14:15 Bangor-on-Dee

Saturday 21 March 2026

All13:0713:3714:1514:4515:2015:5516:30

Virgin Bet Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • 5YO plus  |   Class 3  |   3m 30y  |   Good to Soft (Good in places)  |   5 Runners  |   Turf  |   Weighed In
  • Off time: 14:16  |   Winning time: 6m 15.62s
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Cloth number
Odds
Star rating
Horse A-Z
Show odds
1
Horse silk
Joyeux Machinp,t35
Age: 9|  Weight: 12-2| J: Harry Atkins(7)| T: D Skelton| OR:  132| D
7/2
Below par so far this season but it's worth noting that he's been contesting stronger handicaps than this and that his mark has slipped to an attractive level. Dangerous to discount.
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Timeform
2
Horse silk
Val Dancerp28
Age: 9|  Weight: 11-12| J: Charlie Hammond| T: Mrs M Rowley| OR:  128| C| D
5/1
Straightforward type who landed the 2024 Welsh National at Chepstow. Below par on return in November but has followed that with a series of creditable efforts and a bold show is anticipated here.
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Timeform
3
Horse silk
Castle Robinp,t543
Age: 11|  Weight: 11-5| J: Lily Pinchin| T: C E Longsdon| OR:  121| D
22/1
Given a chance by the handicapper but wasn't at his best when last seen back in September 2024. Bit to prove at present.
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Timeform
4
Horse silk
No Tacklev37
Age: 9|  Weight: 10-11| J: Toby McCain-Mitchell(5)| T: R L Llewellyn| OR:  113
6/4
Left reappearance run behind when scoring in decisive fashion at Lingfield in November and has found just one too good on each of his 3 subsequent starts. Can be expected to run his race but, at the same time, he could be a shade too high in the weights.
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Timeform
5
Horse silk
Bo Cruz23
Age: 7|  Weight: 10-8| J: Theo Gillard| T: D McCain Jnr| OR:  110| D
11/4
Winless over hurdles but made it 2-4 in this sphere when accounting for 7 rivals in a Wetherby handicap last month. Hit with a hefty rise (up 10 lb) but he's unexposed as a chaser and should make his presence felt.
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Timeform

Forecasts

No Tackle (6/4), Bo Cruz (11/4), Joyeux Machin (7/2), Val Dancer (5/1), Castle Robin (22/1)

Verdict

Though JOYEUX MACHIN was ultimately well held at Ascot last month, he was still bang there turning for home in that valuable handicap and is worth chancing now in calmer waters. Bo Cruz has proved progressive since switched to fences and is greatly respected in his hat-trick bid, while Val Dancer is also likely to have a big say.

  1. Joyeux Machin7/2
  2. Bo Cruz11/4
  3. Val Dancer5/1

Prize Money

1st: £10,562.002nd: £4,860.003rd: £2,430.004th: £1,216.005th: £606.00

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