Executive Summary

This briefing synthesizes analysis and data for the National Hunt race meetings at Carlisle, Fairyhouse, and Leicester on November 30, 2025. Ground conditions are consistently soft across all venues, a critical factor for assessing contender suitability.

Key Selections & Top-Rated Horses:

• Spotlight Naps: The Spotlight analysis identifies three top selections for the day: DROP KICK in the 12:15 at Carlisle, a 4-year-old aiming for a second handicap win; POSITIVE THINKER in the 1:05 at Fairyhouse, noted for his stamina in a long-distance chase; and HIGHBURY HILL in the 3:32 at Leicester, who is expected to be competitive based on a recent strong placing.

• HorseRaceBase (HRB) Ratings: Quantitative analysis from HRB highlights different top contenders in several key races. In the 12:15 at Carlisle, Drop Kick is also the top-rated horse (Total: 244), aligning with the Spotlight verdict. At Fairyhouse, the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase (2:05) sees Gold Dancer (Total: 433) rated highest, presenting a strong challenge to the favorite, Romeo Coolio. In the day’s feature, the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (2:36), last year’s runner-up Teahupoo (Total: 459) is the top-rated horse.

Prominent Trainers & Yards:

• Gordon Elliott holds a significant presence at Fairyhouse, fielding five runners in the 1:05 Porterstown Handicap Chase and two strong contenders, Koktail Brut and Port Authority, in the 1:35 Royal Bond Novice Hurdle. His horse Romeo Coolio is the odds-on favorite for the Grade 1 Drinmore Novice Chase.

• Willie Mullins also features heavily at Fairyhouse, with Narciso Has debuting for the yard in the 12:35 Juvenile Hurdle and Lultimatom favored in the 3:41 bumper. His top novice from two seasons ago, Ballyburn, returns to hurdling in the Grade 1 Hatton’s Grace.

• Donald McCain has multiple runners at Carlisle, including Grey Skies in the 12:15 and three contenders in the 3:23 bumper, with Kilnesare Flight potentially being the stable’s first string under Brian Hughes.

• Olly Murphy sends several promising runners to Leicester, with Dinofromberlais (1:25), Lon Chaney (1:55), and C&D winner Woodland Park (2:25) all featuring prominently in their respective races. There Runs Mary is a strong favorite in the 3:00 novices’ hurdle.

Noteworthy Races:

• Fairyhouse Grade 1s: The day is highlighted by three Grade 1 races at Fairyhouse. The Drinmore Novice Chase (2:05) features a clash between Gordon Elliott’s highly-regarded Romeo Coolio and Willie Mullins’s in-form Gold Dancer. The Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (2:36) sees a showdown between three-time race participant Teahupoo and the returning-to-hurdles Ballyburn.

• Competitive Handicaps: The Porterstown Handicap Chase (1:05 Fairyhouse) is a significant stamina test with 15 runners, where Positive Thinker and Lonesome Boatman are key contenders. The Bet On PricedUp Handicap Hurdle (2:15 Carlisle) features the in-form Saligo Bay seeking a hat-trick against the unexposed Medieval Gold.

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Carlisle Race Meeting Analysis

Ground: Soft

12:15 – pricedup.bet Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

A handicap hurdle over 2m 3½f for horses rated 0-110, with a total prize value of £9,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: A strong opportunity for DROP KICK (nap) to win a second handicap. Heritier, last year’s winner, is considered the best of the rest, with Getaway Master and Grey Skies also noted.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Drop Kick is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 244.

Key Contenders:

• Drop Kick (SP 13-8): A 4-year-old who improved significantly when winning on his handicap debut over this course and distance (C&D) three weeks ago. He “came clear with an unexposed runner-up” and is considered a “key player” despite a 6lb rise in the weights.

• Heritier (SP 7-2): Won this race last year and is now 4lb lower in the weights. His reappearance at Ayr showed encouragement, where he “ran well for a long way before tiring and falling at the second-last fence.” He is on the shortlist.

