Bangor Bet Beginners' Chase

Off time: 12:10 | Winning time: 5m 36.5s

Ballymoy¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N & W Twiston-Davies| OR: 147| BF| C

4/9

Smart over hurdles he's yet to quite match that level of form over fences despite taking second in both of his outings in this sphere so far. A beaten favourite twice over these larger obstacles (ran into a smart type last time); capable of more.

Form: 1176-22

Billingsley²⁵⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 11-2| J: L Treadwell| T: A Ralph| OR: 117

40/1

Dual novice hurdle winner on heavy; didn't really fire in handicaps last year; now sent chasing for the first time. Both wins came over 2m but he should stay this 2m4f trip; lowest-rated of these over hurdles, stiff task at the weights; front-runner.

Form: 011/504-

Constantine Bay²¹⁹

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: W T Kennedy| T: B Ellison| OR: 138| D

7/1

Start off over fences for a new trainer (third yard overall) having shown some useful hurdling form previously. Well held when last seen (only start for Ian Williams) but was considerately handled; may well need the run after an absence.

Form: 11144/5-

Florrie Knox²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Kielan Woods| T: A M Hales| OR: 125

16/1

Lightly-raced last season after winning a novice hurdle at the backend of the previous season (2m4f, heavy). Not disgraced on his recent return in a Wetherby handicap hurdle after 10 months off; fairly stiff ask on chasing debut given hurdles form.

Form: 312/45-5

Knight In Dubai^t²³⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-2| J: Conor Shoemark| T: D Skelton| OR: 138

4/1

Fell on his chasing debut (October 2018) having jumped well to that point, quickly returned to hurdles showing some smart form despite not winning (often given plenty to do). Back from an absence, in good hands; obvious threat for second chase try.

Form: 40/F205-

Forecasts

Ballymoy (4/9), Knight In Dubai (4/1), Constantine Bay (7/1), Florrie Knox (16/1), Billingsley (40/1)

There was a 50-1 shock winner in this last year but that’s unlikely to happen this year with BALLYMOY setting a good standard and poised to go one better having bumped into two smart types (Nube Negra and Windsor Avenue) already over fences. Runner-up in both of those outings there is nothing of that quality in this field and with hurdles ratings suggesting he has plenty in hand he should open his chasing account. Knight In Dubai returns to fences after some fine efforts over hurdles last season and connections will be hoping for more luck second time around over fences. Brian Ellison gives Constantine Bay his chasing debut and he’s expected to go well but may just need the outing.