12:55 Wincanton – ITM EBF Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Class 4, 2m 5f 82y, Heavy Going) – Race Preview & Betting Analysis

The 12:55 at Wincanton presents an intriguing contest featuring promising novice mares tackling hurdles over a testing 2m 5f 82y trip on heavy ground. With a small field of eight runners, tactics will play a crucial role, especially given the forecast for a slow-run race.

The Market Leaders

At the head of the market sits Chique Angel (15/8, Paul Nicholls/Harry Cobden), a highly regarded mare making her hurdles debut. She improved from her first bumper run to finish a promising third at Plumpton last time out. Given Nicholls’ excellent record in this race (5 winners in the last 10 runnings) and Cobden’s 32% strike rate at Wincanton, she looks well-placed to continue the stable’s dominance.

Close behind in the betting is Bobbi With An I (2/1, Joe Tizzard/Brendan Powell), an Irish point winner who has yet to run under Rules. While her pedigree is encouraging, this type of tactical contest could be a tough introduction, making her price look short for a debutante.

Each-Way Contenders & Tactical Considerations

The pace forecast suggests a very weak early tempo, which is significant because horses positioned towards the front will be at an advantage. According to the data, English Willow (13/2, Kim Bailey/Tom Bellamy) could be better positioned than Springtime Legend to take advantage of the race dynamics. She shaped well at Uttoxeter in heavy ground, travelling strongly before fading over further, suggesting this trip could suit better.

Springtime Legend (9/2, Neil Mulholland/Sam Twiston-Davies) also has experience over course and distance in heavy conditions, which makes her a contender. However, she was held up last time, and if tactics remain unchanged, she could struggle in a steadily-run race. That said, she traded well in running before being beaten last time, hinting at untapped ability.

Verdict & Betting Strategy

✅ Win Bet: Chique Angel (15/8) – Best combination of trainer form, jockey record, and potential for improvement.

✅ Each-Way Value: English Willow (13/2) – More likely to race prominently, which could be a tactical advantage.

❌ Lay Consideration: Bobbi With An I (2/1) – Unproven under Rules, and a slow race could expose inexperience.

With tactics likely playing a major role, positioning will be key, and backing runners expected to race prominently looks the best strategy for this competitive novice hurdle.

Race Review – 12:55 Wincanton (ITM EBF Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle, Class 4, 2m 5½f, Heavy Going)

Winner: Bobbi With An I (11/8 Fav)

Tactics paid off as she tracked the leader, took over three out, and held on well under pressure.

Market confidence was justified, showing the Irish point win was a good sign of ability.

Trainer Joe Tizzard and jockey Brendan Powell executed the race plan perfectly.


Runner-Up: Springtime Legend (5/2)

Stayed on strongly late but just failed to catch the winner, finishing only a head behind.

Held up early, which may not have suited the slow-run race but made good late headway.

Confirmed previous promise over C&D and could be worth following next time.


Surprise 3rd: Only Gossip (100/1)

Huge price but ran a career-best.

Came from midfield to finish third, 16 lengths behind the front two.

Worth noting for weaker races at a similar level.


Disappointment: Chique Angel (4/1, 4th)

Raced prominently but never looked a strong contender.

Mistakes at the third-last and a flat performance suggest inexperience played a role.

Paul Nicholls’ excellent record in this race didn’t hold up this time.


Biggest Letdown: English Willow (6/1, Pulled Up)

Prominent in the pace discussion pre-race, but weakened quickly and pulled up before two out.

May have struggled in the ground or failed to see out the trip.

One to reassess going forward.



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Key Takeaways for Future Betting

✅ Bobbi With An I justified the hype – she could step up in class after proving herself under Rules.

✅ Springtime Legend shaped well again – a race with a stronger pace next time could see her win.

❌ Chique Angel needs more experience – disappointing for a Nicholls runner, but she can improve.

❌ English Willow’s failure suggests stamina/ground issues – avoid until she proves otherwise.



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Final Thoughts

A tactically run race, where Bobbi With An I’s experience in points helped her deal with heavy ground and race positioning. Springtime Legend remains a future winner in the making, while Chique Angel and English Willow were underwhelming.