16:35 Bangor-on-Dee

Saturday 10 June 2023

All13:4014:1514:5015:2516:0016:3517:10

Tote Supporting Racing With Pride Novices' Handicap Hurdle

Off time: 16:35 | Winning time: 4m 47.65s

En Avant⁶⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 12-0| J: Richard Condon⁽⁵⁾| T: Louise G Lyons| OR: 100

7/2

Creditable third of 15 in a Clonmel maiden hurdle last spring but that is a standout effort, and she didn't look entirely straightforward at the same course when returning from 9 months off in April.

Form: 30/5954-

Fireworks^b⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 11-13| J: Jonjo O'Neill Jr.| T: J J Hanlon| OR: 99

20/1

Successful twice on the Flat but his efforts over jumps so far have not been particularly inspiring. Hopes pinned on the addition of blinkers sparking improvement.

Form: 5000-9P

Armattiekan^b²¹

Age: 9| Weight: 11-13| J: B S Hughes| T: D McCain Jnr| OR: 99| D

9/2

Five-time winner over fences and though yet to strike in this sphere, he put in a good shift back hurdling when chasing home Balranald over C&D 3 weeks ago. 5 lb better off with that rival now and should have a part to play.

Form: 5/24PP-2

Pumpkin's Pride²⁷

Age: 7| Weight: 11-9| J: Thomas Bellamy| T: A King| OR: 95| BF

6/1

Appeared to take a step back in the right direction when third of 13 at Doncaster (19.4f, good) in February. Possible that step up to 21.2f counted against him next time and needs considering back down in trip off a 2 lb lower mark.

Form: 3/PUP3-6

Mezyan¹⁸

Age: 8| Weight: 11-2| J: S Bowen| T: J J Hanlon| OR: 88

14/1

Second in a 15-runner Limerick handicap last May and would have a fighting chance were he to reproduce that level of form. However, didn't show much spark on his recent return to action and overall record stands at 0-26.

Form: 04P/2P-0

Balranald^p,t²¹

Age: 7| Weight: 10-13| J: Jamie Hamilton| T: Mrs A C Hamilton| OR: 85| CD

5/1

Successful over fences at Sedgefield in winter 2021. Finally opened account in this sphere over C&D last month, proving 3¾ lengths too strong for Armattiekan, but he's not an obvious type to follow up.

Form: 5892-61

Bergentown²⁰⁰

Age: 6| Weight: 10-13| J: Sean Quinlan| T: J Candlish| OR: 85

11/1

Little worthwhile form in 16 starts over hurdles in Ireland and readily passed over on this debut for new connections.

Form: 09/000P-

Jina⁵⁶

Age: 4| Weight: 10-10| J: Paul O'Brien| T: N J Henderson| OR: 88

10/1

Glimmers of ability in junior hurdles earlier this year but latest effort lacked spark and she needs to take a step forward now upped in trip for this handicap bow.

Form: P346-

Out For The Count^p,t1¹³

Age: 5| Weight: 10-4| J: Lewis Stones⁽³⁾| T: J Candlish| OR: 76

33/1

Soundly beaten in 2 Irish bumpers for Philip Fenton and yet to make an impact for current yard. Addition of cheekpieces failed to do the trick last time and equipped with a first-time tongue strap here, too.

Form: 9600-PP

Robber's Bridge¹⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 10-2| J: James Best| T: Simon Earle| OR: 73

5/1

Took a big step forward when second at Wincanton in March and, though well held next time, his latest effort at Southwell (20.4f, good) was respectable. Each-way claims.

Form: 08529-4

Non-Runners

Dee Eire¹²⁰

Weight: 11-5| Age: 6

T: G Hanmer J: K Brogan

Bowland Belle¹⁰⁵

Weight: 10-2| Age: 6

T: R Menzies J: Nathan Moscrop

Forecasts

En Avant (7/2), Armattiekan (9/2), Robber's Bridge (5/1), Balranald (5/1), Pumpkin's Pride (6/1), Jina (10/1), Bergentown (11/1), Mezyan (14/1), Dee Eire (16/1), Fireworks (20/1), Bowland Belle (20/1), Out For The Count (33/1)

PUMPKIN'S PRIDE's stamina may have been stretched last time and he is of strong interest judged on his effort over a similar trip to this at Doncaster earlier in the year. Armattiekan was returning from a 9-month absence when second to Balranald over this C&D and, with that run under his belt and armed with a 5 lb pull, he is taken to reverse those placings and emerge as the main danger. Robber's Bridge is also worthy of consideration.