RACING returns to Bangor-on-Dee today after the summer break and punters who like to back leading trainer Dan Skelton are in for a treat, writes ROSS SHEPHERD.
Skelton, with his brother Harry in the saddle, have a runner in all seven races on the card that begins at 1.40pm with the Novices’ Hurdle.
Skelton’s Holy Joe Smoke looks like being sent off a warm order favourite.
A dual winner over fences, he is having his first start over hurdles since 2023 and is the one the others all have to beat.
Local runner Iamyouare from the Donald McCain yard looks the best of the rest after a game second at Uttoxeter back in July.
Eight runners race over two and a half miles at 2.15pm and bottom weight Delgany Second Now is after the hat-trick after wins at both Stratford and Fontwell.
McCain’s Soldier Mayo has been off the track for some time but if overcoming this could easily figure.
Tamarind Bay will supported in the three-mile handicap chase at 2.50pm.
The six year old has been a different horse since switching to fences making it two from two in July.
He looked the likeliest winner at Perth on his latest start until unseating and will be hoping to make amends for that here.
Others worth a second glance include Skelton’s Thickthorn Tom and the 12-year-old Presentandcounting.
Five runners head to post at 3.25pm in the three-mile handicap hurdle.
Alan King’s Ernest Gray and Kiwi De Cotte lock horns again after their encounter at Market Rasen last month.
On that occasion, it was the Skelton charge that came out on top but his rival was closing the margin in the closing stages and will be hoping to turn the tables here.
Six mares head to post at 4pm for a two-mile handicap hurdle and the locally trained Gary Hanmer runner Northern Rose has chances.
She opened up her account in an 11-runner race at Uttoxeter in July but followed that up with a poor performance most recently and will be out to prove herself today. I Heard A Rumour and Jammy Jay also catch the eye.
The Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero-trained Post Chaise has a good strike rate over fences and could go well in the handicap chase at 4.35pm.
The nine year old, trained at the duo’s Malpas stables, has been off the track for some time but if in tip top form could figure here.
Depalma has his debut run for the Skeltons and could appreciate this step up in trip. Harry’s Hope and Back In The Bay also holds place claims.
The largest field of the day head to post in the closing contest at 5.10pm.
This looks likely to be fought out between the in-form Ballynoe Boy for Nicky Richards and the Skelton runner Ashdown Forest who has also tasted success during the summer.
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