Bangor-on-Dee, Saturday 16 May 2026: Tips & Selections

Bangor-on-Dee, Saturday 16 May 2026: Tips & Selections

Bangor-on-Dee on good ground is a proper test of a horse’s jumping and stamina. The track rewards front-runners and handy types, and with three competitive races on the card worth focusing on, there is genuine value to be found beyond the obvious market leaders. The going is good throughout, which immediately rules a few out and brings others right into the picture.

2:10 — Family Fun Day ‘National Hunt’ Maiden Hurdle (GBB Race)

Selection: Saint Jeannais (5/4, Boyle Sports/Betfred)

This 13-runner maiden is tricky to navigate, but Saint Jeannais from the Nigel and Willy Twiston-Davies yard stands out for one straightforward reason: a form line that reads 14. A winner and a fourth, hurdling debut was clearly encouraging enough to suggest there is ability here, and the Twiston-Davies team know how to place a horse at a track like Bangor. The yard has been quiet of late (0/5 in the last 14 days), so this is very much a form-based case rather than a trainer-in-form argument.

Mr Mojo Risin at 5/2 is the obvious danger. Donald McCain’s horse showed promise at Kelso six weeks ago and the first-time tongue-tie could sharpen him up. Maskarvel (7/4) has placed twice in maidens and the market clearly respects him, but the RPR ceiling looks modest. Saint Jeannais at 5/4 is not huge value given the McCain alternative, but the form foundation is solid enough to make him the pick.

3:20 — Remembering Kitty Warburton Handicap Hurdle

Selection: Fasol (9/4, Boyle Sports/Betfred)

Paul Nicholls has been in fine form, striking at a 5/13 clip in the last 14 days, and Fasol drops in grade here having run a perfectly creditable race at Sandown last month. That was over 2m4f, so dropping back to 2m½f at Bangor should be no issue for a horse that travels prominently and does his best work at the business end. The good ground suits, and the step down from a competitive Sandown handicap to this level looks well-judged by connections.

Diamonds Galore (11/4) from the Nicky Henderson yard is the obvious rival. She won last time out and is the yard’s yard, but Henderson has only hit 2/12 in the last fortnight and the mare has been placed three times before winning, which doesn’t suggest a horse that dominates her races. Fasol’s profile, trainer form and the drop in grade all point in the right direction.

Itsinthename Each-Way at 9/1 deserves a mention. The bleeding episode last time is forgivable given the horse showed genuine ability at Catterick and on the second start, and this handicap debut could catch a few out. Worth a small each-way on those terms with three places on offer at 1/5 odds.

3:55 — Bangor-On-Dee Grand Wynnstay Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Selection: Gabriel’s Getaway Each-Way (9/2, Boyle Sports/Betfred)

Seven runners, good ground and a horse effectively racing off a mark 7lb lower than when he finished a close second in a valuable Ascot handicap over this exact trip in November. That Ascot race was on good ground, this is good ground. The case for Gabriel’s Getaway is about as clean an angle as you’ll find on the card.

Yes, the jumping can lack fluency and he needs to be dropped in off the pace, which carries risk on a track that rewards front-runners. The switch from blinkers to cheekpieces is interesting rather than alarming. Anthony Honeyball has been quiet (1/11 in the last 14 days) but this is a horse with a clear piece of form that reads well for today’s conditions. At 9/2, he represents genuine value.

Calico (4/1) is the market mover to respect. Harry Skelton on a Dan Skelton-trained horse is always worth noting, and the yard is firing at 13/41 in the last 14 days. Calico won good-ground handicaps at Cheltenham and Ascot last autumn, so the going suits, but his last run at Ayr on heavy ground leaves us guessing slightly about current form. Obsessedwithyou (7/2) is consistent and the 5lb claim from Isabelle Ryder brings her back into the weights, but she beat three rivals last time in a mares’ chase at Wincanton and this is a stiffer ask. Gabriel’s Getaway at 9/2 each-way is the call.

Today’s NAP