Live jumps coverage from Bangor-on-Dee will be broadcast on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, featuring a packed programme of novice chases and listed contests. The headline act is the Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled, who will take his first step over fences in the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
Roadlesstravelled is a seven‑year‑old gelding who burst onto the scene with a flawless start to his career, winning three consecutive hurdle races, including a Grade Two novice hurdle. After that brilliant opening, his form has dipped noticeably. He was pulled up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024 and subsequently spent a spell on the flat, where he ran too keen in his most recent flat start.
Now, after nearly four months away from obstacles, his connections – trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill – are giving him a chance to rediscover his early brilliance by stepping up to the chase. The horse’s last win came in an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023, a performance that suggested he still possessed a turn of foot and stamina when in good condition. If Jonjo and AJ have managed to restore him to fitness, there is every reason to expect a respectable showing at Bangor.
The race will be a test of his ability to handle larger fences and a longer distance, but his proven class over hurdles should give him a solid foundation. Among the rivals, Captain Cool is the clear veteran of the group, boasting a BHA rating of 131 and a wealth of experience over fences. His consistency and tactical versatility make him the benchmark for the field, and he will likely try to dictate the pace and use his superior jumping ability to stay ahead of the younger horses.
Krak, another seasoned contender, appears to be in good form despite finishing ten lengths behind his last effort. He seemed to struggle with the distance on that occasion, suggesting that a shorter trip could suit him better and possibly bring him back into contention. Ice In The Veins was beaten by a sizeable margin – 25 lengths – by Captain Cool in June.
While the gap is daunting, a more favorable weight assignment and a more economical race plan could see the gap narrow considerably, making him a potential surprise factor. The card also includes a Listed Criterium de Lyon where San Giorgio and Master Man will clash.
San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement, breaking well from the stalls and fighting strongly in his most recent novice outing. His pedigree includes a respectable placing behind the current French champion two‑year‑old Avec Toi, and he displayed notable promise when finishing close behind a high‑class juvenile in the Ciceron race.
Be My Friend, who finished just behind San Giorgio on his debut, appears to be progressing quickly. After a win at Vichy, he could become a serious threat as he gains more experience and confidence. Master Man, meanwhile, has been remarkably consistent, winning two of his three starts and establishing himself as a reliable performer at this level. His steady form suggests he could set the standard for the younger horses in the race.
Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who finished narrowly apart in July, are also expected to be competitive, although they may lack the developmental upside that the three previously mentioned horses possess. In addition to the chase, the programme will feature a promising filly named Hidden Fortune in Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle. Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old secured an impressive win on her hurdle debut after two encouraging runs in bumpers.
Her performance indicated she thrives on longer trips and softer ground, suggesting she could improve further as she gains experience. Her main challenger is Provision, who broke his maiden with a ten‑length victory in his most recent start. Although Provision is still relatively untested, he possesses the experience needed to challenge the mare.
Ride Like A Girl, who disappointed in her last outing, shares a similar profile to Provision and could bounce back with a better run. Secret Beach will be making his hurdle debut. While his flat form has been modest, with a rating of 78, the step up to obstacles could suit his athleticism, and he may surprise the field if he adapts quickly.
The broadcast will also preview the Auteuil meeting, featuring a nine‑race card that includes a Listed contest, and the Lyon‑Parilly meeting, which offers a series of informative maiden races. Finally, the 4.38‑mile event at Bangor-on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik featured in a tightly contested affair. Racing fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest news, interviews, and feature stories from Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action.