Welcome to a detailed preview of today’s National Hunt racing from Fairyhouse in Ireland and Lingfield in the UK. This data-driven analysis examines each race in chronological order, leveraging the statistical insights of TimeWise Master Ratings alongside expert commentary from the Spotlight team. Our goal is to dissect the key form lines and identify the leading contenders, providing a comprehensive guide to the day’s action.
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1. 11:30 Fairyhouse – Irish Stallion Farms EBF Beginners Chase
The day’s proceedings kick off at Fairyhouse with a 2-mile beginners’ chase that pits several useful hurdling mares against each other on their first foray over the larger obstacles. While the top-rated pair command attention, the presence of McLaurey, who ran a fine race on his chasing debut, ensures this is a fascinating opening clash.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Karamoja | 380 |
| Karoline Banbou | 339 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Karamoja
A useful performer over hurdles, Karamoja brings high-class form to her chasing debut. Her standout achievement was a placing in a Grade 1 mares’ novice hurdle at this very track last season. She is expected to feature prominently on her return to action for a powerhouse stable.
Karoline Banbou
This mare also boasts a strong profile from her hurdling career, highlighted by an excellent fourth-place finish in the Grade 2 Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Based on jockey bookings for her owner, she appears to be the primary contender from that camp and is set for a big run as she transitions to chasing.
Expert Assessment of Chances
This race presents a superb clash between two high-quality mares. Karamoja holds a distinct edge on paper, with a Grade 1 placing to her name and the booking of stable jockey Paul Townend acting as a huge vote of confidence that she is the stable’s first string. However, Karoline Banbou’s form at the Cheltenham Festival is exceptionally strong, and Mark Walsh’s decision to ride her marks her out as a serious danger. It promises to be a tight contest between two mares with the potential to excel in this new discipline.
Spotlight Verdict
A 133-rated hurdler, MCLAUREY ran a fine race at Thurles on chasing bow and can improve enough to score despite Mark Walsh preferring to ride Karoline Banbou. The latter’s stablemate Karamoja looks a danger too. Jacob’s Ladder was disappointing over 2m5f here last time but might find this trip on the sharp side. Sky Lord can do better than on his chasing debut.
Tyrone Molloy
From Fairyhouse’s promising mares, we switch our focus to a stable clash at Lingfield.
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2. 11:42 Lingfield – At The Races App Expert Tips ‘Chasing Excellence’ Beginners’ Chase
Our first visit to Lingfield is for a 2-mile beginners’ chase. The race is notable for featuring three runners from the same powerful stable, creating an interesting internal dynamic and a clear focal point for analysis.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Officer Of State | 278 |
| Hansard | 272 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Officer Of State
A consistent hurdler, Officer Of State comes into this race with winning momentum, having secured a Class 4 handicap at Fontwell last month. While his breeding doesn’t scream ‘chaser’, his current fitness and good form are undeniable assets.
Hansard
On hurdling form, Hansard is a very useful performer and the clear class act in this field. His chasing debut at Kempton was underwhelming, where he finished a distant fourth. However, this race represents a significant drop in class, providing him with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his true ability over fences.
Expert Assessment of Chances
The choice here boils down to a classic dilemma: Officer Of State’s race-fitness and winning momentum versus Hansard’s vastly superior hurdles form. While the former is in-form, the latter’s class is undeniable, and his chasing debut may well have been needed after a break. In what should be a straightforward assignment, ability is expected to trump fitness, and Hansard is built to outclass his stablemates.
Spotlight Verdict
His recent chasing debut was underwhelming but very useful hurdler HANSARD might well have needed that outing and he ought to outclass his two stablemates in this much easier race. Officer Of State won a run-of-the-mill handicap hurdle last month but winning pointer Taita Hills has greater chasing potential and might take second prize.
Chris Wilson
With the Lingfield puzzle assessed, we head back to Ireland for a fascinating novice chase over a stiffer trip.
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3. 12:02 Fairyhouse – Join Racing TV Now Rated Novice Chase
Back at Fairyhouse, we have a cracking five-runner rated novice chase over an extended 2 miles and 5 furlongs. A case can be made for all, but the real intrigue lies in weighing validated course-and-distance form against untapped potential.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Barry Lyndon | 290 |
| Tareze | 287 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Barry Lyndon
A course winner over hurdles, Barry Lyndon made a successful chasing debut over this very course and distance in October. That form has been significantly boosted since, with the horse he beat, Millforce, subsequently winning a handicap at Galway. As a locally trained gelding with proven C&D form, he holds a very strong hand.
