Live on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, viewers will be treated to the excitement of jumps racing at Bangor-on-Dee. The centerpiece of the card is the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase, where the Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled will step over fences for the first time.
Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old who burst onto the scene with a flawless three‑win streak over hurdles – including a Grade Two novice hurdle – has experienced a noticeable dip in form. After a disappointing pull‑up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024, the gelding was switched to the flat for a spell.
His most recent flat outing saw him go too keen, prompting his connections to bring him back to the jumps. After nearly four months away from obstacles, he will make his chase debut, a move that could reignite his early promise. Notably, he captured an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023 with apparent ease, suggesting that if trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill have managed to restore his fitness, he could be a serious contender.
Among the rivals, Captain Cool stands out as the most seasoned chaser. With a BHA rating of 131, the veteran has a wealth of experience over fences and will likely try to impose his class on the field. Krak, another contender, appears to be in good condition despite a ten‑length defeat in his last run, where he seemed to struggle with the distance; a shorter trip could see him bounce back. Ice In The Veins, who finished 25 lengths behind Captain Cool in June, will be looking to close the gap, especially if she can benefit from a more favorable weight assignment and a more economical racing style.
The card also features a Listed Criterium de Lyon, pitting San Giorgio against Master Man. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement, breaking well in his most recent novice start and finishing close behind the leading French two‑year‑old Avec Toi. His second start, where he held up nicely behind a strong juvenile in Ciceron, hinted at further potential.
Be My Friend, who was a close runner‑up to San Giorgio on debut, has already secured a win at Vichy and could become a formidable threat as he gains experience. Master Man, meanwhile, has displayed consistent form, winning two of his three starts and establishing himself as a benchmark for the race. Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who finished a tight finish in July, are also expected to be competitive, though their improvement ceiling may be limited compared to the leading three.
In the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle, the promising filly Hidden Fortune will headline. Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old won her first hurdle race after two encouraging bumper second‑places.
Her debut victory was impressive, and she appears to thrive on longer distances and softer ground, suggesting she could dominate if those conditions prevail. The main challenger is likely to be Provision, who broke his maiden with a ten‑length win and, while less proven than Hidden Fortune, possesses the experience to test the filly. Ride Like A Girl, who underperformed in her last start, shares a similar profile to Provision and may rebound. Secret Beach, rated 78 on the flat, will make his hurdle debut; although inexperienced, his flat form could translate well to obstacles if he adapts quickly.
Beyond the main events, the programme includes a nine‑race card at Auteuil featuring a Listed contest, and an informative maiden card at Lyon‑Parilly. The 4.38 pm race at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik contest a tightly contested affair. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and features on the Sky Sports Racing app, ensuring they never miss a story from the world of horse racing.