1:25 Wetherby
This Class 4 novices' handicap steeplechase at Wetherby, part of the Go North Forgive 'N Forget Series and carrying GBB Race status, features a small but competitive field of just two runners over 2m3f85y on good to firm ground. With limited numbers the race lacks depth yet still carries interest as both principals arrive in winning form from their most recent starts. The KTB Fit Scores separate them clearly, with In The Trenches rated 66 and Start Again on 48, pointing to a straightforward task on paper for the selection.
How the race shapes up
Pace shape is unclear with low confidence given the small field and contrasting run-styles on offer. Start Again tends to make the running or race prominently while In The Trenches is usually held up and delivers its effort late. The key question is whether the front-running tactics of the second horse can build an unassailable lead or if the held-up performer can close effectively on this sharper trip and ground.
The KTB Fit ranking
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1In The Trenches KTB Selection66/100
In The Trenches is a smart performer who arrives in decent nick after a win at Sedgefield last time and has solid placed form on good to firm. He drops back from three miles to a trip he has won over before, which looks a sensible move. The trainer operates at an 8 percent strike rate at Wetherby from 140 runs while this is the horse's first run at the track. Jennie Candlish and Sean Quinlan combine with a 13 percent strike rate overall. With a KTB Fit Score of 66 and an official rating of 115 this six-year-old holds a clear edge. Usually held up, he produces his effort late and has one win from two starts on good to firm.
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2Start Again48/100
Start Again is a useful performer who showed his best form when winning a similar race at Worcester last time. He drops back in trip today having failed to land a blow in two previous tries at this distance, though he did win on good to firm ground from his only run on it. The trainer has a solid 19 percent strike rate at Wetherby from 112 runs. Fergal O'Brien and Jack Hogan team up with a 15 percent strike rate overall. Rated 102 officially with a KTB Fit Score of 48, this six-year-old tends to make the running or race on the pace. He has shown three placed efforts from his last five starts.
KTB verdict
In The Trenches stands out as the KTB Selection. A smart performer in decent nick after his Sedgefield success and with previous winning form at this sort of trip, he looks well placed dropping back from three miles on ground that suits. The move in distance appears sensible and his late-run style can be effective if the race sets up for a closer. Start Again represents the main danger as a recent Worcester winner who acts on good to firm, though his previous efforts at this trip raise a question mark.
KTB Selection In The Trenches
This is the narrative read of the 1:25 Wetherby. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Wetherby racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Wetherby results & records page. How favourites, trainers, jockeys and the draw have fared here over the last five years is on the Wetherby racecourse statistics page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Why is In The Trenches dropping back in trip?
The drop back from three miles to a trip he has won over before looks a sensible move.
How does Start Again's record at this distance read?
He has failed to land a blow in two previous tries at this distance.
What is the trainer's strike rate at Wetherby for In The Trenches?
Jennie Candlish has an 8% strike rate at Wetherby from 140 runs.
What ground has Start Again won on from his sole start?
He won on good to firm ground from his only run on it.
What are the respective run-styles of the two runners?
Start Again tends to make the running or race on the pace while In The Trenches is usually held up and produces its effort late.
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