• Grey Skies (SP 13-2): Well beaten at Cheltenham last time but is now in “calmer waters.” Previously in good form with two summer wins, he is effective at this trip and on soft ground, giving him a chance. HRB rates him second with a score of 236.

• Young Merlin (SP 12-1): On a “handy mark” based on his best hurdle form and has been running adequately on the Flat. Effective on soft/heavy ground but was pulled up on his last hurdles start.

Horse	Age	Weight	Trainer	Jockey	SP	OR	TS	RPR
Drop Kick	4	10-8	M Walford	Tom Midgley	13-8	91	93	112
Heritier	8	11-1t	E Quinlan	Peter Kavanagh (3)	7-2	97	108	118
Grey Skies	9	11-12tb	D McCain	William Maggs (3)	13-2	108	71	111
Young Merlin	9	12-0p	R Menzies	Benjamin Macey (3)	12-1	110	108	111

12:45 – PricedUp Daily Racing Boosts ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginners’ Chase

A beginners’ chase over 2m with a total prize value of £18,400.

• Spotlight Verdict: Preference is for chase newcomer JUBY BALL, who looked “very promising” winning both his hurdle races. Three-time novice hurdle winner Junker D’Allier is open to improvement and considered a likeable prospect.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Juby Ball is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 317.

Key Contenders:

• Juby Ball (SP Evs): A bumper winner who is 2-2 over hurdles. Connections are wasting no time sending him over fences, and he “possesses significant potential,” giving him “strong claims.”

• Junker D’Allier (SP 15-8): Won three novice hurdles last season, including one at this course. He was well-beaten on his chase debut at Uttoxeter, but it was a “hot little race” and he could benefit from that experience. Considered a “major player.” HRB rates him second with a score of 276.

1:15 – John Budden Memorial British EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle

A novices’ hurdle over 2m 3½f with a total prize value of £7,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: The race is seen as being between hurdle debutants THE BURREN MAN and Blofeld. Preference is for The Burren Man. King Kodiak and Eagle’s Cairn are mentioned as each-way options.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Port Station is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 247. The Burren Man has a low score of 50, reflecting his lack of previous runs under rules.

Key Contenders:

• The Burren Man (SP 5-4): Finished second in an Irish maiden point before being sold for 180,000 euros. He has joined a “good yard” (H Derham, 2-3 at Carlisle) for his rules debut and is “firmly in calculations.”

• Blofeld (SP 9-4): Won “in fine style” on his debut in a bumper at Ayr (heavy ground). He has “leading claims” if he can transfer that promise to hurdles, with his pedigree suggesting the longer trip will suit.

• Port Station (SP 12-1): Finished close-up in two bumpers and was third on his recent hurdle debut at Newcastle. He holds “each-way claims.”

• Inedit D’Amour (SP 12-1): Showed ability in France and ran adequately on his British debut at this course. He is an “each-way contender if jumping with greater fluency.” HRB rates him second with a score of 240.

1:45 – Download The PricedUp App Handicap Chase

A handicap chase over 3m ½f for horses rated 0-125, with a total prize value of £19,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: A chance is taken on ANGLERS CRAG, who has an “attractive mark” on his first run for trainer Nicky Richards. Irish challenger From The Ashes is the second choice, ahead of the unexposed Great Notions.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: From The Ashes is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 293.

Key Contenders:

• Anglers Crag (SP 13-2): Was pulled up in his last two runs for a previous trainer but “may have benefited from a change of scenery.” His new trainer has had a productive November, and he is down to a “dangerous mark.”

• From The Ashes (SP 3-1): Has only one win from 28 starts but has run well in third in competitive Irish handicaps on his last two chase starts. His “surplus stamina may well be a positive at this stiff course.”

• Great Notions (SP 4-1): A 6-year-old who showed promise when second on his recent handicap debut at Wetherby and “may well have more to offer.” HRB rates him third with a score of 286.

• Pierrot Jaguen (SP 4-1): A very lightly raced point winner who showed promise over hurdles. Could improve for the switch to fences and “certainly has potential.” HRB rates him second with a score of 288.

