Bangor and Newbury

N.H. racing this afternoon at Newbury and Bangor, and possibly the most interesting race of the day is the first at 13.20 CET at Newbury, a hurdle race for 3yo´s with 13 runners including some highly-rated newcomers. The best f them could be Paul Nicholls´ Hebridean (Ruby Walsh, riding for the first time in the U.K. since his bad fall at Cheltenham last month), who was a pattern race winner on the flat for Aidan O´Brien. However Nicky hemndersn has a fine record in this race and saddles another highly interesting debutant in Zaynar (Barry Geraghty). Those who prefer to go for proven hurdles form should consider Walkon (Alan King/ Robert Thornton), the obly winner in the field, as well as Sainglend (Sean Curran/ Timmy Murphy) and Kahsabelle (Venetia Williams/ Sam Thomas), runners-up on all their starts over the sticks. This race could well have a strong influence on the betting for the Triumph Hurdle. The Nicholls/Walsh and Henderson/ Geraghty teams are also well represented i n the maiden hurdle at 14.25 with Qozak and Schiehallion respectively, both of whom areexpeced to go on to better things. Aming their 2 opponents is the ex-German Sam Whiskey (Jonjo O´Neill( RP McLernon), making his British debut. Despite the strong fields, prize-money at the meeting is extremely poor, with the two races referred to only worth 3250 GBP (about 3600 euro) to the winner, which is pitiful for this track. Prize-money is actually better at Bangr, which possibly explains for the fact that some of the top jockeys are riding there, e.g.Tony McCoy and Richard Johnson. The latter can take the novice hurdle at 14.45 with Hanry Daly´s promising My Moment, whie McCoy´best chance is probably the unreliable Money Line in the 3 3/4 mile handicap chase at 14.10, the most valuable race of the afternoon. However honours here can go to Charlie Mann and Dave Crosse, who can combine to win the first two races with Blazing Diva at 13.10 and German-bred Figurita at 13.40.