1. Fakenham – 12:15 Sky Bet Acca Freeze Mares’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

We begin at Fakenham with a tricky mares’ novices’ handicap where the data points to a clash between recent front-running performer Hello Sweety and the unexposed Yanka Blue. This analysis will dissect the key contenders, integrating form and expert opinion to build a comprehensive picture.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The following two horses are the top-rated runners in this race according to the TimeWise Master Ratings “Total” score.

• 1st: Hello Sweety (235)

• 2nd: Yanka Blue (217)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Hello Sweety

Form Summary: A headstrong mare who is yet to win, Hello Sweety produced a commendable effort on her most recent outing at Southwell. In that race, she made a bold bid from the front, establishing a clear lead before being caught only on the run-in to finish a good second. This performance suggests that a modest race of this nature is within her grasp.

Chance Assessment: Her primary strength is her front-running style, a tactic explicitly noted in the Spotlight verdict which expects her to dictate the pace. This could be a decisive advantage in a modest contest, though her headstrong nature and maiden status mean she must prove she can convert a promising run into a win.

Yanka Blue

Form Summary: This mare showed encouraging signs for her previous trainer, culminating in a second-place finish in a maiden hurdle at Sedgefield. She now makes her debut for a new stable, and her chances hinge on her ability to show further progress following the yard switch.

Chance Assessment: Yanka Blue’s strength lies in the promise she has already shown, but the stable change is the pivotal unknown. A positive move could unlock the necessary improvement to win, making her a fascinating contender with both potential upside and inherent risk.

Spotlight Verdict

The pace looks likely to come from Noble Miss and Hello Sweety, who both raced clear of the remainder in a similar event over C&D 53 days ago. The latter has since performed well at Southwell but this may set up perfectly for KEEP IT COOL on her drop back in distance. The selection’s new stablemate Our Nel (second choice) is also interesting, especially if the market speaks positively.

— Steve Boow

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 4yo 0-1-2, 5yo 1-1-7, 6yo 1-0-2, 9yo 0-0-1

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: P1

• TRAINERS IN THIS RACE (w-pl-r): T Ellis 1-0-1

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2. Lingfield – 12:30 Sky Sports Racing Sky 415 Open National Hunt Flat Race

From the hurdlers at Fakenham, we pivot to Lingfield for a ‘bumper’ where potential, rather than proven form, is the key. The race sets up as a test of raw ability against the solid racecourse experience of the clear form pick.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The TimeWise data points to the following pair:

• 1st: Makingplansfor (273)

• 2nd: King Berry (211)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Makingplansfor

Form Summary: Makingplansfor set a high standard on debut with a solid second-place finish at Newton Abbot, a race where the form has since been boosted. He was then comfortably held in a stiffer assignment in a Listed Cheltenham contest, but still registered a respectable triple-digit Racing Post Rating. Returning to this lower class, he is the one to beat.

Chance Assessment: In a field of inexperienced rivals, his proven racecourse ability is a formidable strength. He sets a clear standard that the newcomers must meet, a view supported by the Spotlight verdict which also labels him the “form pick”.

King Berry

Form Summary: While King Berry has delivered two modest efforts in his races to date, his pedigree suggests he is capable of better. His dam was a Listed winner on the Flat for his connections, indicating there may be more ability to unlock as he gains experience.

Chance Assessment: His prospects are pinned on pedigree rather than performance. This makes him an interesting long-term prospect, but he requires a significant leap forward from what he has shown on the track to trouble the favourite here.

Spotlight Verdict

The newcomers SILK MOUNTAIN and Wilde’s Legacy are particularly interesting, provisionally preferred in that order, market signals pending. Makingplansfor has started at 40-1 and 50-1 in his races but he’s the form pick in this field.

— Steve Boow

Key Race Statistics

No specific race statistics such as Age Groups or Fate of Favourites are available for this race.

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3. Fakenham – 12:45 Sky Bet Extra Places Handicap Hurdle

With the bumper runners sized up, our attention returns to Fakenham for a competitive handicap hurdle where the progressive Zenato bids to defy a 7lb rise and complete a hat-trick for an in-form stable.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The TimeWise data identifies these two as the main contenders:

• 1st: Zenato (292)

• 2nd: Codetalker (235)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Zenato

Form Summary: Zenato arrives in excellent form, having won both of his starts under jockey Fern O’Brien, with victories at Stratford and Sedgefield. Representing last year’s winning stable, he is considered a major player despite a 7lb rise in the weights. While his wins came on good ground, his sole Flat win was on soft.

