The upcoming broadcast on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday will showcase the thrilling jumps action taking place at Bangor-on-Dee, with a particular focus on the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. The headline attraction is the seven‑year‑old Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled, who will be making his much‑anticipated debut over fences. Roadlesstravelled entered the racing scene with a flawless start, securing three victories from three starts in hurdle races, including a Grade Two novice hurdle win that marked him as a horse of considerable promise.
However, his form has since dipped. After a disappointing performance in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024, he was dropped back to the flat for a spell. His most recent flat outing saw him run too keen, suggesting that a return to obstacles might better suit his temperament and abilities. After almost four months away from the jumps, the connections – trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill – are hopeful that the horse will rediscover his earlier brilliance in this new discipline.
The horse’s pedigree and past performances hint at a latent aptitude for chasing. He won an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023 with apparent ease, indicating that he possesses the stamina and jumping technique required for a successful transition. If Jonjo and AJ have managed to restore him to good condition, there is a realistic chance that Roadlesstravelled will be competitive, if not a serious contender, in his first chase. Among the rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most experienced chaser in the field.
With a BHA rating of 131, he has a proven record over fences and will likely set the pace for the race. His extensive experience could prove decisive, especially if the race unfolds at a brisk tempo.
Krak, another notable entrant, appears to be in decent form despite having been beaten by ten lengths in his last outing. Observers believe that a shorter distance could suit him better, potentially allowing him to recover his previous level of performance.
Ice In The Veins, who suffered a 25‑length defeat to Captain Cool in June, is also expected to improve. A lighter weight assignment and a more economical racing style could bring him much closer to the leaders, making him a horse to watch as the race develops.
The card also includes a Listed Criterium de Lyon featuring San Giorgio and Master Man. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, is showing steady improvement. He broke well in his most recent novice outing and has demonstrated strong form by finishing close behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi. His second start, a solid effort behind a high‑class juvenile in Ciceron, suggested that he may possess the speed and stamina required for the Listed contest.
Be My Friend, who was a close runner‑up to San Giorgio on his debut, displayed a promising turn of foot when he later won a race at Vichy. With additional experience, he could become a formidable threat in the Criterium de Lyon. Master Man, meanwhile, has maintained a consistent level of performance, winning two of his three starts and establishing himself as a reliable contender.
Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who finished narrowly apart in July, are also expected to be competitive. While they may not have the same upward trajectory as the leading three, they possess the class to challenge for a place if the race unfolds favorably. In addition to the chase, the programme highlights the promising filly Hidden Fortune in the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle.
Trained by Dan Skelton, this five‑year‑old has already shown a knack for hurdles, winning on her debut after two encouraging bumper placings. Her performance suggested she thrives over longer distances and softer ground, indicating that she could be a tough opponent for any rival. Among her main challengers is Provision, who broke his maiden with a ten‑length victory in his most recent start.
Though less seasoned than Hidden Fortune, Provision possesses the experience and confidence to test the filly’s dominance. Ride Like A Girl, whose recent form has been disappointing, shares a similar profile to Provision and may rebound with a stronger showing.
Secret Beach makes his hurdle debut after a respectable flat campaign, carrying a rating of 78. While his lack of jumping experience could be a hurdle (pun intended), his solid flat form suggests he may adapt quickly to the new discipline if given the chance.
The broadcast also previews the Auteuil meeting, which features a nine‑race card including a Listed contest, and the Lyon‑Parilly meeting, which offers a series of informative maidens. The final segment of the programme will feature Jiair Madrik in a trappy affair at Bangor‑on‑Dee, scheduled for 4:38 pm. Sky Sports Racing invites viewers to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, in‑depth interviews, and feature stories via their mobile platform, ensuring fans never miss a beat in the fast‑moving world of horse racing.