The horse racing scene on October 25, 2023, is set to feature a thrilling lineup at Bangor-on-Dee, with Mask Of Zorro aiming for a fifth consecutive victory in the Legend, The Mogul, Chris Rowe Handicap Hurdle. Trainer Joe Tizzard has high hopes for the six-year-old gelding, who is coming off a strong performance after a nearly 200-day break. Following a maiden hurdle at Fontwell where he finished behind the promising Idaho Sun, Mask Of Zorro has since secured four wins across varying distances, now facing a career-high mark.
In this five-horse field, his strongest competitor may be Classic Concorde, trained by David Brace. Classic Concorde drops in class after a solid outing at Chepstow and could pose a significant challenge. The Skelton stable enters a promising contender as well, with Twistthenightaway, who recently achieved her first career win at Newcastle just 29 days ago, stepping up in distance for this race. Completing the lineup are Galassian, trained by Mel Rowley, and Manowest from Olly Murphy.
Mirabad Leads the Charge in Novices’ Chase
Another highlight at Bangor-on-Dee is the Wrexham Lager “Chasing Excellence” Novices’ Chase, featuring Mirabad, trained by Dan Skelton. After a lackluster start to his stable career, Mirabad has shown improvement, winning a Beginners’ Chase at Exeter and finishing third in the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton. His recent performance in the Grade Two Kingmaker Novices’ Chase saw him narrowly beaten by Steel Ally just 18 days ago.
In a notable debut, Titan Discovery will make his chase debut under the guidance of Robbie Llewellyn. The eight-year-old has achieved four wins over hurdles and now transitions to chasing. Nicky Martin’s Leading Choice also enters the fray, having made his own chase debut last week at Newbury, where he struggled after a lengthy absence of nearly 400 days. Martin hopes this nine-year-old can secure his second victory at Bangor.
Final Race at Lingfield Features Competitive Field
Lingfield Park will also host an exciting race on the same day, with nine horses set to compete in the Join The Midnite Movement Handicap, covering six furlongs. Profit Street, trained by James Owen, has demonstrated consistent form, finishing in the top three in six of his last seven races, including two wins. He has a strong record at Lingfield, having performed well in all three of his starts at this location.
Challenging Profit Street is Watermelon Sugar, a known performer at Lingfield, with the addition of jockey Jamie Spencer for this race adding to his appeal. Harry Brown, trained by Peter Crate, is a four-time winner at this course and distance, returning to a competitive mark after recent runs.
As race day approaches, fans and participants alike are poised for an action-packed schedule. The combination of seasoned contenders and emerging talents promises a thrilling experience at both Bangor-on-Dee and Lingfield Park.
