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29th Dec 2025 – Newbury 15:00:00

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This was a workmanlike Challow, not a vintage renewal, and the numbers back that up. Pace was steady, ground on the quick side, and it turned into a control-and-extend job rather than a test of depth.

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Race Shape

• No real pressure up front
• Winner got his own way early
• Race decided before the last, not after it
• Clock confirms it: slow overall time

This suited the favourite perfectly.

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Winner: No Drama This End (4/9F)

RPR 140 | TS 94 | OR 143

Did exactly what he had to do — nothing more, nothing less.

• Bossed it from the front
• Jumped adequately, not sharply
• Found enough when Cobden asked

He was never threatened, but he was never truly tested either.

Verdict: Clear-cut on the day, but this wasn’t a performance that screams top-tier novice. More “solid Grade 1 winner” than future superstar. He’ll need more pace and more pressure to progress again.

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2nd: Klimt Madrik (9/1)

RPR 135 | TS 93 | OR 129

Probably the best finisher in the race.

• Came from the back
• Stayed on honestly
• Picked up tired rivals late

He was flattered a bit by others folding, but still ran his race.

Verdict: Genuine stayer, limited gears. Looks a good Grade 2 / strong handicap type rather than a championship novice.

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3rd: Tiptoptim (12/1)

RPR 135 | TS 93 | OR 124

Similar story.

• Honest, straightforward
• Lacks a change of gear
• Plugged on rather than quickened

Verdict: Reliable, but ceiling looks clear. Will nick races when things fall right.

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The Disappointments

Kalkbrenner (9/2)

Never went a yard late. The ground excuse is plausible, but even so this was flat.

Verdict: Needs softer and probably a rethink.

Montemares / Etna Bianco

Both travelled too keenly and paid the price.

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Big Picture Takeaways

• Below-average Challow on figures
• Winner benefited hugely from race shape
• No obvious Ballymore standout emerged
• Several runners exposed as limited at Grade 1 level

Bottom line:
No Drama This End won with authority, but not with menace. This felt like a tidy Grade 1, not a future Festival reference point.