UK Horse Racing Tips: Bangor-on-Dee

Having reached the frame on both outings over hurdles, HALFTHEWORLDAWAY could be poised to open her account. The five-year-old finished 15 lengths clear of the third at Uttoxeter last time out and a repeat of that performance may prove sufficient. Point-to-point third Longhouse Gem is a potential fly in the ointment on her Rules bow and market support could prove significant. Geordies Betty is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Halftheworldaway 2nd Longhouse Gem 3rd Geordies Betty

The Hawkstonian dug deep to gain a breakthrough victory at Ffos Las and he's still open to improvement. However, COUNT OF VENDOME created a fine impression when romping home at Doncaster and may possess too much speed for Ben Pauling's charge. Harry Lowes has proved a little underwhelming since scoring at Exeter in November, but a return to this sort of distance may help.
Prediction : 1st Count Of Vendome 2nd The Hawkstonian 3rd Harry Lowes

Having continued on his upward trajectory when completing a four-timer at Doncaster, MASK OF ZORRO is difficult to oppose. Rian Corcoran negates a 6lb rise in the ratings with his 7lb claim and further glory may be imminent. Twistthenightaway made a winning handicap debut at Newcastle and is the obvious danger, although an improved performance from the down-in-class Classic Concorde wouldn't come as a surprise.
Prediction : 1st Mask Of Zorro 2nd Twistthenightaway 3rd Classic Concorde

MIRABAD was not disgraced when filling second place behind a high-class prospect in the Kingmaker at Warwick earlier in the month and, with his sights now lowered, the seven-year-old is expected to go one better. Titan Discovery won a competitive handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in December and is likely to be the biggest threat to the selection because Leading Choice has plenty to find on official ratings.
Prediction : 1st Mirabad 2nd Titan Discovery 3rd Leading Choice

JACKS PARROT has improved with each run this season and he was only denied by a length at Ludlow a week ago. The first-time application of blinkers, as well as this step up in trip, should help the seven-year-old and he gets the vote ahead of Breeze Of Wind, who was second in the Borders National at Kelso and remains on a workable mark. Astronomic View and Gold Emery are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Jacks Parrot 2nd Breeze Of Wind 3rd Astronomic View

Copper Cove's chance certainly hadn't gone when he fell at the last over 2m5f at Hereford earlier in the month and he remains of interest, but the vote goes to JIAIR MADRIK. The seven-year-old returned to form when chasing home an odds-on shot at Catterick on his latest outing and he could take advantage of an unchanged rating. Port Or Starboard is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Jiair Madrik 2nd Copper Cove 3rd Port Or Starboard

Casual Observer is an interesting contender on his chasing bow after winning over the smaller obstacles at Ffos Las last year, but the long absence is a slight concern. With that in mind, OSTEND gets the nod. Alastair Ralph's eight-year-old failed in his attempt to make all when third at Southwell, but has been dropped 3lb for that effort and that might prove to be kind. Bowenspark completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ostend 2nd Casual Observer 3rd Bowenspark