2:15 – Bet On PricedUp Handicap Hurdle

A handicap hurdle over 2m 1f for horses rated 0-135, with a total prize value of £17,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: Preference is for the “bang-in-form” SALIGO BAY, who is aiming to complete a hat-trick. The unexposed 5-year-old Medieval Gold is also high on the list.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Saligo Bay is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 370.

Key Contenders:

• Saligo Bay (SP 11-4): In “rude health” this autumn, having won his last two starts at Wetherby. He is up to a career-high mark, but this “thriving 7yo has solid claims.”

• Medieval Gold (SP 4-1): An ex-Flat 5-year-old who reappeared with a neck second over C&D four weeks ago. He is a “big shout if backing up that run.” HRB rates him third with a score of 267.

• That One (SP 9-2): Was progressive in the spring when last seen but is unproven on soft/heavy ground and lacks a recent run. Still considered to be in the “shake-up if fully tuned up.” HRB rates him second with a score of 276.

• Out Of Office (SP 13-2) & Doyen Star (SP 4-1): Two lightly raced 7-year-olds from the Evan Williams stable returning from long absences. The betting market will be an interesting indicator of their chances.

2:48 – Racing Blogger Handicap Chase

A handicap chase over 3m 2f for horses rated 0-105, with a total prize value of £7,500.

• Spotlight Verdict: A chance is taken on GLORY HIGHTS. Azof Des Mottes and Torosay (second choice) are shortlisted after finishing first and second at Ayr, though their stamina for the extra distance is uncertain.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Torosay is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 243.

Key Contenders:

• Glory Hights (SP 7-1): Pulled up on his only chase start, but this was due to a mistake three out when he “looked a strong contender for third or second.” As a 3m hurdle winner here, he “looks the type to grind out a win with this sort of test.”

• Torosay (SP 5-2): A “staying-on second” to Azof Des Mottes at Ayr four weeks ago gives “major renewed hope.” She did not see out this trip last year.

• Azof Des Mottes (SP 100-30): Held off Torosay to win at Ayr. He is up 6lb and is unraced beyond 3m but “has to be considered seriously.” HRB rates him second with a score of 234.

3:23 – PricedUp Supports British Racing Open National Hunt Flat Race

A bumper over 2m 1f with a total prize value of £4,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: Preference is for KILNESARE FLIGHT, Brian Hughes’s mount from three Donald McCain runners. Loveable Reprobate is also a prime candidate, being the only runner for the in-form Jamie Snowden.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Ratemenow is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 235.

Key Contenders:

• Kilnesare Flight (SP 5-2): Finished second in an Irish maiden point. As Brian Hughes’s mount, he “may be the first string among the stable’s three runners.”

• Loveable Reprobate (SP 13-8): Represents an “in-form Lambourn trainer” (Jamie Snowden) who had a bumper winner on Thursday. Money for this runner “could prove ominous.”

• Ratemenow (SP 13-2): Showed some ability when third at Hexham on his rules debut, outrunning his 50-1 odds.

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Fairyhouse Race Meeting Analysis

Ground: Yielding-to-Soft

12:05 – BAR 1 Betting Ladies Handicap Chase

A handicap chase over 2m 5½f with a total prize value of €15,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: SECRECIES OF STONE is tipped to win with a clear round, having been on course for a strong finish over C&D in April before unseating his rider. Big Stage and Vaureal are also considered players.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Big Stage is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 235.

Key Contenders:

• Secrecies Of Stone (SP 9-2): Won at Leopardstown in March and was “going ok in front when unseating” over C&D. He needs to jump better but is a “big player if doing so.” HRB rates him third with a score of 217.

• Big Stage (SP 7-2): Appears to be the “top yard’s first-string” (Gordon Elliott). A maiden over fences but has some decent previous runs. Fell last time out but is a player if at his best.

• Vaureal (SP 4-1): Has shown good form over C&D. A poor run last time at Galway but has a chance if returning to the form that saw him finish second there previously.

