This 0–100 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle often rewards improving or lightly raced types from smaller yards, and the 2025 renewal features a competitive ten-runner field with a mixture of recent winners, class droppers, and returning handicappers. The race tends to suit those racing prominently, and with an even pace forecast, horses with tactical speed and proven stamina could hold a significant advantage. Historically, the race has produced winners priced no shorter than 9/2 in the last five renewals, with Keiran Burke landing it twice since 2022.

Strongest Contenders

Summer In Milan [TFR 105 | OR 100 | Last Run: 40 days ago]
Backed up his modest hurdles profile with a career-best win over course and distance last time out, making all and drawing well clear in the closing stages. That came under today’s jockey Freddie Gordon, who again takes the ride. He is now 5 lb higher but retains a competitive mark and clearly acts well at Fontwell. Worth noting he flopped on chasing debut the time before, but over hurdles he remains progressive in headgear and fits the race profile well.

Ballyhiho (IRE) [TFR 107 | OR 85 | Last Run: 32 days ago]
Lightly raced mare who showed immediate improvement for the step up in trip when finishing second on handicap debut at Newcastle last month. She travelled fluently, jumped well, and only gave way late. That form has substance for the grade, and she appears well-in off a 2 lb higher mark. The slightly shorter trip today may suit, and her prominent running style is expected to be an advantage given the track’s pace bias.

Vorderman [TFR 104 | OR 98 | Last Run: 34 days ago]
This juvenile winner took a step forward on handicap debut at Plumpton, finishing runner-up in a tactical five-runner race. He remains unexposed for Roger Teal and shaped as if capable of building on that effort. The return to a more galloping track may suit, and he brings potential upside, especially for a four-year-old in a weak 0–100 handicap.

Main Dangers

Nowyouvebinandunit [TFR 105 | OR 77 | Last Run: 39 days ago]
A long-standing maiden but one who often shapes better than her finishing position suggests. She was hampered at a key point last time and finished well beaten, but the mark continues to drop and she now races off 77. The stable has booked Dylan Johnston again, and she’s arguably better suited to this trip than recent assignments. Could be one to include if the market speaks positively.

Ma Belle Noire [TFR 103+ | OR 100 | Last Run: 43 days ago]
Dropped to a workable mark and shaped better last time after a 13-week break. Now wears blinkers and tongue-tie, having previously hinted at temperament issues, including tail-swishing under pressure. Harry Fry has his string in good form, and she has form at this trip, but she hasn’t won since 2022. Watch the market closely – support could be significant.

Interesting Outsider

Ferret Jeeter [TFR ? | OR 75 | Days off: 524]
Anthony Honeyball’s 8-year-old returns from a long absence but catches the eye on pedigree and stable placement. He’s related to multiple winners and showed some promise in bumpers before injury struck. He was due to run in a void race at this course on April 25 and has been kept fresh. Honeyball has a 27% strike rate at Fontwell in recent seasons and 19% with handicap debutants. Market strength would be notable.

Trainer Trends

• Keiran Burke has won this race twice since 2022 with Whynotnowroy and The Height of Fame. No runner this year.
• Harry Fry (trainer of Ma Belle Noire) is a notable presence at this level and has a strong record when dropping horses into low-grade handicaps off a break.
• Anthony Honeyball (Ferret Jeeter) consistently targets Fontwell with success and has hit with similar types in spring.

Timeform Notables

• Ballyhiho is noted in the pace hint as being favoured by a likely steady gallop and her prominent running style.
• Summer In Milan is described as a “horse for course,” and arrives in winning form.
• Nowyouvebinandunit was the beaten favourite last time and may be better judged on earlier efforts.
• Ma Belle Noire has had a wind operation and now wears first-time combined headgear.

Summary

This looks a solid opening race for punters. Summer In Milan brings the best recent winning form and course experience, but he faces a well-handicapped improver in Ballyhiho, who has Timeform’s highest adjusted rating in the field. Vorderman and Ma Belle Noire are credible alternatives with scope, while Ferret Jeeter is a wildcard to watch closely for market signals.