PLANTERS PUNCH EXPECTED TO PRODUCE KNOCKOUT BLOW AT BANGOR

By Ashley Iveson, Press Association

Planters Punch is expected to double his tally for Nicky Henderson in the Weatherbys nhstallions. co. uk EBF Junior ``National Hunt'' Hurdle at Bangor.

The four-year-old has not been seen in competitive action since making a successful start to his career at Hereford in November, but his reputation has only been enhanced in his absence.

The runner-up that day, Aqua Bleu, is unbeaten in three subsequent appearances, while the third home, Dakota Star, has also opened his account since, giving the form a very solid look.

Planters Punch does have to concede weight all round on his return to action, but should be up to the task.

Halftheworldaway can make it back-to-back course and distance wins in the Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Mares' Novices' Hurdle.

After shaping with promise in a Carlisle bumper and on her first two starts over hurdles, the daughter of Jet Away made the most of what looked an excellent opportunity to break her duck at this track in February, making every yard of the running and waltzing six lengths clear of the chasing pack without being asked for maximum effort.

There is every chance there is more improvement in the locker.

Rare Edition has been a little disappointing so far this season, but the handicapper has given him a chance ahead of the Border Minstrel New Menu Handicap Hurdle at Newcastle.

The nine-year-old was rated as high as 139 a couple of seasons ago, but an underwhelming run of results has seen his hurdles rating drop to 126.

He kicked off this season by finishing second when conceding a stone and a half to Thistle Ask over fences at Kelso, a task which was virtually impossible with the benefit of hindsight, and he was then a fair fourth at Newbury.

However, he was pulled up at Ascot pre-Christmas and his jumping fell apart back over hurdles at Kempton early in the new year.

It does require a leap of faith, but trainer Charlie Longsdon has been among the winners of late and Rare Edition is certainly attractively weighted.

Jack Channon made a flying start to the new Flat turf season at Doncaster on Saturday and it will be interesting to see how Concert fares on her first start for the yard on the all-weather at Wolverhampton.

The 125,000 guineas yearling purchase won once and was placed twice for William Haggas and Highclere Thoroughbred Racing last year, but connections have decided to give her a change of scenery ahead of the new campaign.

Running off what looks a workable mark of 72, she could go well in the Daily Profit Boosts At betmgm.co.uk Handicap.

Top tips for today’s UK meetings

TAB is betting on 3 UK meetings today. Here are the tips.

BANGOR: Race 1: 15.15 PLANTERS PUNCH (NAP), Race 2: 15.45 Coumeenoole, Race 3: 16.15
Halftheworldaway, Race 4: 16.50 Kahavari, Race 5: 17.20 The Scorpion King, Race 6: 17.50
Eastern Shores.

NEWCASTLE: Race 1: 15.30 Tamarind Bay, Race 2: 16.00 I C U In My Dreams, Race 3: 16.30
Cahier's Den, Race 4: 17.00 Rare Edition, Race 5: 17.30 El Muchacho, Race 6: 18.00 Lone Star,
Race 7: 18.35 Newport

WOLVERHAMPTON: Race 1: 18.30 Skip To Victory, Race 2: 19.00 Lizzana, Race 3: 19.30 He's A
Gentleman, Race 4: 20.00 The Pug, Race 5: 20.30 Concert, Race 6: 21.00 Tuba, Race 7: 21.30
Telling Time.

DOUBLE: Planters Punch and Halftheworldaway (Bangor, Races 1 and 3).

For fields, Race betting and more information go to www.tab.co.za