1:35 Worcester
This Class 4 novices' handicap steeplechase over 2m4f at Worcester on good ground brings together six runners in a race that lacks any obvious front-runner. The KTB Fit ratings are tightly bunched between 55 and 43, underlining a competitive event where class, trip suitability and yard form will be decisive. Draco Malfoy tops the KTB figures and is the selection, though the Snowden-Sheehan and Skelton combinations ensure there is depth to the field.
How the race shapes up
With no confirmed leader in a small field the pace shape points to a steadily-run, tactical affair in which being handy will count. Several runners prefer to be held up, including the top two in the KTB Fit order, so the key question is whether those coming from off the pace can pick up quickly enough in what may become a sprint for the line. Mid-division runners could find themselves ideally placed to pounce as the race opens up.
The KTB Fit ranking
-
1Draco Malfoy KTB Selection55/100
Draco Malfoy is a high-class performer on his day who brings a solid win-to-run record and proven ability at this trip. He drops back from 3m having already won over 2m4f, and his placed effort on good ground suggests the surface will be fine. The Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls yard has a modest 5% strike rate at Worcester from 21 runs, a clear negative, though Jonathan Burke's 11% record from 216 rides at the track offers some compensation. Rated 121, he is dropping in class and his recent form of 1218P- includes strong efforts. Usually held up, he produces his effort late and should be suited by the tactical nature of this steadily-run race.
-
2Livingit Du Large54/100
Livingit Du Large is a smart debutant whose assessment rests entirely on pedigree and the strong Snowden-Sheehan team. The trainer has a solid 17% strike rate at Worcester from 202 runs while Gavin Sheehan posts an 18% record from 255 rides here. With no racecourse form the switch to hurdling on good ground remains an open question, though his sire Nirvana Du Berlais has a 13% overall win rate. Rated 111 he is the second highest in the KTB Fit order and his lack of experience is offset by the yard's 23% trainer-jockey strike rate. How he handles the steadily-run tactical affair will be key.
-
3Bel Ombre53/100
Bel Ombre is a smart performer who arrives in solid form after a placed effort last time out. He has shown he can be competitive on good ground, having been placed twice from two runs on the surface, and has already placed at today's trip though he is yet to win at either distance or on this track. The Neil Mulholland yard has a respectable 14% strike rate at Worcester from 522 runs with an A/E of 1.01, while Conor O'Farrell's 11% record from 108 rides adds encouragement. Typically settling in midfield, he should be well positioned in a race that lacks an obvious leader. Rated 108 he looks set to give another good account.
-
4In The Age51/100
In The Age is a smart performer who has already shown his ability at this trip with a win from four starts. He steps up in distance from his most recent run but the move looks suitable and he has already won on good ground from two attempts. The Dan Skelton yard has a 17% strike rate at Worcester from 409 runs and Harry Skelton's 20% record from 394 rides at the track is a major plus. Rated 114 and dropping in class, his recent form of 53124- underlines consistent ability. Usually held up, he produces his effort late and should be suited by the tactical shape of the race.
-
5Kelijoe50/100
Kelijoe is a smart performer who has already won over today's trip and has placed twice from three runs on good ground. His recent form of 5514U- shows ability mixed with the occasional mistake. The Stuart Edmunds yard has a solid 15% strike rate at Worcester while Charlie Hammond's 9% record from 161 rides is respectable.
-
6Le Soleil Reve43/100
Le Soleil Reve is a smart performer who has shown consistent placed form at this trip. The Mrs Jane Williams yard has a poor record at Worcester and Ciaran Gethings is also well below par here. Lightly raced overall with too few runs to judge the going.
KTB verdict
Draco Malfoy is the KTB Selection. A high-class performer on his day with a solid win-to-run record and proven ability at this trip, he drops back from 3m having already won over 2m4f and his placed effort on good ground suggests the surface will suit. The modest yard record at Worcester is the main negative but he has the best KTB Fit rating and looks to have the best chance in a steadily-run tactical affair. Livingit Du Large, Bel Ombre and In The Age are the main dangers, each bringing solid yard or jockey figures and the ability to feature if the race develops as expected.
KTB Selection Draco Malfoy
This is the narrative read of the 1:35 Worcester. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Worcester racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Worcester results & records page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Why is the race expected to be tactical?
The pace shape lacks a leader with medium confidence, so a steadily-run affair is likely in which being handy pays.
Which runners are suited by coming from off the pace?
Draco Malfoy, In The Age, Kelijoe and Le Soleil Reve are all usually held up and produce their effort late.
How does Bel Ombre's run-style fit the expected shape?
Bel Ombre typically settles in midfield, which could be ideal in a tactical race that lacks an obvious leader.
What are the strongest Worcester trainer-jockey combinations here?
Jamie Snowden and Gavin Sheehan combine with 23% strike rate and A/E 0.99, while Dan Skelton and Harry Skelton post 22% with A/E 0.90.
Which horse is dropping in class?
Both Draco Malfoy and In The Age are dropping in class.
18+. Analysis and entertainment only — no guarantee of profit. KTB race previews are published for interest and are not betting advice. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose, and set your own limits. Free, confidential help: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (GamCare.org.uk); in Ireland, the GamblingCare.ie helpline on 1800 936 725. Self-exclude at any time via GAMSTOP.
About the A/E figures in this preview. They are the data supplier’s: the winners a trainer or jockey had, divided by the winners the starting prices implied, over the runs in that record. Above 1.0 means more wins than the prices suggested. It is not KTB’s fair A/E, which allows for the bookmakers’ margin and the favourite–longshot bias, and the two are not comparable.
More from Kickthebookies