Tareze
A useful hurdler who won a Listed event at Navan, Tareze has shown considerable promise in her two chase starts. She finished a good second on her debut at Limerick behind a stablemate who went on to win at Cheltenham. Although she failed to improve on that when fourth here last time, she remains a likely future winner in this sphere.
Expert Assessment of Chances
Barry Lyndon presents the most compelling case. His winning chase debut form has been emphatically validated, and his proven effectiveness over this specific course and distance makes him the one to beat. While Tareze brings strong hurdling class and has shown enough to suggest she can win races, she needs to find another gear to challenge the favourite. The confirmed, rock-solid C&D form of Barry Lyndon gives him a decisive edge.
Spotlight Verdict
A case can be made for all five runners. However, with the form of his winning chase debut over C&D endorsed by a handicap win for the runner-up, BARRY LYNDON arguably has the best credentials. He was the highest-rated of the quintet over hurdles. With 5lb claimed, he may have the measure of The Enabler who can be expected to improve from an initial chase start at Punchestown.
Alan Sweetman
Attention now shifts back to Lingfield for a conditional jockeys’ handicap.
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4. 12:17 Lingfield – Sky Sports Racing Virgin 519 Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Chase
This 2-mile 4-furlong handicap chase at Lingfield is restricted to conditional jockeys, providing an opportunity for up-and-coming riders to shine. The field features a progressive chaser seeking a hat-trick against some intriguing newcomers to the discipline.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Getaway King | 277 |
| Somethingtosomeone | 231 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Getaway King
Since joining the Fergal O’Brien stable, this Irish point-to-point winner has been transformed. He is unbeaten in two starts, with his latest victory coming over this course and distance last month. He appears versatile regarding ground conditions and is open to further improvement as he bids for a hat-trick.
Somethingtosomeone
Although still a maiden after five starts over hurdles, this mare showed significant promise on her reappearance at Ffos Las. She was travelling strongly and held every chance when falling at the final flight. She makes her chasing debut today from the same handicap mark, and with chase winners in her pedigree, she is an interesting prospect.
Expert Assessment of Chances
Getaway King is the standout contender, bringing an unbeaten record for his new stable and a proven C&D win into the race. His progressive profile makes him a formidable opponent in his bid for a third consecutive victory. Somethingtosomeone represents the classic ‘unexposed’ chaser profile. She was running a big race before her fall and looks dangerously well-handicapped if she takes to fences. While she is the main danger, Getaway King’s proven ability sets a very high standard.
Spotlight Verdict
This can go to GETAWAY KING who is unbeaten in two runs for Fergal O’Brien this autumn and the latest was over C&D last month. This lightly raced 7yo is open to more progress over fences and this looks a good opportunity in his hat-trick bid. The main danger is Somethingtosomeone, who was close up when falling at the last on her hurdling reappearance last month and should have a future at this new discipline.
David Moon
From the chasers at Lingfield, we head back to Fairyhouse for a maiden hurdle for the juveniles.
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5. 12:32 Fairyhouse – William Bourke Memorial 3-Y-O Maiden Hurdle
The focus shifts to the younger generation for this 2-mile maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse, exclusively for three-year-olds. With many of the runners having transitioned from Flat racing, their hurdling experience is a key factor.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Wackestone | 268 |
| Ben Hur | 257 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Wackestone
A fair maiden on the Flat with a rating of 80, Wackestone has shown promise in two hurdle starts. In his most recent outing at Navan, he finished third but displayed a tendency to jump to his right. Today, the stable applies cheekpieces for the first time, an equipment change that could spark significant improvement.
Ben Hur
Rated 72 on the Flat, Ben Hur produced a very encouraging performance on his hurdling debut at Navan. Despite a mistake two out, he stayed on resolutely to finish second, notably ahead of his rival Wackestone. That run established him as a leading contender for a race of this nature.
Expert Assessment of Chances
This race hinges on the Navan form line, where Ben Hur finished over two lengths clear of Wackestone and sets a clear standard. The decisive variable is the application of first-time cheekpieces on Wackestone. This move from a top stable often signals intent, and if the headgear helps him concentrate and jump more fluently, he possesses the underlying ability to reverse the form. He is taken to find the necessary improvement to turn the tables on his rival.
