Race Preview

2:00 Sedgefield

Monday 14 September 2026 ·3 runners KTB Selection: Paddy De Pole · 73/100

A small but select field of three lines up for the 2:00 at Sedgefield in this Class 4 handicap hurdle over 3m3f9y on good ground. With only a trio of runners the race lacks depth yet still carries interest, particularly given the KTB Fit Scores that separate the principals quite clearly at 73, 61 and 46. The drop in class for the top-rated horse and the step up in trip for the other two add extra layers to what should be a straightforward but instructive contest.

How the race shapes up

The pace shape is described as a lone leader with low confidence, pointing to one clear front-runner likely to enjoy an uncontested lead that could prove difficult for closers to reel in. Parikarma tends to make the running or race prominently while Paddy De Pole usually races handily on or close to the pace, so the early fractions should be genuine enough. Fairlawn Skipper is the one held up and producing its effort late, meaning the key question is whether the leader can dictate and stay beyond the reach of the prominent and held-up challengers over this extended trip.

The KTB Fit ranking

1Paddy De Pole KTB Selection73/100

Form P14-24 · Paul Nicholls · Freddie Keighley(5)

Paddy De Pole arrives with a KTB Fit Score of 73 and is the clear pick. A smart performer, he won on his only previous visit to Sedgefield and has produced solid form figures since returning from a break. He steps up in trip today having won at this distance on his sole attempt, while he also boasts a good record on good ground with four wins from twelve attempts. Paul Nicholls holds a 44% strike rate at the track from eighteen runs with an A/E of 1.08, and the trainer-jockey combination shows eight wins from forty-four rides at an A/E of 0.94 and +£6.10 LSP. Freddie Keighley has a 50% strike rate at Sedgefield from just six rides with an A/E of 1.76. Usually racing prominently, the eight-year-old is dropping in class and his recent form reads P14-24.
2Fairlawn Skipper61/100

Form -901U1 · Mickey Bowen · Shane Fenelon(5)

Fairlawn Skipper is rated second with a KTB Fit Score of 61. A smart performer, he showed his best when winning at this track in January before a solid effort when second here last time out. He has two wins from seven runs on good ground and now steps up in trip for the first time, which asks a fresh question. Mickey Bowen has a 24% strike rate at Sedgefield from seventeen runs with an A/E of 1.01, while the trainer-jockey record stands at fourteen wins from one hundred and thirty rides with an A/E of 0.71 and -£50.75 LSP. Shane Fenelon, who has a 24% strike rate at the track from seventeen rides with an A/E of 1.51, is making his debut at Sedgefield on this mount. Usually held up and producing its effort late, the six-year-old’s recent form reads -901U1 and he has finished second on his only previous visit to the course.
3Parikarma46/100

Form 327231 · Samuel Drinkwater · Miss Imogen Mathias(7)

Parikarma is the third principal with a KTB Fit Score of 46. A useful performer, he brings a solid recent record of 327231 and has won three times on good ground from eleven attempts. The step up to 3m3f poses a fresh question having last run over 2m6f. Samuel Drinkwater has a 13% strike rate at Sedgefield from fifteen runs with an A/E of 0.88, and the trainer-jockey record reads one win from seventeen rides with an A/E of 0.55 and -£13.00 LSP. Miss Imogen Mathias has no record at Sedgefield. Tending to make the running or race on the pace, the nine-year-old is stepping up in class and this is his first visit to the track.

KTB verdict

Paddy De Pole stands out with the highest KTB Fit Score and looks the one to beat. He has already won on his only previous visit to Sedgefield, boasts solid recent form, and has the right profile for this longer trip having scored at the distance on his sole attempt. His prominent run-style should see him well placed to track or share the lead in a race where the leader may not be under serious pressure early. Fairlawn Skipper is the obvious danger given his course win and subsequent second here, though the first-time step up in trip adds uncertainty, while Parikarma’s prominent style could see him set the fractions but he is stepping up in class on his first run at the venue.

KTB Selection Paddy De Pole

This is the narrative read of the 2:00 Sedgefield. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Sedgefield racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Sedgefield results & records page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.

Questions about this race

Which horse has won at Sedgefield before?

Paddy De Pole won on his only previous visit to Sedgefield and Fairlawn Skipper has won at this track in January.

Who is stepping up markedly in trip?

Both Fairlawn Skipper and Parikarma are stepping up in trip today for the first time, with Parikarma last seen over 2m6f.

Which trainer has the strongest strike rate at Sedgefield?

Paul Nicholls has a 44% strike rate at Sedgefield from 18 runs with an A/E of 1.08.

How does the race shape look for the front-runner?

The pace shape is a lone leader with little to pressure it, suggesting an uncontested lead that can be hard for closers to peg back.

Which horse is dropping in class?

Paddy De Pole is dropping in class.

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