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17:40 Bangor-On-Dee
Likely front runner, Bempton Cliffs, comes into this race looking for a hat-trick and looks a much improved type now chasing. Alan Johns has been on board for both his wins and takes the ride again today. He is now high enough in the weights however, and though not ruled out, I’m going against the grey today.
Mick Channon’s runner Barest Of Margins looked to be going very well before falling last time out at Uttoxeter, before that he had finished a good second on chasing debut. It’s probable that he is still learning his trade at this stage of his career and today may not be the day for him to break his maiden tag.
I’m siding with Punxsutawney Phil for this contest. He drops in grade here for this race and though he was soundly beaten on his chase debut, he will have learned a lot from that and I can see him making amends here in the very capable hands of Henry Brooke. The first time cheek pieces could also bring about the necessary improvement for him to get off the mark over fences at the second time of asking.
PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL (WIN)
18:40 Bangor-On-Dee
Francky Du Berlais produced a very fine fighting performance to land the Summer Plate at Market Rasen last month for the second year running and gets to race off his lower hurdles mark here today. He was however very disappointing when last seen hurdling at Ffos Las and he would be a risky selection here today over the smaller obstacles.
Dead Right hasn’t been seen on track for almost a year but the lightly raced ten-year-old has won two of his three starts over hurdles. If he is fully wound up for this visit he could be a big player today.
Wbee has really found his form over the last eighteen months, visiting the winners circle six times in that period. He does have to shoulder top weight here though and might be vulnerable today.
Latino Fling steps up in trip representing the powerful combination of Donald McCain and Brian Hughes. They both have very good records here at Bangor and the longer trip shouldn’t be an issue at all for this former point winner, nor should a 5lb rise in the weights for her victory last time out. She is my selection here for this event.
LATINO FLING (WIN)
written by Tom Bates