Bangor 'National Hunt' Auction Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Off time: 15:01 | Winning time: 4m 25.77s

According To Alex³⁰⁵

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: T J O'Brien| T: H D Daly| OR: 108

13/2

Showed ability in maiden/novice company here last season, but beaten a long way on handicap debut at Wetherby when last seen in January and he looks vulnerable.

Form: 7/239-

Any News³⁴

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: N P Mulholland| D

13/8

Failed to complete sole start in points last year, but created a good impression when landing an Exeter bumper (16.8f) on Rules debut. Clearly a nice prospect and very much of interest now hurdling.

Form: F-1

Brother Pat¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: Theo Gillard⁽⁷⁾| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 107

10/1

Stepped up on previous efforts when third in an 11-runner Stratford novice (16.3f), but another step forward will be needed here against a couple of very promising types in Any News and Easy As That.

Form: 99-73

Easy As That²⁶⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 11-0| J: G Sheehan| T: Miss V Williams

11/10

Bred to be smart and he very was impressive when landing bumpers at Ffos Las and Musselburgh last season. Brings bundles of potential to the table now switched to hurdles.

Form: 11-

Non-Runners

Imperial Esprit³³¹

Weight: 11-0| Age: 6

T: H Fry J: Non Runner

Forecasts

Easy As That (11/10), Any News (13/8), According To Alex (13/2), Imperial Esprit (7/1), Brother Pat (10/1)

An intriguing clash between highly promising bumper winners EASY AS THAT and Any News. The latter scored in good style at Exeter and his future looks bright, but Easy As That was mightily impressive at Musselburgh on the second of his 2 starts last season and seemingly possesses all the ingredients to make up into a smart novice. Brother Pat is the pick of the remaining trio.