This Class 5 mares’ novices’ handicap hurdle rounds off the Fontwell card and looks a competitive contest for the grade, with a field of eleven declared. The predicted strong early gallop may have a notable tactical bearing, likely favouring those who are ridden more patiently, rather than those racing prominently or making the running. With several unexposed types in the line-up, and a few returning from absences, the market may offer useful signals before post time.

Strongest Contenders

NEWMILL GETAWAY (IRE) (TFR 101)
Now in the care of Fergal O’Brien, this six-year-old rates the one to beat on Timeform’s adjusted ratings. She showed her best form to date when third over 2m6½f at Stratford last spring, shaping as if further would suit. That came on her second start for her previous yard, and the switch to a stable renowned for improving recruits is notable. She’s off for 353 days, so fitness is a question, but market support would be highly encouraging. The predicted strong pace should suit her hold-up style.

A LITTLE SOMETHING (TFR 100)
Returned to form at Plumpton last month, narrowly touched off in a small field. She’s generally consistent in this grade, and her stamina for this trip is proven. However, her racing style (typically up with the pace) might not be ideal if the early gallop is strong, as forecast. Still, she remains one of the more solid profiles on recent evidence and is respected.

CHIQUE ANGEL (IRE) (TFR 94+)
Represents Paul Nicholls and steps into handicap company for the first time after three qualifying runs. She’s yet to show much over hurdles, but is bred to do better, and the yard has a strong record with mares at this level. Notably, Nicholls has sent just a handful of runners to this race in the past decade, but his only runner on the Fontwell card today is this mare. Improvement is expected and she could step forward markedly now handicapping.

Main Dangers

KYLENOE DANCER (TFR 97)
Returned from a 23-month absence with a fair third at Ffos Las and could build on that now. She’s lightly raced for her age and shaped as though the run would bring her on. Has a solid staying pedigree and should be suited by a well-run race. Worth monitoring for further market support.

MASONBROOK MEADOW (IRE) (TFR 99)
A four-year-old open to improvement, she posted a career-best when runner-up in juvenile company at Sedgefield last autumn. She stays this trip and comes from a yard whose runners often progress with racing. That said, her overall profile remains patchy, and she faces older, more experienced rivals now. The 174-day break suggests a watching brief may be wise unless the market speaks strongly.

Interesting Outsiders

DARCY’S GLANCE (TFR 95)
Has shown snippets of ability and was fourth in a small-field mares’ handicap at Hereford in April. She was beaten only eight lengths that day and may be suited by the strong pace scenario here. Though she’s yet to win under rules, she has a slightly better profile than many of the outsiders.

CIRCLE OF HOPE (TFR ?)
Lightly raced and back from a 504-day absence, she showed modest promise in junior events in her debut season. Wears cheekpieces for the first time and represents a yard whose runners often improve with time, but she’s hard to assess on form. Another where the betting will likely tell the story.

Others

LITTLE LADY LUCY, BANNY HILL LASS, and J’VENTILE have all struggled in low-grade handicaps and need to produce a big leap in form to feature. The latter has pulled up several times recently and reportedly bled on her last chase attempt.

HURST HILL (IRE) has shown ability at this level but arrives off a poor run and lacks consistency.

Trends and Pointers

• Trainer Paul Nicholls boasts a strong record with mares making their handicap debuts and shows a level stakes profit when sending a single hurdles runner to Fontwell, as is the case today with Chique Angel.
• The predicted strong pace may suit closers rather than front-runners. Timeform highlight that the set-up may be a negative for A Little Something but could favour Newmill Getaway.
• Horses returning from breaks over 60 days include Newmill Getaway, Circle of Hope, Kylenoe Dancer, and Masonbrook Meadow — all warrant market scrutiny, particularly for signs of confidence from their yards.

Summary

Newmill Getaway stands out on adjusted ratings and has found a good opportunity if ready after nearly a year off. A Little Something is reliable and fit, but may face pace pressure. Chique Angel could be the fly in the ointment on handicap debut for a top yard, while Kylenoe Dancer makes each-way appeal on her second start back from a lengthy layoff. With a double-digit field and a few unexposed mares in the mix, this is one to watch closely for late market moves.