Playing the handicaps at Bangor, Kelso & Newbury....

Friday, 21st March 2025

Playing the handicaps at Bangor, Kelso & Newbury….

A horse to keep in mind….

In ATC today….

…. I swing the bat in all the big weekend handicaps….

I’m on GENTLEMAN BILL in the 1.35 at Bangor – he’s up at 7s & 6s….

…. I’m on SAYVA at 14s & 12s in the 2.25 at Kelso….

…. and I’m on SAINT SEGAL at 4s in the 2.40 at Newbury….

That’s the summary….

…. you’ll find all my reasoning below – as per usual….

Oh…. and if you’re looking for the standout place terms on offer – you’ll find them in the Bet Box below…. 

Read on….

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This column heads to Bangor for the first time tomorrow for the Alfa Aggregates Products Handicap Hurdle (1.45)….

…. where Thunder Rock is of obvious interest….

…. stepping back into handicaps after two runs at G2 level….

…. and back down on a mark of 143 – with a claimer taking off another 7lb….

That said he was well beaten in both those pattern assignments….

…. and whilst its entirely feasible he can bounce right back to form….

…. preference at the prices is for GENTLEMAN BILL – a novice open to plenty of progression – at the general 7s & 6s….

He landed a novice hurdle at this track over 2m in November….

…. and then improved again to win a C4 handicap at Doncaster the following month – before being stepped up in trip at Catterick….

It was reported that he didn’t quite get the longer trip that day….

…. but he was going well enough heading to the last – and it was only when he hit that one wrong that the race fell apart for him….

They ran him back in trip in the Morebattle at Kelso the time after – a tough enough ask for a horse with no experience of anything like that kind of race or level….

…. and in calmer waters tomorrow – down a generous 2lb to 125 for that last day defeat – I think he’s worth another crack at the longer trip….

I Am Max heads the market for the Ladbrokes Go North Cab On Target Handicap Hurdle (Series Final) at Kelso (2.25)….

…. but I wonder if it will be soft enough for him tomorrow….

Ballyfort – the horse directly behind him in the betting – won really well on his first go after a wind-operation….

…. but he’s up 9lb for that win and I reckon he might like it a bit softer too when push comes to shove….

Perhaps I’m wrong – I often am – but I’m happy to take them both on….

…. and my pick at the prices would be SAYVA at the general 14s & 12s….

You’d think he’s got more to give yet as a 5yo with just four hurdle runs behind him….

…. and he ran a decent-enough race on handicap debut at Carlisle earlier this month – finding just one too good on the day….

He’s up a pound for that performance but could strip fitter when you consider he’d been off for 88 days heading into the race….

…. and the ground tomorrow will suit him….

The BetVictor Home Of The Saturday Superboost Handicap Chase at Newbury is a tricky puzzle….

…. there’s plenty of rain forecast overnight – which won’t suit some….

…. and quite a few of the participants are out-and-out cross your fingers jobs in any case – given what they’ve produced recently…

After looking at the race every which way I can….

…. I can’t really get away from SAINT SEGAL – joint market leader on some lists and up at just 4s generally….

Ordinarily, I’d be setting out to get him turned over – no doubt….

…. but so many in tomorrow’s race are so out of form or so unsuited to likely conditions that he’s the one I keep coming back to….

…. and sometimes you just have to be pragmatic – or give the race a swerve….

I’m opting for pragmatism….

He likes the track….

…. he’ll be suited by softer conditions underfoot (I’m assuming the rain will come)….

…. and whilst his mark of 139 is stiff enough he’s been showing a sight more than any of the others of late….

…. with solid showings at Musselburgh at the start of February….

…. and over tomorrow’s course and distance last time out in the Greatwood Gold Cup earlier this month….

This looks an easier assignment than both those races and if he turns up in the same form it’s hard to see him not going very close….

When the out-and-out value isn’t there – or is nigh on impossible to identify – it’s about finding the winner

…. and Saint Segal looks the most likely on my reading of the signals….

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Now, just to recap….

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That’s all for today….

I’ll be back next week….

Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd