Live on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, viewers will be treated to an exciting jumps meeting at Bangor-on-Dee, highlighted by the much‑anticipated debut of Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled in the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old with a flawless start to his career, has already shown a high level of ability.
He began his racing life by winning three consecutive hurdle races, including a Grade Two novice hurdle, which marked him as a horse of genuine class. However, after that perfect start his form has dipped. In December 2024 he was pulled up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle and subsequently spent a spell competing on the flat, where he struggled to find the same spark. His most recent flat outing saw him run too keen, suggesting that the distance and the pace were not suited to his temperament.
Now, after a break of almost four months, Roadlesstravelled returns to the jumps scene to make his first attempt at chasing. The connections – trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill – will be hoping that the horse has regained fitness and confidence during his time away from obstacles. The last time he tasted victory was in an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023, a win that was achieved with apparent ease.
If the O'Neills have managed to restore him to a good condition, there is a realistic chance that he could be competitive in his maiden chase, perhaps even delivering a solid performance that exceeds expectations. Among his rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most experienced chaser on the card. With a BHA rating of 131, Captain Cool has amassed a wealth of experience over fences and will likely use that advantage to dictate the pace of the race. His proven ability to handle the rigors of a chase could make him the benchmark for the others, and his connections will be looking to see if he can translate that experience into a winning effort.
Krak is another contender worth noting. Although he was beaten by ten lengths in his previous outing, the performance suggested that he may have been unsuited by the distance that day.
A shorter trip could bring his form back into focus, and if he can find his rhythm, he may pose a genuine threat to the leaders. Ice In The Veins, who suffered a heavy 25‑length defeat to Captain Cool in June, will be looking to improve. While the gap looks daunting, a more favorable weight assignment and a more economical racing style could see him close the margin and challenge for a placing. The meeting also features a Listed Criterium de Lyon, where San Giorgio and Master Man will clash.
San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has been showing steady improvement. He broke his maiden in a respectable novice race, finishing just behind the current French champion two‑year‑old Avec Toi. His second start was particularly promising, as he stayed on strongly behind a high‑class juvenile in the Ciceron.
These performances suggest a horse that is still learning but rapidly closing the gap to the top of his cohort. Be My Friend, who was only a place behind San Giorgio on his debut, demonstrated a sharp turn of form when he secured a win at Vichy. With more experience under his belt, he could become a serious threat in the Listed contest, especially if he continues to develop his stamina and racecraft.
Master Man, on the other hand, has already shown a consistent level of ability, winning two of his three starts. His record indicates a horse that knows how to win on the day and could set the standard for the race, especially if the pace suits his running style. Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who finished narrowly apart in July, should also be competitive.
While they may not have the same upside as the three horses previously mentioned, they possess the experience and consistency to be in the mix for a place finish. Beyond the chase, the broadcast will highlight the promising filly Hidden Fortune in Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle. Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old broke her maiden over hurdles with an impressive win after two solid bumper placings. Her debut performance suggested she possesses considerable scope for improvement, particularly over longer distances and on softer ground, where she could excel.
Hidden Fortune is expected to be a tough opponent for any rival. Among the potential challengers, Provision stands out. He secured a ten‑length victory in his maiden hurdle, showing that he can dominate when conditions suit him. Although Provision may lack the class of Hidden Fortune, his recent win provides him with the experience and confidence needed to test the filly.
Ride Like A Girl shares a similar profile to Provision and could rebound after a disappointing run in her last start. If she can rediscover her best form, she may once again become a contender in the race.
Secret Beach is making his hurdle debut after a respectable flat campaign, where he earned a rating of 78. While he lacks experience over obstacles, his solid flat form suggests he could adapt quickly to the new discipline and surprise his rivals. The broadcast will also cover the Auteuil meeting, which features a nine‑race card that includes a Listed contest, and the Lyon‑Parilly card, which offers a series of informative maiden races.
Finally, the programme will preview the 4.38‑mile race at Bangor‑on‑Dee, where Jiair Madrik is expected to feature in a tightly contested affair. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, in‑depth interviews, and feature stories by following Sky Sports Racing on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action.