Live jumps coverage from Bangor-on-Dee will be broadcast on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, offering viewers a full slate of exciting action over the fences. The highlight of the programme is the debut of Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled, who steps up to the chase for the first time in the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase.
Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old gelding, began his racing career in spectacular fashion. He was unbeaten in his first three outings, all over hurdles, and capped that early run with a Grade Two novice hurdle victory that marked him as a future star.
Since those early triumphs his form has dipped considerably. He was pulled up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024 and subsequently spent a spell on the flat, where his most recent effort was a lacklustre run that saw him finish too keenly.
After a break of almost four months, the connections have decided to give him a fresh start over fences, hoping that a return to obstacles will reignite the promise he showed as a novice hurdler. The horse’s pedigree and training background suggest he still possesses the ability to be competitive.
In May 2023 he won an Irish point‑to‑point quite convincingly, demonstrating stamina and a good turn of foot. If trainers Jonjo O'Neill and AJ O'Neill have managed to restore him to solid condition, there is every reason to expect a respectable performance in his chase debut, even if he is not yet at the level of the race’s leading contenders.
Among the more experienced runners, Captain Cool stands out as the class act in the field. With a British Horseracing Authority rating of 131, he carries the most weight of experience over fences and has consistently delivered strong performances. His seasoned approach to jumping and pace judgement should make him a benchmark for the other entrants, and he will likely dictate the tempo of the race. Krak, another notable name, appears to be in decent shape despite a ten‑length defeat in his last outing.
The horse seemed to struggle with the distance on that occasion, suggesting that a shorter trip could suit him better and potentially bring him back into contention. Ice In The Veins finished 25 lengths behind Captain Cool in June, a sizable margin that underscores the challenge ahead. However, if the mare can benefit from a more favourable weight assignment and race more economically, the gap could narrow considerably, making her a serious threat in the closing stages.
The programme also includes the Listed Criterium de Lyon, where San Giorgio and Master Man will clash. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has been improving with each run.
He broke his maiden in a fair novice and subsequently finished close behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi. His most promising performance came in a second start where he ran well behind a high‑class juvenile in the Ciceron, indicating that he can handle a competitive environment. Be My Friend, who was just one place behind San Giorgio on his debut, showed a marked improvement when he claimed a victory at Vichy. With more experience under his belt, he could become a formidable opponent in the listed race.
Master Man has demonstrated consistency, winning two of his three starts to date. His steady form suggests he could set the standard for the race, especially if he replicates his previous winning tactics.
Skyridge and Palais Byzantin, who finished narrowly apart in July, are also expected to be competitive. While they may lack the upward trajectory of the three horses mentioned above, their proven ability to contest at this level should keep them in the mix. In addition to the chase, the card features a promising juvenile, Hidden Fortune, in the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle.
Trained by Dan Skelton, the five‑year‑old filly burst onto the scene with a convincing win on her hurdling debut after two encouraging bumper placings. She displayed a strong turn of foot and appears to thrive on longer distances and softer ground, suggesting she could improve further as she matures. Her main rival is likely to be Provision, who secured a ten‑length maiden victory in his most recent start. Although Provision is less experienced, the win indicates he possesses the raw ability to challenge the more seasoned Hidden Fortune.
Ride Like A Girl, who underperformed in her last start, shares a similar profile to Provision and could rebound with a better run. Secret Beach, rated 78 on the flat, will make his hurdle debut. While his flat form is modest, the step up to obstacles may suit his jumping aptitude, and he could prove a useful outsider if he adapts quickly.
The card also includes a nine‑race meeting at Auteuil, featuring a Listed contest, and a programme at Lyon‑Parilly that offers informative maiden races for emerging talent. Finally, the 4.38 pm race at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik compete in a tightly contested affair. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews and feature stories on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a moment of the action from Sky Sports Racing.