Spotlight Verdict
Cheekpieces may help WACKESTONE to find the improvement needed to reverse Navan form with obvious danger Ben Hur. There was only 2 1/4l between the pair who have stronger claims than Simple Things, who can improve from her C&D debut, and Kibris, who needs to jump more cleanly than on his first two attempts.
Alan Sweetman
The action now returns to Lingfield for another competitive maiden hurdle.
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6. 12:47 Lingfield – Free Bets On attheraces.com Maiden Hurdle
This 2-mile maiden hurdle at Lingfield features a competitive field where the key form lines come from strong performances in bumpers and promising initial starts over hurdles.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Precious Metal | 281 |
| Cinquenta | 268 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Precious Metal
This horse brings a touch of class to the race, having won a 16-runner Listed bumper at Cheltenham in January. He has since been runner-up in both his starts over hurdles this autumn, bumping into a smart prospect on one occasion and finishing well clear of the third on the other. He clearly has more to offer.
Cinquenta
After three solid third-place finishes in bumpers last season, Cinquenta made a highly encouraging hurdling debut here last month. Following wind surgery, he battled tenaciously over 2 miles and 3 furlongs, only being narrowly defeated. That performance sets a solid standard for his rivals to aim at.
Expert Assessment of Chances
This is a fascinating clash between two promising individuals. Cinquenta sets a clear and strong standard based on his narrow defeat on his hurdling debut. However, the latent class of a Listed bumper winner like Precious Metal is hard to ignore. His two second-place finishes over hurdles were full of promise, suggesting a win is imminent. His potential is greater, and he is taken to have the measure of his rival.
Spotlight Verdict
Listed bumper winner Precious Metal has finished second in her two hurdle races this autumn and she’s respected along with Irish point winner Kado Sacree, who made a promising start over hurdles at Exeter last month. However, it is hard to get away from CINQUENTA, who went down fighting in a close second on his hurdling debut here last month and sets a clear standard on this drop back in trip.
David Moon
The afternoon’s action continues at Lingfield with a novices’ hurdle.
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7. 1:22 Lingfield – Free Race Replays On attheraces.com EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle
This novices’ hurdle over an extended 2 miles and 3 furlongs at Lingfield appears to be dominated by one standout contender. The presence of a horse dropping down from Grade 2 company sets a formidable challenge for the rest of the field.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Masked Man | 395 |
| Laurier Des Obeaux | 261 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Masked Man
Masked Man created a huge impression on his rules debut, winning readily by 12 lengths at Chepstow. He then proved that was no fluke with a highly creditable second-place finish in a Grade 2 contest at Haydock three weeks ago. This represents a significant drop in class, and he will be exceptionally difficult to beat.
Laurier Des Obeaux
This four-year-old outran his odds to finish a very respectable third of six over this course and distance on his hurdling debut last month. While he has a considerable amount of ground to make up on the favourite, that experience puts him in a strong position to secure one of the minor placings.
Expert Assessment of Chances
The claims of Masked Man are overwhelming. His performance in a Grade 2 race last time out puts him on a different level to his rivals, and this significant drop in class makes for a straightforward task. He is built to outclass this field. For Laurier Des Obeaux, the race is likely to be a battle for the placings. His solid C&D debut marks him as a prime candidate to finish second and collect another prize.
Spotlight Verdict
He is untested on ground slower than good to soft but this should be straightforward for MASKED MAN, who drops in class after running well in defeat in a Haydock Grade 2 three weeks ago. Mymilkman dropped out of contention rather tamely on last month’s rules debut but there was still some promise in that run and he might chase home the selection. Last month’s C&D third Laurier Des Obeaux also has place claims.
Chris Wilson
Next, Lingfield hosts a novices’ handicap hurdle where an in-form runner bids for a treble.
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8. 1:57 Lingfield – Download The At The Races App Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle
This novices’ handicap hurdle over 2 miles and 3.5 furlongs is set to be dominated by a horse in scintillating form, who arrives seeking a quick-fire hat-trick after a recent surge in performance.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Getaway With You | 260 |
| Kankin | 204 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Getaway With You
After a long series of races without a win, something has clearly clicked for Getaway With You. He arrives on the back of two clear-cut victories, first over this course and distance and then at Leicester nine days ago. He is in the form of his life and commands the utmost respect.
Kankin
A dual chase winner, Kankin reverts to the smaller obstacles for this contest. He returns to hurdling on a potentially tempting handicap mark but arrives on the back of a remote third-place finish over fences. Furthermore, his best form has typically come on better ground.