12:35 – BAR 1 Betting Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 3)

A Grade 3 juvenile hurdle over 2m with a total prize value of €30,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: MANGE TOUT is expected to be “difficult to contain” after winning well on her Irish debut despite racing keenly. Narciso Has, a French winner debuting for Willie Mullins, is seen as the main danger.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Mange Tout is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 314.

Key Contenders:

• Mange Tout (SP 6-4): Half-sister to Grade 1 winner Impaire Et Passe. An easy French hurdle winner who scored at Down Royal on her Irish debut. The re-application of a hood she wore in France could help her settle.

• Narciso Has (SP 15-8): Won over hurdles in France in April. Makes his debut for the Willie Mullins yard after an absence and is respected. HRB rates him lowest of the experienced runners (score of 64), reflecting his lack of a recent run.

• Adrienne (SP 5-1): Won well over C&D on her second hurdles start and “looks likely to be involved.” HRB rates her third with a score of 264.

1:05 – BAR 1 Betting Porterstown Handicap Chase (Listed)

A listed handicap chase over a grueling 3m 6f with a total prize value of €45,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: POSITIVE THINKER (nap) is selected for his proven stamina, demonstrated by his second place in the 3m 4f Cork National last season. He is preferred over this year’s Cork National winner Lonesome Boatman. Of Gordon Elliott’s five runners, Onethreefivenotout is perhaps the most appealing.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Will Do is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 307.

Key Contenders:

• Positive Thinker (SP 9-1): Only narrowly beaten in last year’s Cork National. A recent comeback run over hurdles should have left him in “good shape for this.”

• Lonesome Boatman (SP 11-2): Relished the extra distance when winning the 3m 4f Cork National four weeks ago. “May remain competitive off 9lb higher.”

• Onethreefivenotout (SP 6-1): One of five runners from the Gordon Elliott yard. Showed encouragement when second over 3m at Down Royal on his Irish debut.

• Better Times Ahead (SP 5-1): Won over 3m here on his seasonal hurdle debut, which “should have left him in prime shape for this.” HRB rates him second with a score of 303.

• Will Do (SP 10-1): Showed a liking for a stamina test with strong placed efforts last season, including a second in the National Trial at Punchestown. Needs to find form again.

1:35 – Bar 1 Betting Royal Bond Novice Hurdle (Grade 2)

A Grade 2 novice hurdle over 2m with a total prize value of €85,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: KOKTAIL BRUT is selected based on an impressive maiden hurdle debut. Love Me Tender is unbeaten and won’t go down easily but faces a 3lb penalty.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Love Me Tender is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 404.

Key Contenders:

• Koktail Brut (SP 9-4): “Already a better hurdler after one start,” he easily won a Punchestown maiden recently. He represents the Gordon Elliott stable, which has won this race four times in the last 10 years, and is a “big player.” HRB rates him fourth with a score of 318.

• Love Me Tender (SP 13-8): Unbeaten in three starts (bumper, maiden, Grade 3 novice) “without being extended.” He carries a 3lb penalty but “still looks the one to beat” for a yard (W. Mullins) with five wins in the last 10 runnings.

• Gameball (SP 8-1): Won a Punchestown maiden hurdle in comfortable fashion on his debut for the de Bromhead yard. Open to improvement and considered a “player.”

2:05 – BAR 1 Betting Drinmore Novice Chase (Grade 1)

A Grade 1 novice chase over 2m 4f with a total prize value of €85,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: ROMEO COOLIO “looks the part” to enhance trainer Gordon Elliott’s excellent record of eight wins in this race. Gold Dancer is the “obvious danger.”

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Gold Dancer is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 433.

Key Contenders:

• Romeo Coolio (SP 4-7): Was a top novice hurdler last season, winning a Grade 1 at Leopardstown and placing at Cheltenham and Aintree. Made a “good start over fences at Down Royal” and has a “leading chance.” HRB rates him second with a score of 363.

• Gold Dancer (SP 4-1): Has won three consecutive chases since May. The form of his Galway festival win has been “well-advertised.”

• Ol Man Dingle (SP 5-1): Has already “comfortably surpassed his best hurdles form after just two races over fences,” including a Grade 3 win at Cork. Deserves a shot at this level.

