to go by, there must be small calls for concern about attitude. However, there is competitive racing today and two selections from Bangor are the points of call. 

Starting off with the 2.30 race, which is a 3m5f staying handicap chase and as there are only nine going to post in this race, I will be keenly observing. These staying marathon tests are not often everyone’s cup of tea, but I think they are exactly what jumps racing is all about and I will be looking forward to seeing some very honest horses fight out the finish of this race. 

I am going to stay loyal to the Rebecca Curtis charge in this race, Pennyforapound – who must represent some sort of each way value having come here after two promising thirds in his last two starts. He has finally seemed to warm to the task over fences after being a slow burner to start with, and his tendency to shift left on occasions will be aided by the return to this track. Another positive is that he won at this course last year on heavy ground, so the course and conditions should provide no issue to him. He steps up to this marathon trip for the first time, and although that always comes with its concerns – he has looked like a one paced horse that could gallop all day long. I would be in the agreement that this might end up being a very prudent move as a result. At a price of 7/1 with Paddy Power, who offer 3 places, he is an each way bet. 

The second selection of the day comes in the 3.40 race, which is a 2m handicap hurdle and as a result, represents the completely opposite end of the scale for horses having a run over the smaller sticks. This 11 runner race sees perennial bridesmaid John Betjeman head the market and although it is highly likely to see this horse run a good race, he should be taken on at his current prices for win purposes. 

Instead, I will be siding with the thoroughly unexposed Menin Gate, who looks to have a fair chance based on his two efforts over timber thus far and he also looks fairly handicapped based on his best flat form. His first run over hurdles, which was a third at Uttoxeter – represents good form and although he wasn’t at the same level on the second occasion, the track at Fakenham does not always suit every horse and he can be forgiven for that below par effort. Back on a more conventional, galloping track on this occasion, he should run a much better race off a handicap mark of 106. He is 8/1 with Paddy Power for this race, who are offering 3 places – and that looks more than fair to have a crack at.