Racecards
14:45 Bangor-on-Dee
Doug Francis Memorial Novices' Handicap Chase (Class E)
- 6 Runners
- Distance: 3m 110y
- Going: Good, Good to Soft in places
- Form 0144/P1
- Age 8
- Weight 11-12
- Trainer Ian Williams
- Jockey Paul Moloney
held up, headway and mistake 14th, every chance 3 out, ridden and pecked 2 out, kept on flat
Iron Express
19- Form PP22P3
- Age 7
- Weight 11-11
- Trainer G & J Moore
- Jockey R Garritty
prominent to 11th, tailed off when pulled up before 2 out
- Form 22060P/
- Age 9
- Weight 11-9
pulled hard in touch, headway 13th, led 2 out, ridden and headed last, weakened flat
Golden Rod
19- Form 051-333
- Age 6
- Weight 11-1
- Trainer K Bailey & M Nicholls
- Jockey J P McNamara
in touch, headway 12th, every chance 3 out, soon ridden, weakened approaching last
- Form 2P3-021
- Age 9
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Mrs N Sharpe
- Jockey J Mogford
led, mistake 4 out, ridden and headed 2 out, weakening when blundered last, soon pulled up
- Form 640P20
- Age 6
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer Mrs L Williamson
- Jockey R Greene
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place 13th, rallied 2 out, led last, driven out
In depth
Verdict
A small field goes to post for this novices chase and the principals look to be Ray Source, Illinilad and Golden Rod we will take a chance on the last named. The six year old was a fair third behind Stanmore last time out and with the step up in trip sure to suit he will be hard to beat. Ray Source rates the main danger he won well last out when defeating Excellent Vibes and a reproduction of that effort would see him go close despite his penalty. Illinilad also won well last time out but this looks tougher and for that reason he is opposed on this occasion. Of the remainder Iron Express would have a chance on his best form but he has become very disappointing of late and for that reason he is opposed on this occasion so we are happy to side with Golden Rod.