Chance Assessment: His current winning streak and potent partnership with his rider are clear assets. The 7lb penalty presents a challenge, but with the Spotlight verdict confidently selecting him to complete the hat-trick, there is strong reason to believe he is still ahead of the handicapper.

Codetalker

Form Summary: After showing promise in his first two hurdle starts, including a close second over this course and distance, Codetalker’s form took a dip when he finished last of six on his handicap debut at Warwick over a longer trip. He previously failed to win in five point-to-point starts.

Chance Assessment: His proven effectiveness at this track and trip is a significant positive. The key question is whether that advantage is enough to overcome a poor handicap debut and an overall winless record, making him a risky proposition.

Spotlight Verdict

Even though drying ground would probably help, ZENATO is taken to complete the hat-trick off a 7lb higher mark and make it 3-3 under Fern O’Brien. Merely A Detail (second choice) has shown enough in her first three starts over hurdles to make her worthy of consideration on handicap debut.

— David Bellingham

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 3yo 2-2-8, 4yo 1-3-14, 5yo 1-4-24, 6yo 3-3-13, 7yo 1-1-6, 8yo 1-1-4, 9yo 0-0-4, 10yo 0-0-3, 11yo 0-1-1

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: 313233141

• TRAINERS IN THIS RACE (w-pl-r): Fergal O’Brien 1-0-1, Pam Sly 0-1-3

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4. Lingfield – 1:00 Free Tips Daily On attheraces.com EBF Junior “National Hunt” Hurdle

Having assessed that competitive hurdle, we switch our focus back to Lingfield for a junior contest that appears to revolve around one standout contender who was deeply impressive on his last outing.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The TimeWise data overwhelmingly favours this pair:

• 1st: Aqua Bleu (309)

• 2nd: Network Gold (237)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Aqua Bleu

Form Summary: This well-bred hurdler built significantly on a promising debut to win very comfortably by 12 lengths at Doncaster last month. Given the impressive nature of that victory, he appears to be a progressive type and is expected to be very difficult to beat in this contest.

Chance Assessment: His decisive 12-length victory at Doncaster, achieved with a powerful turn of foot, suggests he possesses a gear his rivals have yet to demonstrate. In a field of this calibre, that acceleration is his primary strategic advantage, a view endorsed by a Spotlight verdict that finds it “very hard to see beyond” him.

Network Gold

Form Summary: Network Gold showed improvement from his debut run to finish a very respectable third at Wincanton earlier this month. While he needs to find further improvement to challenge the favorite, he has demonstrated enough ability to suggest he can secure another minor prize.

Chance Assessment: His strength is his proven ability to run to a decent level and hit the board. However, he appears a grade below the favourite, positioning him as a solid contender to win the race for the places rather than for the outright victory.

Spotlight Verdict

Strong market support for newcomer Majeur Allen would shake things up but, as things stand, it’s very hard to see beyond AQUA BLEU, who drew clear for an impressive win at Doncaster last month.

— Chris Wilson

Key Race Statistics

No specific race statistics such as Age Groups or Fate of Favourites are available for this race.

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5. Fakenham – 1:15 Sky Bet Queen Boudicca Series Qualifier Mares’ Handicap Chase

From the young hurdlers at Lingfield, we return to Fakenham for a competitive mares’ handicap chase. The data favours a chase debutant returning from a layoff, but expert opinion points elsewhere, creating an intriguing puzzle.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The TimeWise data highlights these two mares:

• 1st: I Am The Moon (289)

• 2nd: Tankardstown Diva (282)

Top Two Runner Analysis

I Am The Moon

Form Summary: A handy mare who generally ran well after a victory at Warwick in January, she now makes her debut over fences after an eight-month layoff. The stable applies cheekpieces for the first time, and the return to this distance should suit. The market is expected to provide strong clues as to her readiness.

Chance Assessment: Her past consistency is a plus, but her claims are clouded by significant variables: a chase debut, a long absence, and new headgear all introduce considerable risk. She has the potential, but backers are taking a leap of faith.

Tankardstown Diva

Form Summary: This mare is in good form, having won twice over hurdles in October before a creditable return to chasing when finishing a clear second at Uttoxeter last month. However, she is now 3lb higher in the weights, and there are concerns that this drop back in trip on a sharp track may not be ideal.

Chance Assessment: Her excellent current form is her main asset. The central question is whether that form is strong enough to overcome a rise in the handicap and a track and trip combination that may not play to her strengths.

Spotlight Verdict

This may be run at a fair pace with a couple of these liking to get on with things. Overabottleofred (second choice) is respected if ready to roll after eight months off, but it may be worth chancing GAZETTE BOURGEOISE who is just 1lb higher than when winning over C&D on New Year’s Day.

