Fontwell - Thu 14 May 2026
Point-to-point winner Hidden Fortune has filled the runner-up spot on both bumper outings to date and must enter calculations on her hurdling debut. Dan Skelton's mare should appreciate this step up in trip and isn't taken lightly, but useful Flat performer FLASH BARDOT edges the vote. The six-year-old arrives on the back of an encouraging third-placed timber bow at Haydock and that experience could prove decisive. Sorgean, Secret Des Lune and Diamond White are others to note in an open race.
Last-time-out winners Oakley and Motazzen are heading in the right direction and are likely to prove popular given their current heart. However, they will need to produce a career-best performance to follow up and it could be worth chancing the lightly-raced BEL OMBRE. This is only the six-year-old's third outing in handicap company and he wasn't disgraced when second to a progressive novice at Perth last month.
Although Ballyfinn gained a first career victory over 3m2f here recently, this marked drop back in distance is an obvious concern. The eight-year-old could prove vulnerable under a 7lb penalty, with MISTERODDSOCKS fancied to take advantage. Ben Case's charge looked a different proposition when scoring over C&D last month and a 5lb higher mark seems workable. Exeter third Thickthorn Tom is a feasible alternative.
With most of these having questions to answer, it is hard to oppose JAGER TIME. The seven-year-old put two close seconds behind him when getting off the mark over 3m1f at Huntingdon in November. The lack of a recent run and a 6lb rise are slight concerns, but Fergal O'Brien's gelding remains the one to beat. Hurst Hill edges out Nelson Gate to be best of the rest.
GRAIN TRADE looked a likely winner before falling at the last at Market Rasen and a 4lb rise may not be enough to stop him from providing his supporters with some compensation here. Model Approach, successful over hurdles at Ffos Las last week, has struggled in two starts over fences but should not be written off, while Saint Polo is also noted.
SHORT SELL was purchased for 40,000 pounds after winning a British point-to-point in March and it would be no surprise to see him make a successful Rules debut. Red One also represents powerful connections and is closely related to Grade 2-winning hurdler Guard Your Dreams. Any market support for Dernier Set or Norff N Sauff would have to be noted.
Point winner HIDDEN FORTUNE is chosen to make a winning hurdle debut. She finished runner up on both of her starts in bumpers with her debut form working out very well. The longer trip should suit and she can defeat useful Flat performer Flash Bardot who just about saw out the 2m trip on her hurdle debut. She is entitled to come on for that outing and could be a useful hurdler. Secret Des Lune and Sorgean were both successful in bumpers and can also play a part in what looks a good maiden.
MOTAZZEN can continue his good course record and defy an 8lb rise for his latest victory. He had plenty in hand that day and should be suited by the quicker surface with a drop in trip no issue. The only mare in the race Hiconic is arguably the best handicapped in the contest and she proved she retained her ability in this discipline last summer. Arriving fit from a recent Flat run she can provide the biggest challenge ahead of the steadily progressive top weight Oakley.
THICKTHORN TOM left his debut effort behind when placed last time and should have much more to offer for his top stable. He looks on a good mark based on his hurdle form which also suggests he will appreciate the drop back in trip. He is chosen to defeat fortunate last time out winner Ballyfinn who remains on a good mark judged on his best hurdles efforts. Veteran All Authorized has tumbled down the weights but hinted at a revival on a couple of hurdle starts in the winter. He isn't one to rely on but would hold a chance if on a going day.
JAGER TIME registered a first victory last time and can defy a 6lb rise on his reappearance. That win has been boosted since and he remains relatively unexposed over staying trips. Gone Country is of interest at a bigger price now stepping up in trip for the first time. He's been struggling of late but his early maiden form and point efforts suggest that he should be capable of better. Top weight Renoir proved generally consistent in the autumn and likely needed the run last time following a wind op. He can also get involved in an open contest.
MODEL APPROACH bounced back to form with a hurdles win last time and is fancied to follow up off the same mark on his chase return. He was once rated 40lb higher than this over hurdles and remains unexposed over fences. That also applies to veteran Daany who shaped well on his chase debut before failing to travel last time. He is on a dangerous mark judged on his hurdle form so could quickly bounce back and challenge. Grain Trade has shown steady progression and may have won but for falling last time so also has to be given a chance despite a further 4lb rise.
SHORT SELL was successful on his final start in points and is chosen to make a winning rules debut. He has joined a top stable which gets plenty of first time out winners so is chosen ahead of Horethorne who shaped well first time out despite running green. Newcomer Red One also appeals as a half brother to a useful performer under rules. He starts out here for a top stable and is worth following in the betting.
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