UK Horse Racing Tips: Bangor-on-Dee

Two runnings have seen two winning favourites and if Dan Skelton's HOE JOLY SMOKE heads the market, he could well make it three. A maiden over hurdles but with two wins over fences to his name, he has his first race over timber since 2023 but still looks a cut above these rivals. Iamyouare was a close-up second at Uttoxeter and she appears his most dangerous opponent, while That Old Chestnut has been running well in point-to-points and is of interest ahead of her hurdling bow.
Prediction : 1st Hoe Joly Smoke 2nd Iamyouare 3rd That Old Chestnut

Soldier In Mayo is lightly raced but he did get off the mark over hurdles when last seen in May 2025. He is one to watch on his return from an absence, but preference is for DELGANY SECOND NOW, who also makes his chasing debut. The winner of his last two starts in handicap hurdles, the four-year-old makes significant appeal as he is due to be 17lb higher in the future and the switch to fences are unlikely to stop him. Rule Me In completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Delgany Second Now 2nd Soldier In Mayo 3rd Rule Me In

Mickey and James Bowen teamed up to take this last year and have chances once more with Tamarind Bay, who unseated at Perth last month but had won his previous two starts. He can go well but giving 14lb to the hat-trick seeking THICKTHORN TOM may prove too much. Upped in trip after easing home at Newton Abbot, he carries a 7lb penalty but still looks well-handicapped. Regal Renaissance lost a shoe when third at Worcester and is another for the shortlist, alongside the consistent Presentandcounting.
Prediction : 1st Thickthorn Tom 2nd Tamarind Bay 3rd Regal Renaissance

A return to this distance and first-time cheekpieces proved just the ticket for KIWI DE COTTE when making a winning handicap bow at Market Rasen last month. That was the six-year-old's second victory in three outings since racing under the tutelage of Dan Skelton and a 6lb higher mark doesn't appear prohibitive. Reopposing runner-up Ernest Gray enjoys a 5lb pull with the selection and he isn't taken lightly, although a bigger threat may emerge from the consistent Secret Trix.
Prediction : 1st Kiwi De Cotte 2nd Secret Trix 3rd Ernest Gray

Although I Heard A Rumour hasn't cut much ice in two completed starts over hurdles, an improved performance wouldn't surprise on her debut in handicap company. Market support for the five-year-old must be respected, but JAMMY JAY looks the one to beat. James Evans' mare arrives on the back of a fourth in a deeper contest at Uttoxeter and a drop in class/trip is forecast to suit. Northern Rose can also feature if replicating her best form this season.
Prediction : 1st Jammy Jay 2nd I Heard A Rumour 3rd Northern Rose

Having proved consistent between the flags this year, DEPALMA could be up to making a winning stable bow. Now in the care of the champion trainer, the seven-year-old is unexposed over 3m under Rules and a breakthrough victory in this sphere may beckon. Harrys Hope posted a solid second on her most recent outing at Worcester and she may give the selection most to think about, ahead of Uttoxeter runner-up Ridin Solo.
Prediction : 1st Depalma 2nd Harrys Hope 3rd Ridin Solo

Ashdown Forest shaped as if this longer trip could unlock some improvement judged on his latest third at Market Rasen and is likely to prove popular for his leading connections. However, there didn't appear to be any fluke about that day's reopposing winner BALLYNOE BOY and a 5lb higher mark looks surmountable. La Lolita arrives here with less to prove than most, while Lucky In Taipan is heading in the right direction.
Prediction : 1st Ballynoe Boy 2nd Ashdown Forest 3rd La Lolita