The upcoming broadcast on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday will showcase the excitement of the jumps programme 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 arrived on the scene with a flawless start to his racing career, securing three wins from three starts over hurdles, including a prestigious Grade Two novice hurdle victory. However, his form has dipped in recent months.
After a disappointing pull‑up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024, the horse was switched to the flat, where he has been competing intermittently. His most recent flat outing saw him travel too keenly, prompting connections to bring him back to the jumps for his first chase after a break of nearly four months. The horse’s pedigree and past performances suggest that he still possesses considerable ability. Notably, he won an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023 with apparent ease, indicating that he can handle longer distances and tougher ground when in good condition.
If trainers Jonjo and AJ O'Neill have managed to restore him to peak fitness, there is a realistic chance that Roadlesstravelled will produce a respectable run in his debut chase. Among his rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most seasoned chaser. With a BHA rating of 131, Captain Cool brings a wealth of experience over fences and is likely to set a high benchmark for the field. His proven ability to navigate the nuances of a chase could see him dominate the race, especially if the younger horses struggle with the demands of the course.
Krak, another contender, appears to be in good form overall, though his last outing saw him beaten by ten lengths. That performance suggested he may have been unsuited by the distance on the day, and a shorter trip could see him return to his best. Ice In The Veins, who suffered a 25‑length defeat to Captain Cool in June, will also be looking to close the gap.
A more favorable weight assignment and a more economical racing style could bring him closer to the leaders. Turning to the Listed Criterium de Lyon, the race features a clash between San Giorgio and Master Man.
San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement with each run. After a competitive showing in a solid novice race, he has been placed just behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi, and displayed notable promise when finishing a close second to a talented juvenile in Ciceron.
Be My Friend, who finished a place behind San Giorgio on his debut, appears to be on an upward trajectory. A recent win at Vichy in a taking‑fashion race suggests he could become a serious threat as he gains more experience. Meanwhile, Master Man has consistently delivered solid performances, winning two of his three starts and establishing himself as a benchmark for the race. Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who contested a close finish in July, should both be competitive, though they may lack the room for significant improvement that the three horses mentioned earlier possess.
The programme also highlights the promising filly Hidden Fortune in Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle. Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old burst onto the scene with a convincing win over hurdles after two encouraging bumper placings. Her debut victory was impressive, and analysts believe she could benefit from longer trips and softer ground, which may suit her running style and unlock further potential. A key challenger to Hidden Fortune is Provision, who secured a maiden win by ten lengths in his most recent start.
While Provision may be less seasoned than Hidden Fortune, his dominant performance indicates he possesses the experience needed to contest the top spot. Ride Like A Girl, whose last outing was disappointing, shares a similar profile to Provision and could rebound strongly with a better run.
Secret Beach is set to make his hurdle debut, bringing a respectable flat rating of 78. Although he lacks experience over obstacles, his solid flat form suggests he could adapt well to the new discipline if he takes to the jumps. Beyond the main events, the broadcast will also feature a nine‑race card at Auteuil, including a Listed contest, as well as informative maidens on the Lyon‑Parilly card. The 4.38 pm feature at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik compete in a tightly contested race, adding further intrigue to the day's schedule.
Sky Sports Racing invites viewers to stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, in‑depth interviews, and exclusive features directly on their mobile devices. Whether you are a seasoned punter or a casual fan, the channel provides comprehensive coverage of the sport’s most compelling stories, ensuring you never miss a moment of the action.