N.H. racing at Bangor, Folkestone and Downpatrick (Ireland)

Donald McCain is usually the trainer to follow at Bangor, his local track, and today he has runners in 6 of the 7 races. In our opinion, Empress Orchid in the mares novice hurdle at 15.20 CET, Jimmy the Saint in the novice hurdle at 17.50 and Jackson Cage in the bumper half an hour later have the best chances; stable jockey Jason Maguire rides the first two, and claimer Henry Brooke the last-named. Except for the bumper, all races here today over hurdles, as the chase course is still unfit for racing. We also like Numide (Rod Millman/ Johnny Farrelly) in the handicap at 16.50 and are interested in the chances of German-bred Sullomo (Charlie Mann/ Peter Toole) in the 3 mile hurdle race at 17.20; the Acatenango gelding has been below form the last few starts but has dropped to a very nice weight and is a dual CD winner.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Empress Orchid - Bellaboosh - Tanzanite Bay
2. Race: Copsehill Girl - Bounds And Leaps - Overnight Fame
3. Race: Antoella - Miereveld - Baraathen
4. Race: Devotion To Duty - Drill Sergeant - Numide
5. Race: Pie At Midnight - Barrie Burn - Kauto The Roc
6. Race: Jimmy The Saint - Alone They Stand - Non Dom
7. Race: Jackson Cage - Whistle Me - Sole Survivor




Another Acatenango running today is Guarino (Gary and Jamie Moore) in the maiden hurdle at 15.10 at Folkestone, but he has shown very little so far and will probably dislike the heavy going; another German-bred Super Directa (Lucy Wadham/ Dominic Elsworth) is our selection here. Main event here is the Kent National, a handicap chase over 3 miles 7 furlongs, which was won last year by Noble Bily (Neil King/ Alex Merriam); he is in the field again and, having proven his liking for these conditions, can score again for his in-form stable.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Cozy Tiger - Super Directa - Alonso De Guzman
2. Race: Addiction - Victrix Gale - Mekong Miss
3. Race: Watergate - Rince Donn - Bearneen Boy
4. Race: Get Ready To Go - Little Al - Graduation Night
5. Race: Rate Of Knots - Victory Gunner - Dunkelly Castle
6. Race: Blue Dark - Supa Tramp - Jazz Attack
7. Race: Arbeo - Getaway Driver - Great Kicker




These "Nationals" are popular at the moment and the main feature at Downpatrick is the Ulster Grand National at 16.45. This has a maximum field of 15 and looks wide open. Bally Wall (Ian Ferguson/ Andrew Lynch) was runner-up here a year ago and should go close again, but we prefer his stable companion Posh Bird (Keith Donoghue), while The Book Thief and The Flying Dustman have chances on form but are stepping up on trip.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Mayo Mystique - Couleur De La Loi - Henro Boy
2. Race: Belle Brook - Streamtown - Three Monkeys
3. Race: Arctic Mick - Akadyr - Breeze With Ease
4. Race: Bally Wall - Supreme Builder - The Flying Dustman
5. Race: Kanesh - Island Peak - Leaders Mate
6. Race: Nutin Fancy - All Great N Theory - Noble Steel