As the weekend's racing action kicks off, our horse racing correspondent Jonathan Doidge provides comprehensive tips and analysis for Friday's meetings at Bangor and Wolverhampton. Using odds from leading betting sites, we highlight the best value bets across both cards to guide your selections.
Bangor Racecourse Tips
Fortune Dancer (13.25, Bangor) – 1pt win @ 1/1 (Bet365)
The Alfa Aggregates Products Mares' Handicap Chase opens the Bangor card with a small field. Despite creeping up the weights, the in-form mare Fortune Dancer is favored to start the day strongly. This eight-year-old has secured consecutive wins at Fontwell, Uttoxeter, and Windsor, resulting in a 30lb increase. Her recent Windsor victory saw a 13-length gap to third place, though the second-place finisher underperformed subsequently. With a further 6lb rise, caution is advised, but she remains a solid pick for one more win before the handicapper potentially catches up.
Wal Buck's (13.55, Bangor) – 2pts win @ 7/1 (Bet365)
In the Xenon Workplace North Wales National Handicap Chase, Wal Buck's stands out in an open contest. This season, he has shown promise in marathon races, leading much of the way at Newcastle in November before being overtaken late. A subsequent strong performance over 3m at Ayr reinforced his suitability for extreme distances. With favorable soft conditions and an unchanged mark, plus the addition of a visor, he is a compelling selection for this challenging event.
Idaho Valley (16.05, Bangor) – 1pt win @ 6/1 (Bet365)
The Tom Jones Live At Chester Racecourse Handicap Hurdle features Idaho Valley as the suggested pick. While El Curamach, with champion jockey Sean Bowen, returns from a nearly two-year layoff, Idaho Valley is expected to benefit from a return to 2m on testing ground. Having been tried over longer distances recently, this shift could prove advantageous. With competitive entries like El Curamach and He's Bresilian, he may offer each-way value, but a small win bet is recommended given potential price fluctuations.
Wolverhampton Racecourse Tips
Ribble Vibe (16.22, Wolverhampton) – 1pt win @ 5/2 (Bet365)
The Midnite: Built For 2026 Not 2006 Handicap at Wolverhampton presents a competitive field with several in-form contenders, including Enemy and Sax Appeal. However, Ribble Vibe receives weight from all opponents and has demonstrated consistency, winning over course and distance recently and performing well at Newcastle last time out. Trainer David O'Meara continues to extract improvement, and despite a 2lb rise, he remains on a favorable mark, making him a strong candidate for victory.
Spaceport (16.52, Wolverhampton) – 0.5pts each-way @ 33/1 (Bet365)
Concluding the Wolverhampton card, the Midnite Are Upping The Betting Game Handicap offers an opportunity with Spaceport. This horse has faced training challenges, with only one start in the past 16 months and recent gelding and wind surgery. His two turf wins include one from his current mark, and while unproven on All Weather surfaces, trainer Tom Lacey's recent form suggests potential. At long odds, he represents a speculative each-way bet for prize money or an upset win.
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