November 13 / 13.25 Bangor-on-Dee

13.25

Soft

Portek Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £20576
  • 3m 0f 30y
  • Class 2
  • 10 runners
SKY
View Course
Portek Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Partly cloudy

OUR TIP

10/1 (Won)

  • Win: £8.50
  • Place: £2.20

Form: 145U4- D

Last run: 215 days

W: 11st 12lb

12 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Into the veteran stage but showed he's no back number when fourth over the Grand National fences in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); can go well fresh, stays 3m+ and Callum Pritchard takes away a useful 7lb; hard to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

31

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Celebre DAllen

10st 6lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Completed on all three attempts over these fences, easily best of those efforts when close fourth in last season's Topham (2m5f, soft); has twice won well over about 3m/3m1f, including in November on sole start this term, but today's trip is a leap in the dark and this 13yo has easily his highest mark.

100/1

13/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: -70332 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Only 1-9 over fences but latest Chepstow second (2m7f, good) was up there with his best form; perhaps had an edge in fitness over the winner (who has run well since) and he's not had a lot of racing on soft ground; regularly ridden by Liam Harrison.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

15:40 Exeter

Pull Again Green

11st 8lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time chase winner with the form to feature off this mark and a break could have done him good, as his last two efforts weren't great; hard to rule out, for all that this trip is on the sharp side.

10/1

16/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: /4P-32

Last run: 108 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Out of the handicap when competitive in Class 2 handicaps at Uttoxeter, latterly off this mark (3m2f, good); 2m winner who remains unexposed as a stayer but there are some doubts about him on this softer ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 1y

Class 2

15:15 Doncaster

Monte Igueldo

10st 12lb

J: James Davies

T: Gary Hanmer

All three of his wins came in autumn 2022; running creditably this season, including over 3m2f, but he could not hold his own in a valuable handicap at Ascot on latest occasion and it's likely to be the same story today unless first-time cheekpieces receive a very positive response.

40/1

8

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 1

15:00 Ascot

Monte Igueldo

10st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Gary Hanmer

Record of 0-5 for current stable; consistent efforts at Uttoxeter (twice, in the summer) and Bangor (autumn) this season but faces a stiffer task in this field.

25/1

Form: /PP33- D

Last run: 270 days

W: 12st 0lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 142

Form & Verdict
Doesn't look as good as he was but responded well to cheekpieces last winter when twice close up in Ascot handicaps over 2m3f and 3m, latterly in a Class 1; stable won the last renewal of this race two years ago with a seasonal debutant; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

1st Feb 2025

Soft

3m 0f 37y

Class 2

15:42 Sandown

Shan Blue

11st 10lb

J: Harry Skelton

T: Dan Skelton

in rear, hit 1st

10/1

Form: /9185- D

Last run: 220 days

W: 11st 3lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Light campaigns are a feature in his career profile and this 10yo has only raced 17 times; has never been the easiest to predict but he won after a break last season and is 8lb lower than when third in this two years ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 2

15:00 Exeter

Ask Me Early

10st 7lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

2-3 at Exeter and the return to this track offers a glimmer of hope; has the same mark as for his 9l win in this last year but he's failed to shine on either run this term and was pulled up last time; something to prove.

10/1

6

9th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 54y

Class 2

15:00 Exeter

Ask Me Early

10st 7lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

2-3 at Exeter and the return to this track offers a glimmer of hope; has the same mark as for his 9l win in this last year but he's failed to shine on either run this term and was pulled up last time; something to prove.

10/1

4

16th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 3

15:45 Wincanton

Ask Me Early

11st 5lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

midfield, dropped to rear 9th, lost touch 17th

14/1

Form: /35PU- CD

Last run: 263 days

W: 11st 4lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Last seen unseating in the 4m1f Eider at Newcastle (running well at the time); well suited by extreme tests of stamina having also won a Midlands National and finished third in the Scottish edition; probably one for another day when sent further.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

13th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 0f 38y

Class 5

15:25 Fakenham

Major Dundee

11st 12lb

J: Mr Sam Lee

T: Francesca Poste

Last successful in the Midlands Grand National of 2023; lost his way for Alan King and a beaten favourite in his two recent points; tries blinkers.

4/1

Form: 312P1- C

Last run: 201 days

W: 10st 7lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
3m/3m6f winner earlier this year on soft ground; 5lb rise for latest at Perth (hard fought) sees him on a career-high mark and he's accustomed to lower-grade races than today's assignment; by no means ruled out but others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

26th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 210y

Class 3

13:30 Fontwell

Bretney

11st 0lb

J: David Bass

T: Henry Daly

Front-runner who ended last year with an emphatic success in the Borders National at Kelso (4m, soft); looks interesting on that form but he's been pulled up in three subsequent runs and needs a major revival after another break; reapplied cheekpieces replace blinkers.

