The excitement is palpable as the Sky Sports Racing cameras make their way to Bangor-on-Dee, North Wales, for an action-packed seven-race card set to unfold on a Wednesday afternoon. The feature race of the day promises a thrilling clash between two formidable contenders, Casa No Mento and Cabhfuilfungi, in the Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Novices’ Chase.
Casa No Mento and Cabhfuilfungi: Rivalry on the Track
Leading the charge is Casa No Mento, trained by the renowned Nigel Twiston-Davies, who has demonstrated promising form over hurdles and put on a solid display in a Listed event at Bangor-on-Dee last November. Despite jumping right in that race, Casa No Mento is expected to leverage that experience and deliver a stellar performance in this upcoming challenge.
On the other side of the spectrum is Kerry Lee’s Cabhfuilfungi, a recent winner over fences at Southwell and a strong runner-up at Chepstow. Stepping up to the plate once again, Cabhfuilfungi is poised to give Casa No Mento a run for its money, especially considering the weight advantage it holds over its competitors. Keep an eye out for Donald McCain’s Throatlash as well, a point-to-point victor making its fencing debut.
C’Est Different Aims for Hat-Trick Glory
In the 4.35 race, all eyes will be on Sam Thomas’ C’Est Different, who is on a mission to secure a hat-trick victory after triumphing at Chepstow last Saturday. With two consecutive wins under its belt, this five-year-old sensation is expected to shine once again, even with a 7lb penalty.
Challenging C’Est Different is Belinda Clarke’s Richardson, who has shown a resurgence in form and is ready to showcase its abilities in the soft ground conditions at Bangor. Venetia Williams’ Jeu d’Opale and The Secret Pearl, a close contender in its previous race, are also worth noting in what promises to be a fiercely competitive event.
Hunter Legend and Big City Roller: A Battle of Titans
The 2.55 race features Hunter Legend, a standout performer from Venetia Williams’ stable, looking to redeem itself after a disappointing finish at Uttoxeter. With four chase wins to its name, Hunter Legend is set to make a statement in the Bangor-On-Dee Occasion Package Handicap Chase under the guidance of Charlie Deutsch.
Facing off against Hunter Legend is Charlie Longsdon’s Big City Roller, making a comeback after a 445-day hiatus. This point-to-point winner is ready to make its mark in the chasing realm, offering an intriguing challenge to the field. And let’s not forget Ballybegg, rounding out the contenders under the skilled hands of Sam Twiston-Davies.
As the day unfolds at Bangor, all eyes will be on Forcetoreckonwith, making its debut under rules in the 3.30 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Mares’ Maiden Hurdle. With a successful point-to-point background, this six-year-old mare is a dark horse to watch out for. Additionally, the duo of Rich and Susanna Ricci bring Kingbel Du Lion to the mix, a French import making its British debut in the Sky Sports Racing Maiden Hurdle at 4.05.
In parallel, the talented jockeys Ryan Moore and Richard Kingscote are set to dazzle at Happy Valley, with Moore boasting an exciting lineup of rides in the Far East. Don’t miss a moment of the heart-pounding action as it unfolds live on Sky Sports Racing from Bangor.
The stage is set for a thrilling day of racing, with fierce competition, emerging talent, and seasoned champions converging at Bangor-on-Dee. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds and the winners emerge victorious in a display of skill, speed, and pure equestrian excellence.
