Thorpe and Beg To Differ among tips for Ayr and Bangor
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Thorpe handicapped to strike in Ayr tips
Thorpe can cash-in on a drop in the weights to land an overdue success in the 3m handicap hurdle on today’s card at Ayr (14.50).
Trained by the in-form Lucinda Russell, the gelding is on a long losing run having not scored since landing a Listed contest at Haydock on soft ground back in November 2014 off an official rating of 124.
However, the six-year-old has been relatively lightly-raced since than and has run well to make the frame on several occasions.
Thorpe also ran well in two starts back in the summer, including when runner-up in an 11-runner handicap hurdle at Perth off a mark of 115.
The son of Danehill Dancer is now able to race off 2lb lower and that gives him major claims from a handicapping perspective.
Thorpe also has a good record fresh, so an absence of 103 days is unlikely to be an issue, and looks the type who could have more to offer now stepped up in trip.
Lots to like about Landmarque
In the 2m 4f novices chase (14.15), Landmarque may well have got in lightly and can make a winning debut over the larger obstacles.
The gelding was a bumper winner who showed a fair level of form earlier in the year in Irish points.
They included two solid seconds and a victory over former 159-rated hurdler Luska Lad at Lisronagh back in April before being disqualified.
The original fourth home in that contest Caim Hill had been rated as high as 137 over fences in the past and the form reads well in the context of this weak looking class 4 affair.
It suggests the assessor may have taken a chance in allotting Landmarque, who now makes his debut for Scottish handler James Ewart, an opening handicap mark of just 103.
Connections are also now fitting the seven-year-old with cheekpieces for the first time and if the new headgear has the desired effect Landmarque looks weighted to take all the beating.
Ayr tips
13.10: Red Square Revival
13.40: Viva Steve
14.15: Landmarque (NB)
14.50: Thorpe (NAP)
15.20: Leanna Ban
15.55: Hermanus
Beg To Differ worth a bet at Bangor
Beg To Differ had a progressive profile over fences last season and looks decent value to make a winning return to action in the feature 3m handicap chase on today’s card at Bangor (13.50).
The Jonjo O’Neill trained six-year-old was successful three times over hurdles in the first half of 2015 and, after posting solid efforts to make the frame in his first three starts over the larger obstacles, scored in terrific style at Sandown.
After tracking the leaders travelling strongly, Beg To Differ was produced to take up the running at the last and only had to be ridden out to beat Loose Chips by a comfortably 4 1/2 lengths.
The gelding was value for much more than the winning margin and the runner-up is a tough and consistent sort who has won since to give the form a boost.
Beg To Differ then had no luck in the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen in action, stumbling and unseating his rider before the 12th fence when moving into contention.
Judging on those runs a mark of 143 should not be beyond the son of Flemensifth, and Beg To Differ looks the type who should have plenty more to offer and hails from a yard that does well with its runners at the Welsh venue.
Bim Bam Boum can collect for in-form Fry
Trainer Harry Fry has his team in terrific shape and Bim Bam Boum can capitalise on what looks a handy mark to provide him with another winner in the 2m 3f handicap hurdle (15.00).
The five-year-old shaped with plenty of promise when placed twice from three starts over hurdles towards the end of 2015, including when a 2 1/2 length second of 13 to Miles To Milan in a warm contest at Taunton.
Bim Bam Boum led at the last until being unable to find an extra close home and finished three lengths in front of the third home Modus who is now rated 140.
The fourth, fifth and sixth home have also all come out and won since and to give the form a rock solid look.
Judged on that effort Bim Bam Boum is potentially well-treated off a mark of 122 and, although he failed to shine in two starts back in the spring, the gelding could prove a different proposition after a break with the yard firmly among the winners.
Bangor best bets
12.50: Mumgos Debut
13.20: Stephanie Frances
13.50: Beg To Differ (NAP)
14.25: Drumcliff
15.00: Bim Bam Boum (NB)
15.30: The Otmoor Poet
16.05: Dingo Dollar
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