Hi all,
A decent Class 2 handicap chase at Bangor today.
Bangor
1:50 – Anne Duchess Of Westminster Memorial Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m
The fairly short priced favourite is the Venetia Williams trained Commodore. The 7-year-old made it 2 from 2 over fences last season when winning at Sandown in March. An excellent jumper he handles soft ground, placed on heavy and looks more than capable of being better than a 135 rated handicap chaser. Won first time up last season and trainer Venetia Williams has won this race four times since 2010.
Arthur’s Gift was an eyecatcher last time at Carlisle when sent off the 15/8 favourite on his seasonal reappearance 27-days ago. Best form has come on soft ground so ground conditions may not have been soft enough for the 8-year-old who remains capable of better over fences. Not sure he’s as well handicapped as the favourite but will be fitter for his Carlisle run.
Kayf Adventure hasn’t won beyond 2m 5f so must prove his stamina for 3m on heavy ground, The one big thing in the 8-year-old favour is the going form figures of 11612 on heavy ground. Won first time up last season and has each way claims if he stays.
Classic Ben’s form is solid, and the 6-year-old should be capable of winning a decent pot over the winter. Calipso Collonges probably needed last month’s seasonal reappearance at Fakenham and he’s another who will be suited by today’s underfoot conditions and is just 2lb higher than for hislast win. He’s another with place claims.
Verdict: I’m loathe to back against Arthur’s Gift who looks on a competitive mark but it was hard not to be impressed with Commodore’s two starts over fences last season and he can give Venetia Williams another win in this handicap chase.
2pts win – Commodore @ 9/4 @ Bet365 & Unibet
Cheers
John