Bangor-on-Dee will host a thrilling day of jumps racing that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing this Tuesday, and among the highlights is the much‑anticipated chase debut of Grade Two winner Roadlesstravelled in the John Hewitt Memorial Novices' Limited Handicap Chase. Roadlesstravelled, a seven‑year‑old who burst onto the scene with a flawless start to his hurdling career, has already secured three wins from three starts over hurdles, including a Grade Two novice hurdle victory that marked him as a future star. However, his form has dipped in recent months.
After a disappointing pull‑up in the Formby Novices' Hurdle in December 2024, the gelding was given a spell and even spent a brief period competing on the flat, where he showed signs of being a bit too keen in his most recent start. Now, after nearly four months away from fences, he returns to the obstacles for his first chase, a move that could reignite his early promise if he is in good condition. His connections, trainer Jonjo O'Neill and jockey AJ O'Neill, will be hoping that the time away has allowed him to regain fitness and composure. The gelding did demonstrate his stamina and jumping ability when he comfortably won an Irish point‑to‑point in May 2023, a performance that suggested he could handle the demands of a chase when properly prepared.
If the O'Neills have managed to get him back to peak shape, Roadlesstravelled could be a serious contender in a field that includes several experienced rivals. One of those rivals is Captain Cool, who arrives at Bangor‑on‑Dee with a substantial amount of experience over fences and a BHA rating of 131, making him the benchmark for the race.
Captain Cool has consistently shown he can handle the rigors of chasing and will likely try to impose his rhythm from the front, testing the stamina of his younger opponents. His seasoned approach could prove decisive, especially if the race unfolds at a strong gallop. Also in the mix is Krak, a horse that appears to be in good form despite a ten‑length defeat in his last outing. That loss was partly attributed to the distance, as Krak seemed to struggle to stay the full trip.
A shorter distance could see him rediscover his natural cruising speed and challenge the leaders more effectively. Ice In The Veins, who was beaten by a considerable 25 lengths by Captain Cool in June, may have an opportunity to close the gap if the weight assignments favor him and if he runs more economically.
A better weight concession and a more measured ride could see him finish much closer to the front runners. The card also features a Listed Criterium de Lyon, where San Giorgio and Master Man will clash. San Giorgio, trained by Francis‑Henri Graffard, has shown steady improvement, taking a respectable place in a competitive novice race and displaying strong form when finishing behind the current French two‑year‑old champion Avec Toi. His second start hinted at further potential, as he ran on well behind a high‑class two‑year‑old in the Ciceron.
His compatriot Be My Friend, who was just one place behind San Giorgio on debut, has already secured a win at Vichy and could become a significant threat as he gains more experience. Master Man, on the other hand, has been a model of consistency, winning two of his three starts and establishing himself as a reliable performer at this level.
Skyridge, who narrowly beat Palais Byzantin in July, will also be looking to repeat that form, although both horses appear to have limited room for further improvement compared with the top three contenders. In the Paul Ferguson's Jumper To Follow Novices' Hurdle, the five‑year‑old filly Hidden Fortune, trained by Dan Skelton, headlines the field. She broke her maiden impressively on her hurdle debut after two promising bumper second‑places, displaying a turn of foot that suggests she could improve with longer trips and softer ground.
Her main rival is Provision, who also secured a maiden win by ten lengths in his last start. While Provision may lack the class of Hidden Fortune, his recent victory indicates he possesses the experience needed to challenge the leading mare. Ride Like A Girl, who shares a similar profile with Provision, will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing previous run, while Secret Beach makes his hurdle debut after a respectable flat career, rated 78. Though he may need a few runs to adapt to the obstacles, his flat form suggests he could take to the jumps with the right guidance.
The broader programme includes a nine‑race card at Auteuil featuring a Listed contest, and informative maidens at Lyon‑Parilly, offering a full day of diverse racing action. Additionally, a 4.38‑mile chase at Bangor‑on‑Dee will see Jiair Madrik feature in a tightly contested affair.
Overall, Tuesday’s meeting promises a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, with Roadlesstravelled’s chase debut serving as the centerpiece. Whether the seasoned veterans like Captain Cool can maintain their dominance or the younger horses such as Roadlesstravelled, Krak, and Ice In The Veins can upset the order will be the story to watch. Fans can stay up‑to‑date with the latest racing news, interviews, and feature pieces on their mobile devices, ensuring they never miss a beat of the action on Sky Sports Racing.