2:20 Fontwell
This Class 5 conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle over 2m5f164y at Fontwell looks a steadily-run, tactical affair in which being handy could prove advantageous. The six-runner field is made up entirely of useful or fair performers on the balance of their ratings, with the majority arriving unproven on the prevailing ground. KTB's Fit ratings are tightly bunched at the top, underlining a competitive contest where recent course form and trainer statistics at the track will carry particular weight.
How the race shapes up
With no obvious leader in the field and the pace shape rated as lacking a front-runner, the race is expected to be run at a steady tempo. Most of the runners, including the top four in the KTB Fit order, are held-up types who produce their effort late, so the ability to creep into the race from off the pace without getting too far back will be important. The key question is whether the race will turn into a sprint for the line from the home turn or whether those who can race more prominently than their usual style can steal an advantage in a tactical affair.
The KTB Fit ranking
-
1Atreides KTB Selection62/100
Atreides is a useful performer who has won once from seven starts at Fontwell and arrives in reasonable form having produced a solid recent third at this track. He drops back in trip today having been placed without winning at the distance in the past, while the ground remains an unknown. Trainer Neil Mulholland holds a 17% strike rate from 629 runs here and jockey Mr Laurie Gallacher is having his first ride at the course. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he should be suited by the anticipated steady pace. His course win and recent placing at the venue mark him out as the one to beat.
-
2Royal Rhythm61/100
Royal Rhythm is a useful performer who has shown enough in recent runs to land a race, finishing third then first in his last two completed starts. He has placed on one of two visits to Fontwell and the yard's solid 23% strike rate here adds some encouragement, though he remains unproven on this ground. Stepping up in trip for the first time in a while asks a fresh question. The 12/106 (11%) record with a 0.73 A/E when teaming up with Benjamin Macey underlines that the combination can be competitive. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he is likely to be towards the rear in a steadily-run affair.
-
3Jefe Triunfo55/100
Jefe Triunfo is a useful performer who showed little spark when fifth on return at this track last month. He drops back in trip today having been well held over three miles, which asks a fresh question. The trainer has a solid 14% strike rate here from a big sample of 884 runs. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he will be looking to come from off the pace in what is set to be a tactical contest. Freddie Mitchell takes the ride with a 12% strike rate at Fontwell from 73 rides.
-
4County Champs50/100
County Champs is a fair performer on the balance of his ratings and recent placed efforts at shorter trips. He steps up in trip today for the first time which asks a fresh question while the switch to Fontwell is also unknown territory. The Chris Gordon yard has a solid 14% strike rate here from a large sample of 884 runs. Usually held up and producing his effort late, he should be suited by the steadily-run nature of the race. Dropping in class is a positive but the combination of new trip, new course and Fern O'Brien's 0% strike rate from seven rides at the track adds layers of uncertainty.
-
5Clever Relation47/100
Clever Relation is a fair performer on the balance of his ratings and race history. He steps up in trip today having shown some promise when second on his latest start, though the longer distance is an unknown. The yard has a solid 17% strike rate at Fontwell from 41 runs while this is his first visit to the track.
-
6Kings Order45/100
Kings Order is a fair performer on the balance of his ratings and recent efforts, showing placed form in a similar grade before an unfortunate unseating last time. The trainer has a 0% strike rate from five runs at Fontwell while the horse steps up in trip today, which asks a fresh question of him. He has no experience of this ground and makes his first appearance at the track.
KTB verdict
Atreides stands out as the KTB Selection. A useful performer with a course win to his name and a solid recent third at Fontwell, he drops back in trip to a distance at which he has been placed in the past. The Mulholland yard's healthy 17% strike rate at the venue from a large sample is another positive in a race where most runners are held-up types and the pace is likely to be steady. Royal Rhythm, with recent winning form and a strong yard course record, is the most obvious danger, while Jefe Triunfo and County Champs cannot be entirely dismissed if the trip and ground prove suitable.
KTB Selection Atreides
This is the narrative read of the 2:20 Fontwell. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Fontwell racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Fontwell results & records page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse has course winning form at Fontwell?
Atreides has won here from seven starts.
How many of the runners are described as usually held up?
All six runners are held-up types who usually produce their effort late.
Which trainer has the strongest strike rate at Fontwell in this field?
Jonjo & A.J. O'Neill have a 23% strike rate at Fontwell from 31 runs.
What is the official class change for County Champs?
County Champs is dropping in class.
Which horse is stepping up in trip for the first time in a while?
Royal Rhythm is stepping up in trip for the first time in a while.
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.
More from Kickthebookies