— David Bellingham

It’s notable that the Spotlight verdict bypasses the data-driven leaders, instead focusing on Gazette Bourgeoise, who is well-handicapped on past course-and-distance form. This suggests the race may be more open than the TimeWise ratings imply, with proven track form potentially trumping recent figures.

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 5yo 0-0-2, 6yo 1-2-9, 7yo 2-2-7, 8yo 1-0-4, 9yo 0-0-1, 10yo 0-0-1

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: 1322

• TRAINERS IN THIS RACE (w-pl-r): Ben Case 1-0-1, Sarah Humphrey 1-0-1, Tom Gretton 0-1-1

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6. Fakenham – 1:45 Sky Bet Build A Bet Maiden Hurdle

From the mares’ chase, we pivot to a classic maiden hurdle puzzle, weighing the claims of a multiple Flat winner against rivals with proven, if modest, hurdling experience.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The TimeWise data favours the following runners:

• 1st: High Point (258)

• 2nd: Jonquilla (226)

Top Two Runner Analysis

High Point

Form Summary: High Point brings a strong profile from the Flat, having won four times, including at distances up to 1m6f. This proven stamina suggests this hurdling trip should be within range. Making his debut over obstacles, the market is expected to be a key indicator of the stable’s confidence.

Chance Assessment: His established Flat-class engine and stamina are major strengths. The entire case for him, however, rests on an unknown: his aptitude for jumping. He has the raw ability, but whether he can translate it to this new discipline remains to be seen.

Jonquilla

Form Summary: After hinting at ability on her bumper debut, Jonquilla showed clear improvement when switched to hurdles, finishing second of five at Catterick on her first attempt over obstacles last month. This performance puts her on the shortlist of likely contenders.

Chance Assessment: Jonquilla represents the solid, experienced option in the race. Her demonstrated ability over hurdles provides a level of certainty that the favourite lacks, making her a strong contender with far fewer question marks attached.

Spotlight Verdict

There is probably a bigger effort to come from Kilbakanto at some point, while Jonquilla would have a chance if building on her Catterick performance. The market may reveal what is expected from four-time Flat winner High Point but the vote goes to TONY JOE who has shown plenty of ability in bumpers and, being closely related to Anoy Senor, should be suited by this stiffer test on hurdle debut.

— David Bellingham

The Spotlight’s preference for Tony Joe, a bumper winner with a strong pedigree, over the data-backed pair introduces another key variable. This highlights a classic maiden hurdle dynamic: proven hurdling form (Jonquilla) versus untapped potential (High Point, Tony Joe).

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 4yo 2-7-24, 5yo 5-3-25, 6yo 1-2-8, 7yo 1-0-9

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: 21P220142

• Trainer statistics for this specific race are not available.

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7. Fakenham – 2:15 Sky Bet Super Sub Female Jockeys’ Handicap Chase

A highlight on the Fakenham card, the female jockeys’ handicap chase presents a fascinating rematch. Last year’s winner, Frere D’Armes, returns on a tantalizing mark, but he’ll face a stiff challenge from Shantou Lucky, a horse who was a winning machine before two recent blips.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The data suggests a tight contest between this pair:

• 1st: Shantou Lucky (255)

• 2nd: Frere D’Armes (248)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Shantou Lucky

Form Summary: Shantou Lucky was prolific after joining the James Owen yard, winning five of his first six starts over both hurdles and fences. While the drop in trip is not expected to be an issue, two heavy defeats on his last two outings suggest that the handicapper may have finally caught up with him.

Chance Assessment: His impressive winning sequence demonstrates his immense capability when on song. The crucial question is whether his two recent defeats signal a permanent decline or simply a temporary blip, as his current handicap mark demands a return to his very best.

Frere D’Armes

Form Summary: While his recent efforts have been below par, it is possible to make excuses for those runs. Crucially, he is now just 1lb lower than when he made all to win this same race last year. Though he may face competition for the lead this time, he must still be taken seriously.

Chance assessment: His claims are significantly bolstered by the powerful convergence of data and expert opinion, with the Spotlight verdict making a strong case for him from a mark just 1lb lower than for last year’s victory. While his recent form is a concern and he may face pace pressure, his proven ability to win this specific race makes him a formidable contender.

Spotlight Verdict

Although an easy lead isn’t assured, FRERE D’ARMES has to be of interest from a mark 1lb lower than when making all in this race last year. No But I Will could figure if showing his best form for his new trainer, but the main danger could come from Bolsover Bill who is back off his last winning mark and who should be all the better for last month’s return from a long absence.

