Hi all,
There are jump cards at Bangor-on-Dee and Kempton and an all-weather card at Southwell this afternoon. Evening fixtures at Dundalk & Chelmsford conclude Friday’s action.
The most valuable meeting isn’t in this part of the world though. It’s over at Meydan at the Dubai Winter Carnival. I’m going to swerve Meydan today in favour of a couple of handicap chases at Bangor-on-Dee and Kempton this afternoon.
Bangor-on-Dee
2:20 – RPM North Wales National Handicap Chase (3m 5 ½ f)
Despite good to soft, good in places ground, fourteen are set to line up for this marathon handicap chase.
It probably says something about the runners that 12 of the 14 are wearing some sort of headgear. I slimmed the race down to four main contenders.
The Questioner a winner at Ascot over hurdles in November. The 7-year-old made a winning chase debut at Doncaster (3m 2f) last month. Up 6lb but open to improvement for the step up in trip.
Conquredalofeurope has run well on all three chase starts since joining present connections. Granted he’s now a ten race maiden over fences but the return to today’s trip will suit and he’s on a fair mark.
Don Herbager won this race 12 months ago on heavy ground. Not at his best on either start this season but he was better at Exeter last time. This has likely been the plan once more. However, drying ground would be a concern.
No ground concernsfor No Cruise Yet who won on good ground at Carlisle last March.The 8-year-old hasn’t been seen since winning at Haydock (3m 4 ½ f) in November. He jumped soundly at Haydock and remains unexposed at marathon trips like this. A 3lb rise demands more from him but I’m hopeful he’ll be able to defy it.
Verdict: If the ground was softer, I would fancy Don Herbager for back to back wins in the race. If The Questioner stays today’s extended 3m 5f he won’t be far away on just his second start over fences. Conquredalofeurope is on a handy mark and shouldn’t be far away. However, preference is for progressive staying handicap chaser No Cruise Yet.
Kempton
3:00 – Every Race Live On Racing TV Handicap Chase – 3m
Just the seven line-up for an intriguing enough Class 3 handicap chase. Killer Kane won over C&D 12 months ago and off today’s mark at Sandown the following month. Not quite at this best on three starts this season but on a handy mark if bouncing back.
Dorking Lad was a strong at the finish when winning a handicap chase by 16 lengths here (2m 4 ½ ) in November. A 9lb rise in the weights could be workable and with Caoilin Quinn taking off a handy 5lb he’s one to seriously consider. Stamina for 3m must be taken on trust but he wasn’t stopping last time.
No stamina concerns with Major Dundee. The 8-year-old improved on his hurdles form to win his first two starts over fences last season. Ended last season with a 12 length 3rd of 23 in the Scottish Grand National. First start since a low key return at Chepstow in October. Remains capable of better over fences.
Dan Skelton saddled last year’s winner of the race and he’s got an interesting contender in Dogs Of War. A winner of three of his first four starts over fences in the Spring of 2021. All three of his career wins have come on good/good to firm going. We haven’t seen the 9-year-old since a solid return to action when a close-up third at Chepstow in the autumn of 2021. Has a near 16 month absence to overcome but the trainer can prepare one after a long absence and he’s on a handy mark if ready to roll first time.
Verdict: I wouldn’t put anyone of Dorking Lad. However, I’m going to take chances with the long absent Dogs Of War and Major Dundee.
Betting Advice:
Bangor-on-Dee
2:20 – No Cruise Yet – 1pt win – 6/1 @ Bet365
Kempton
3:00 – Major Dundee – 1pt win – 7/1 @ Bet365 and Dogs Of War – 1pt win – 11/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power
Cheers
John