2:36 – BAR 1 Betting Hatton’s Grace Hurdle (Grade 1)

A Grade 1 hurdle over 2m 4f with a total prize value of €120,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: TEAHUPOO, winner of this race in 2022 and 2023, is tipped to become a three-time winner. Ballyburn, who spent last season chasing, is seen as the main rival.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Teahupoo is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 459.

Key Contenders:

• Teahupoo (SP 10-11): Beat Klassical Dream and Impaire Et Passe in previous runnings. Went on to win the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last season. “Sets a very high standard.”

• Ballyburn (SP 7-4): Was a top novice hurdler two seasons ago. Last season over fences included a Grade 1 win but ended with a flop at Cheltenham. Has a chance to “rebuild his reputation in this sphere.” HRB rates him second with a score of 428.

• Mystical Power (SP 7-1): Won two Grade 1s as a novice but has “questions to answer after last season’s failures.”

3:11 – BAR 1 Casino Handicap Hurdle (Listed)

A listed handicap hurdle over 2m with a total prize value of €100,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: A chance is taken on the locally-trained ATABOYCHARLIE. Puturhandstogether has prospects of reversing Listowel form with Last Kingdom.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Last Kingdom is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 395.

Key Contenders:

• Ataboycharlie (SP 7-1): Kept good company over fences last season and made a “pleasing return to hurdling” when third at Galway. “Has a fighting chance for a small local stable.”

• Puturhandstogether (SP 5-1): Last season’s Fred Winter winner who also won the Irish Cesarewitch. A 7lb claimer gives him a “serious chance.” HRB rates him second with a score of 368.

• Last Kingdom (SP 4-1): Improved in the spring and was raised 8lb for beating Puturhandstogether at Listowel. It “could be close between the pair.”

• Zillow (SP 9-2): A dual-purpose type who won a handicap hurdle in September and scored on the Dundalk AW last month. May be on the upgrade. HRB rates him third with a score of 357.

3:41 – BAR 1 Casino (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race

A pro/am bumper over 2m with a total prize value of €10,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: GRANGECLARE PARK, an impressive point winner, is marginally preferred to fellow point winners Lultimatom and Endless Talking. The Elliott yard’s bumper horses have been performing well.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Mart Lane is the highest-rated horse with a score of 201, based on a previous run. Of the newcomers, Lultimatom is highest-rated at 71.

Key Contenders:

• Grangeclare Park (SP 7-4): “Ran away with a Curraghmore point in April” for Colin Bowe. A well-bred sort who is a “big player on debut for a top yard.”

• Lultimatom (SP 6-4): A ready winner of a Portrush point on debut and was subsequently sold for £225,000. Demands “maximum respect on debut for the Champion trainer” (W. Mullins).

• Endless Talking (SP 3-1): A “comprehensive winner of a Stradbally point” in April. Hooded for his rules debut with a top yard and is respected.

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Leicester Race Meeting Analysis

Ground: Soft

12:55 – British EBF Fillies’ Junior ‘National Hunt’ Hurdle

A fillies’ juvenile hurdle over 1m 7½f with a total prize value of £9,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: LUCY THE WIRE is taken to use her previous jumping experience to her advantage. Graceful Glance is respected after a promising bumper debut.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Graceful Glance and Lucy The Wire are tied as the highest-rated horses with a total score of 260.

Key Contenders:

• Lucy The Wire (SP 4-5): Belied 40-1 odds to finish second in a 15-runner race at Cork last month for a previous trainer. “Could be a very tough nut to crack” on her stable debut if she handles the slower ground.

• Graceful Glance (SP 13-8): Made a “very promising debut” when second in a Stratford bumper. Respected on her hurdle debut.

1:25 – Grace And Dotty Country Clothing Handicap Hurdle

A handicap hurdle over 1m 7½f for horses rated 0-115, with a total prize value of £7,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: The safer alternative is IP UP, who made a “pleasing seasonal debut in a more competitive race.” The headstrong juvenile Stardrop has the raw ability but is risky.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Stardrop is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 297.