— David Bellingham

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 5yo 3-2-5, 6yo 1-2-10, 7yo 2-1-13, 8yo 3-4-16, 9yo 0-2-11, 10yo 0-0-3, 11yo 0-0-2, 13yo 0-0-1

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: 3F12P21P3

• TRAINERS IN THIS RACE (w-pl-r): Dan Skelton 1-0-1, Julian Smith 0-1-1

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8. Fakenham – 2:45 Sky Bet Club Handicap Chase

The focus now shifts to a thorough test of stamina in this marathon handicap chase over three miles and five furlongs. This contest requires a true stayer, and the expert analysis points decisively to one horse as the day’s strongest bet.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The TimeWise data identifies this duo as the ones to beat:

• 1st: Shadows In The Sky (278)

• 2nd: Safe Destination (253)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Shadows In The Sky

Form Summary: While he has a weight advantage, Shadows In The Sky may struggle to reverse his October course form with rival Enjoy d’Allen. That race was over a shorter trip, and there remain significant questions about his ability to see out distances beyond three miles. He is at risk of being outstayed.

Chance Assessment: Despite a high data rating, his profile is defined by a major vulnerability: a significant stamina doubt over this marathon trip. He is likely to be found wanting when the race reaches its critical, attritional stage.

Safe Destination

Form Summary: This chaser boasts a good strike-rate over fences and was in excellent form until his last run at Ascot, which can be excused as he suffered interference late in the race. He has proven stamina over 3m2f, and this further test of endurance is considered worth attempting.

Chance Assessment: His profile is significantly strengthened by the Spotlight’s ‘nap’ selection, indicating a high degree of confidence from a top analyst that he will handle the extended trip and overcome his rivals. An excusable run last time out does little to detract from his consistent and in-form profile, and he stands out as the day’s best bet according to that expert view.

Spotlight Verdict

This can go to SAFE DESTINATION (nap) who had excuses last time at Ascot and he’s been running well for a while. To Be Sure may approve of this longer trip and he’s second choice ahead of He Is A Cracker.

— Alistair Jones

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 5yo 0-0-2, 6yo 0-0-1, 7yo 3-2-6, 8yo 0-1-5, 9yo 0-2-6, 10yo 0-0-1, 11yo 0-0-1

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: 141

• TRAINERS IN THIS RACE (w-pl-r): Ben Case 0-1-1

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9. Fakenham – 3:15 Sky Bet For The Fans Handicap Hurdle

Following that staying test, we turn to the final race at Fakenham: a handicap hurdle where two remarkably consistent but winless mares look set to battle it out, each hoping to finally shed their “bridesmaid” tag.

TimeWise Master Top Two

The data suggests a duel between these two maidens:

• 1st: Girl Of Gold (249)

• 2nd: Isabel De Clare (231)

Top Two Runner Analysis

Girl Of Gold

Form Summary: Girl Of Gold is yet to win in 12 attempts but has found a high level of consistency since switching to hurdles, with form figures of 2, 2, and 3 in her last three starts. The step up to this new, longer trip is seen as a potential positive, and she represents a stable that has won this race for the last two years.

Chance Assessment: While her 0-12 record is a clear concern regarding her resolution in a tight finish, her remarkable consistency (figures of 223) suggests she is thriving. The step up in trip, combined with her stable’s excellent record of winning this race for the past two years, could be the final catalyst needed to convert reliability into a much-deserved win.

Isabel De Clare

Form Summary: Much like the top-rated horse, Isabel De Clare is also a maiden after 12 starts but comes into this race in good form. She has shown a resurgence with placed efforts at Ludlow in her last two outings and remains on a handicap mark 16lb below her opening assessment.

Chance Assessment: Her recent good form is a clear positive, but her primary strength is a potentially very favourable handicap mark. If she can build on her recent placed efforts, she is dangerously well-treated and poses a major threat, despite her own lengthy winless record.

Spotlight Verdict

With the new trip a likely plus, topweight GIRL OF GOLD is taken to open her account and give trainer James Owen a third straight success in this contest. Lady Harriett, who looks interesting in new headgear, is second pick.

— Steve Boow

Key Race Statistics

• AGE GROUPS: 4yo 0-0-4, 5yo 3-3-14, 6yo 2-5-17, 7yo 2-3-14, 8yo 2-0-8, 9yo 0-2-6, 10yo 0-0-4, 11yo 0-0-1, 12yo 0-0-1

• FATE OF FAVOURITES: 211115124

• TRAINERS IN THIS RACE (w-pl-r): James Owen 2-0-2, Lucy Wadham 0-1-2