Expert Assessment of Chances
The momentum is firmly with Getaway With You. His back-to-back wins have been authoritative, and in his current mood, he is the one they all have to beat. While the ratings strongly favor the hat-trick seeking Getaway With You, it is telling that the Spotlight analysis bypasses him entirely, suggesting the value may lie with an unexposed runner like The Brickey Ranger on his return. For punters following form, the top-rated selection is the clear choice, but for those seeking value, there may be an alternative.
Spotlight Verdict
Getaway With You has finally come good in recent weeks and is not opposed lightly as he attempts to complete a hat-trick. However, an offbeat alternative to consider is THE BRICKEY RANGER, who showed a glimmer of promise before fading on last month’s handicap debut. That was his first run for over a year and his winning Irish point form suggests he’ll cope well with the slower ground here. Bollin Thou may also still have potential and is next on the list.
Chris Wilson
A staying handicap hurdle is next on the Lingfield card, posing a true test of stamina.
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9. 2:32 Lingfield – Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Handicap Hurdle
This 2-mile 7-furlong handicap hurdle presents a classic staying test, featuring a host of unexposed contenders who are stepping up in distance. The race promises to be a true examination of stamina and potential.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| A Perfect Day | 297 |
| Paso Doble | 282 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
A Perfect Day
An easy winner on his hurdling debut last season, this unexposed five-year-old made a creditable reappearance when finishing third in a Chepstow handicap last month. He shaped very much like a stayer on that occasion, suggesting this significant step up in trip will unlock further improvement.
Paso Doble
This eight-year-old has been in good form, winning a handicap at Fontwell in October before a respectable third in a higher-grade Class 3 contest at Sandown. While he is proven at a good level, this will be his first attempt at this longer distance. The drop back in grade is a positive, but he must prove his stamina.
Expert Assessment of Chances
This race pits two lightly-raced hurdlers with different profiles against each other. Paso Doble brings stronger form from shorter distances and benefits from a drop in class, but the question of his stamina over this new trip is a major unknown. In contrast, A Perfect Day looks purpose-built for this test. His reappearance run screamed “stayer,” and his potential for improvement over this distance is significant. He is perfectly profiled to land a race of this nature.
Spotlight Verdict
Triple hurdle winner Paso Doble drops back in grade and could be a big factor if he’s unfazed by this step up to 2m7f. Taunton winner Duffry Trixs needs a close look on his handicap debut, while Drayton Flyer has claims if he can build on his reappearance second at Uttoxeter last month. However, the vote goes to another unexposed contender in A PERFECT DAY (nap), who shaped like a stayer when third at Chepstow last month and is open to more progress on his step up to this trip.
David Moon
Our analysis concludes with the final handicap chase of the day at Lingfield.
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10. 3:10 Lingfield – Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com Handicap Chase
The day’s analysis concludes with a 2-mile handicap chase, a competitive event made all the more intriguing by the presence of the horse who won this very race twelve months ago, setting up a fascinating repeat bid.
TimeWise Master Top-Rated Selections
| Horse | Total Rating |
| Superstylin | 248 |
| Bobbi’s Beauty | 237 |
Form & Commentary Analysis
Superstylin
A consistent performer, Superstylin has been placed on his last two starts. His most recent effort was a good third at Warwick, where he finished just behind Bobbi’s Beauty. He is well-suited to this course and distance and can be expected to make his presence felt once again.
Bobbi’s Beauty
The winner of this race last year, Bobbi’s Beauty returned to action with a creditable second-place finish at Warwick last month, finishing just ahead of Superstylin. She runs today off a career-high mark, but that is offset by the booking of promising 7lb claimer Freddie Keighley. She is a very likely contender to repeat her victory in this race from twelve months ago.
Expert Assessment of Chances
A close contest is anticipated between the top two, who were separated by very little when they met at Warwick last month. Superstylin is a reliable yardstick who is proven under these conditions. However, the key factor is the 7lb claim of Freddie Keighley aboard Bobbi’s Beauty. This valuable weight allowance could be enough to give the mare the decisive edge needed to overcome her rival and secure a second consecutive win in this race.
Spotlight Verdict
She is very unlikely to enjoy an uncontested lead today but BOBBI’S BEAUTY is tactically versatile and Freddie Keighley’s useful 7lb claim might enable her to win this race for the second year running. Superstylin (second choice) is closely matched with the selection on recent Warwick form and will also be suited by the return to this track. Touquet and A Great Excuse also have possibilities.
Chris Wilson
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