Key Contenders:

• Ip Up (SP 5-1): Gave a good account before fading to fourth on her seasonal debut at Carlisle. Contests this “less competitive race from a 1lb lower mark” and “must be considered.” HRB rates her third with a score of 250.

• Stardrop (SP 5-2): A useful Flat racer who has been too keen in hurdles but won comfortably at Sedgefield 17 days ago. He “has a good engine” but remains risky.

• Dinofromberlais (SP 7-2): Won a maiden in March and returned with a “very respectable third” at Uttoxeter. May still have potential. HRB rates him second with a score of 286.

1:55 – Leicester Novices’ Hurdle

A novices’ hurdle over 2m 4½f with a total prize value of £7,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: The most interesting runner is LON CHANEY, who “caught the eye” on his rules debut at Ffos Las and can improve. Swindon Village is the respected second choice.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Home Made Hero is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 337.

Key Contenders:

• Lon Chaney (SP 3-1): Finished behind Swindon Village on debut but “was asked to make up considerable ground from the rear.” “Improvement likely here.” HRB rates him second with a score of 298.

• Swindon Village (SP 2-1): Won a soft-ground bumper last season and was third in what “looked a good maiden hurdle” on his reappearance. “Likely to make his presence felt.” HRB rates him third with a score of 290.

• Home Made Hero (SP 2-1): Rewarded strong market support with a 12-length win on his stable/hurdle debut at Uttoxeter. An “obvious contender.”

2:25 – Leicester Racecourse Handicap Hurdle

A handicap hurdle over 2m 4½f for horses rated 0-120, with a total prize value of £7,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: Slight preference is for C&D winner WOODLAND PARK. Akimos is not opposed with any confidence, and John Barbour also has an appealing profile.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Woodland Park is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 328.

Key Contenders:

• Woodland Park (SP 11-4): Easily won a C&D maiden last year and returned from a layoff with a “creditable third” on his handicap debut at Carlisle. “Probably still has potential; good chance.”

• Akimos (SP 11-4): An unexposed 5-year-old who won a maiden last season and was a “close second on handicap debut” at Sandown. “Could still have a lot more to offer.” HRB rates him second with a score of 320.

• John Barbour (SP 7-2): Won at Uttoxeter last month, and the form “has been well advertised by the placed horses since.” Has a “big role to play if suited by the slower ground.”

3:00 – Great Value Executive Box Packages @leicesterraces Novices’ Hurdle

A novices’ hurdle over 1m 7½f with a total prize value of £10,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: SMART DECISION is selected. He was productive in junior hurdles, runs unpenalised, and made a pleasing reappearance. There Runs Mary is a respected opponent.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: There Runs Mary is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 320.

Key Contenders:

• Smart Decision (SP 2-1): Won three junior hurdles last season and ran well when third on his recent reappearance at Wetherby. A “leading contender.” HRB rates him second with a score of 285.

• There Runs Mary (SP 8-11): Looked “very promising” in bumpers and “barely broke sweat” when winning a maiden hurdle at Ffos Las 11 days ago. “Commands respect” despite the penalty.

3:32 – Next Meeting @leicesterraces Thursday 4th December Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

A mares’ handicap hurdle over 2m 4½f for horses rated 0-100, with a total prize value of £6,000.

• Spotlight Verdict: HIGHBURY HILL (nap) has “strong claims” based on her placing in a competitive race at Chepstow. Smile Back is open to improvement, and stablemates Girl Of Gold and Keep It Cool can also feature.

• HorseRaceBase Top Pick: Girl Of Gold is the highest-rated horse with a total score of 252.

Key Contenders:

• Highbury Hill (SP 11-4): Placed in both outings this autumn, most recently a “creditable third of 16” in a Chepstow handicap. “Commands respect.” HRB rates her second with a score of 250.

• Girl Of Gold (SP 7-2): Has taken well to hurdling, finishing a clear second in her last two starts. “Ought to be very competitive” on her handicap debut.

• Smile Back (SP 11-2): A point/bumper winner who “should have some improvement to come in handicaps.” She is “high on the list.”