16/1

4

6th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:15 Fakenham

Bretney

10st 12lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

raced lazily, in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, dropped to last 2nd, bumped 3rd, detached when pulled up before 10th

14/1

4

6th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 38y

Class 2

16:15 Fakenham

Bretney

10st 12lb

J: Alice Stevens

T: Henry Daly

raced lazily, in touch with leaders, not fluent 1st, dropped to last 2nd, bumped 3rd, detached when pulled up before 10th

14/1

Form: P15P-P D

Last run: 180 days

W: 11st 6lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
In first-time cheekpieces when winning at Doncaster last winter (3m, good to soft) and then fifth in the Great Yorkshire Chase; struggled afterwards and couldn't be sure how he'll perform back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

15th May 2026

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:55 Aintree

Erne River

11st 10lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nick Kent

Still runs well now and again but this 11yo is not as good as he was and become inconsistent.

16/1

4th

2

20th Apr 2026

Good

2m 7f 96y

Class 3

15:30 Kelso

Erne River

11st 8lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Nick Kent

Ran well for a long way when fourth at Doncaster (3m, good to soft; first-time tongue-tie) in February and remains well handicapped but this steadily regressive 11yo has become inconsistent, and others appeal more.

4/1

4th

1

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Erne River

12st 1lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Nick Kent

Winless since December 2023 and pulled up over C&D in December on sole run this term; however, he may have needed that outing and is on a handy mark on last season's best efforts; has won here three times, including in these reapplied cheekpieces, and is not ruled out; the tongue-tie is a first.

10/1

Form: 1P40-3 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
His reappearance third came in a small-field novice hurdle (following wind surgery) and he's a superior chaser who was fourth in last season's Midlands National; could have a big run in him if stripping fitter this afternoon, as 3m on soft ground is about ideal.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

9th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 85y

Class 4

16:15 Taunton

Autonomous Cloud

11st 6lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Won three times over fences for Fergal O'Brien; beaten favourite on his stable debut at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in February but has now dropped to a career-low mark.

4/1

7th

8

27th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 214y

Class 3

17:05 Doncaster

Autonomous Cloud

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Soundly beaten/pulled up towards end of last year on final two runs for Fergal O'Brien; however, perhaps a change of scenery and first run in a veterans' chase will prompt a revival from this 10yo, who is on a reduced mark; interesting on yard debut, all the more so if strong in the betting.

13/2

1st

3

28th May 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 107y

Class 5

20:40 Cartmel

Autonomous Cloud

12st 0lb

J: Mr Harry O’Dwyer

T: Fergal O’Brien

Thorough stayer; seemingly on the downgrade now but ran well for a long way when eighth in last month's Aintree Foxhunters' and probably found the good ground too lively when below that form at Cheltenham (2m4f; first-time cheekpieces) four weeks ago; can make his presence felt here.

3/1

Form: 2P1P1- D

Last run: 242 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 132

Form & Verdict
Up and down profile but useful on his day granted plenty of ease underfoot, last season winning heavy-ground handicaps over 2m4f and 3m; the latest win at Uttoxeter (off 6lb lower) is strong form and he appeals as one with a lot more to offer this season; however, may need today's run and he'd prefer even slower ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

19th Jan 2026

Soft

3m 4f 178y

Class 3

13:50 Lingfield

Regal Blue

11st 7lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent 9yo who often looks very unenthusiastic; made all in valuable novices' handicap chase at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March 2024 but absent since two lacklustre runs at end of that year; had wind in September and now sports first-time cheekpieces; this first run after a layoff might be a good day to catch him in the right mood, but others are much less risky.

25/1

3

21st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Regal Blue

11st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent and pulled up on last month's reappearance at Bangor but he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 7yo could be tailor-made for today's assignment in view of last season's best efforts, including two fine runs on heavy ground here and a win at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March.

8/1

3

21st Dec 2024

Soft

3m 1f 125y

Class 2

14:05 Haydock

Regal Blue

11st 8lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Inconsistent and pulled up on last month's reappearance at Bangor but he may have needed the run and this lightly raced 7yo could be tailor-made for today's assignment in view of last season's best efforts, including two fine runs on heavy ground here and a win at Uttoxeter (3m, heavy) in March.

8/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £49.20
Straight Forecast £46.81
Tricast £663.11
Trifecta £528.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Autonomous Cloud

RP RATINGS:

Regal Blue

Telegraph:

Monte Igueldo

POSTDATA:

Pull Again Green

The Times:

Shan Blue

TOPSPEED:

Erne River

The Guardian:

Celebre d'Allen

D Express:

Monte Igueldo

WEST COUNTRY:

Autonomous Cloud

Daily Mirror:

Autonomous Cloud

Daily Record:

Pull Again Green

The Star:

Shan Blue

Daily Mail:

Regal Blue

The Sun:

Regal Blue