Race Preview: Fontwell 4:50 (Class 5 Novice Handicap Hurdle)

This is a handicap hurdle for horses rated 0-95, specifically for novices (horses who haven’t won over hurdles before the start of this season, though they can win novice handicaps like this). It’s run over 2 miles, 5 furlongs, and 164 yards, which will test stamina around Fontwell’s unique track. We have 11 runners after two non-runners (Final Straw, Brionywells).

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Runner-by-Runner Analysis

• Kopa Kilana (11-8, OR91): The definition of consistency at this level, finishing second on his last two starts at Perth over 2m4f off marks of 90 and 91. He’s still a maiden over hurdles after 25 attempts, which is a major concern for win purposes, but he rarely runs badly and top jockey Sean Bowen rides. Likely placed. 🥈
• Jingle Jangle Jet (11-7, OR90): Got off the mark over hurdles when making all to win at Newcastle (2m4.5f, Good) when last seen 234 days ago off OR87. Up 3lb for that and returns from a long break. If fit and allowed an easy lead, he could be dangerous, but the absence is a worry.
• Drumheller (11-8, OR91): Pulled up and then finished a distant 3rd (of 5) before being involved in a void race when unseating. Form is very poor.
• Call Your Bluff (11-7, OR90): Showed very little in four maiden/novice hurdles. Makes handicap debut off a stiff-looking mark of 90 after a 280-day break. Hard to fancy.
• Arctic Angel (11-2, OR88): Won over 3m2f in June off OR85 but was pulled up quite tamely at Cartmel when last seen 116 days ago. Needs to bounce back from that effort and the break. Stamina is proven.
• Slemish (10-11, OR82): Ran an excellent race when second over 2m3f here at Fontwell in August off OR78. Disappointed slightly when only 5th at Hexham last time (20 days ago) off OR83. Drops back 1lb to 82 and returns to a track he clearly acts well at. Good chance. 👍
• Ballyhealy Diamond (10-8, OR77): Beaten miles in three hurdle starts (F5-6). Makes handicap debut off OR77 and needs to find huge improvement.
• Nowyouvebinandunit (10-5, OR74): Consistent sort who often runs into the places at this level. Was second off this mark back in March. Recent runs (646) are respectable. Likely to run her race but might find a few too good again.
• Atlantic Power (10-5, OR74): Placed third over this course and distance back in February off OR75 on soft ground. Form tailed off afterwards, including a poor run here when last seen 181 days ago. Risky proposition after a break.
• Jamaicaine (10-7, OR76): Unseated rider three starts back and beaten miles on her two runs since. Impossible to recommend.
• Endersen (10-8, OR77): Ran a cracker when third over 3m2f here at Fontwell off OR74 back in May. Returns from 151 days off but clearly handles the track. Could go well fresh at potentially decent odds. Each-way claims. 🐎
• Well Presented (10-6, OR75): Showed little in maiden/novice hurdles. Makes handicap debut after 169 days off and needs significant improvement.

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Verdict

This is a weak contest where few arrive in compelling form. Kopa Kilana is almost certain to run his race and hit the frame, but his long losing streak makes him hard to back for the win at likely short odds.

Slemish ran very well here two starts back off a similar mark and can be forgiven his last run at Hexham. Returning to Fontwell looks a positive move, and he represents decent value against the favourite. Endersen also ran well here when last seen and could feature if ready after his break. Jingle Jangle Jet needs monitoring in the betting after his layoff but won well last time.

1. Slemish 2. Kopa Kilana 3. Endersen