13:35 Bangor-on-Dee
Tuesday 25 August 2020
All12:0012:3013:0013:3514:0514:3515:0515:3516:05
Donald McCain Racing Handicap Hurdle
- 3YO plus | Class 3 | 2m 3f 123y | Soft | 11 Runners | Turf | Weighed In
- Off time: 13:35 | Winning time: 4m 58.79s
Cloth number
Odds
Horse A-Z
Show odds
Losing run mounting up but performed with credit faced with some tough assignments over fences during last term. Not disgraced in French Grade 2 on return and dangerous to discount off current mark.
Wide-margin winner on sole previous visit here in December 2018. However, lightly-raced since and, despite misfiring on each of his last 3 starts, he remains 3 lb above that winning mark.
Back to form in no uncertain terms when scoring on deep ground at Ludlow in November. Clearly wasn't 100% on latest start at Fakenham 7 months ago and each-way chance if resuming in good order.
Fairly useful hurdler/chaser in France but well held both starts for new connections at Clairefontaine the last twice.
Downpatrick maiden hurdle winner for Willie Mullins in 2018 but proved disappointing on the whole last year. No show starting out for this yard at Kempton in February and plenty to prove now.
Cashed in on reduced mark at Ludlow (21f) in November and should be coming back to the boil following spins here and at Newton Abbot in recent weeks. Capable off this mark and couldn't rule out.
Won off this mark at Worcester last summer and over fences off 3 lb higher at Uttoxeter in September. However, tame efforts both starts this year (tried in a visor latest) and cheekpieces back on.
Looked potentially useful when landing an Ascot novice in 2018 but has proved disappointing since, both in this sphere and over hurdles. Hopes pinned on first-time cheekpieces sparking a revival.
Flat winner for Andrew Balding and posted best effort yet in this sphere when third of 14 in a Huntingdon novice (15.8f) in March. Stiffer test should suit now handicapping and tongue strap enlisted.
Underwent wind surgery at the beginning of the year and produced his best effort for a while when runner-up at Cartmel (17.2f) recently. 2 lb rise fair and he needs considering.
Not the most genuine of types but hard to knock recent placed efforts at Newton Abbot and Fontwell. Remains 1 lb below last winning mark and should give another good account.
Non-Runners
7
Beach Break35
Weight: 11-6| Age: 6
T: D McCain Jnr J: B S Hughes
NR
13
North Hill675
Weight: 10-6| Age: 9
T: Ian Williams J: C J Todd
NR
Forecasts
Garo De Juilley (10/3), Bhutan (4/1), Percy Street (9/2), Authorizo (6/1), New Quay (8/1), Beach Break (8/1), Chirico Vallis (10/1), North Hill (10/1), Soldier To Follow (16/1), Lovato (16/1), Knock House (18/1), Eclat Des Mottes (33/1), Zuckerberg (40/1)
There may be more to come from SOLDIER TO FOLLOW now faced with a stiffer test and pitched into a handicap for the first time in this sphere. His latest effort at Huntingdon represented a step in the right direction and this opening mark looks a fair one. Percy Street arrives on the back of a couple of solid efforts but bigger threats may be posed by Garo de Juilley and Authorizo.
- SOLDIER TO FOLLOW
- GARO DE JUILLEY (FR)
- AUTHORIZO (FR)
Prize Money
1st: £6,498.002nd: £1,908.003rd: £954.004th: £477.00
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