3:29 Fontwell
This Class 4 mares' maiden hurdle at Fontwell over 2m1f162y brings together a compact field of six with limited experience between them. The KTB Fit scores are tightly bunched at the top, headed by Morissette and Katios Queen both on 51, with Emerald Quest and Sky Blue Ribbon on 49, suggesting a race where small margins and race shape could prove decisive. Several runners are dropping in class or stepping up in trip, and with no established leader in the field the ability to settle and produce a late effort may be key on ground that remains unproven for every contender.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape lacks a leader and points to a steadily-run, tactical affair in which being handy should pay. With most principals and field runners tending to race held up or in mid-division, the early fractions are likely to be modest, turning this into a test of positioning and timing. The key question is whether any horse can improve its position smoothly off a steady gallop or whether the race will be decided by a late burst from those waiting in the rear.
The KTB Fit ranking
-
1Morissette KTB Selection51/100
Morissette arrives with fair placed form on her last three starts, though she was well held on her most recent outing. She steps up in trip today having already tried this distance once without success, which asks a fresh question of her stamina. The six-year-old typically settles in midfield and will look to be produced at the right moment in what is expected to be a steadily-run race. Trainer Dean Summersby holds a 17% strike rate at Fontwell from 12 runs with an A/E of 0.97, while jockey Bryan Carver operates at a similar 17% strike rate here with an A/E of 1.03 from 77 rides. Their combined record stands at 5/65 with an A/E of 0.71.
-
2Katios Queen51/100
Katios Queen showed useful form when winning both her starts over hurdles last season, including a success on this track from just three career runs. She steps up in trip today having already won at this distance, though the small sample makes her hard to weigh up accurately. Usually held up, she produces her effort late and could be well suited to a steadily-run affair where those waiting can pounce. The Dan Skelton yard has a 19% strike rate at Fontwell from 193 runs with an A/E of 0.82, while Tristan Durrell rides with a 16% strike rate here and an A/E of 0.96 from 25 rides. Their overall record is 101/752 with an A/E of 0.98, and she drops in class.
-
3Emerald Quest49/100
Emerald Quest has shown only modest form in three starts and returns from a break having been well held on his latest outing. The step up in trip poses a fresh question while the small sample means his effectiveness on this ground remains unknown. Usually held up, he produces his effort late, though evidence for his run-style is limited. Trainer Neil Mulholland has a 16% strike rate at Fontwell from a large sample of 639 runs with an A/E of 0.96, and Harry Cobden rides with a 22% strike rate here from 178 rides and an A/E of 0.83. Their combined record stands at 12/64 with an A/E of 0.94, and he drops in class.
-
4Sky Blue Ribbon49/100
Sky Blue Ribbon has shown little so far with a pulled-up effort and two modest placed runs from just three starts over hurdles. She was well held when fourth on her only visit to Fontwell and now drops back in trip having failed to make an impact over this distance last time. The Mulholland yard holds a solid 16% strike-rate at the track from 639 runs with an A/E of 0.96. Jack Tudor is operating at 15% here from 68 rides with an A/E of 0.82, and their partnership reads 2/11 with an A/E of 1.11.
-
5Roxy Russet48/100
Roxy Russet showed fair form when second on hurdling debut at Worcester but has been well held in two subsequent starts. The step up in trip poses a fresh question while the small sample on this ground leaves suitability unknown. Trainer and jockey both hold solid records at Fontwell from large samples, and she drops in class.
-
6Georgie's Lady44/100
Georgie's Lady has shown little in four starts to date and was well held when last seen. The step up in trip today asks a fresh question of her and she remains open to improvement. Trainer and jockey both have modest records at Fontwell.
KTB verdict
Morissette is the KTB selection. She brings the most consistent placed form of the principals into the race and benefits from a trainer-jockey combination that both operate at 17% at Fontwell. While the trip asks a question, her midfield run-style should suit the expected steadily-run affair. Katios Queen, with her track-winning record and useful prior form, is the most obvious danger despite limited experience, while Emerald Quest and Sky Blue Ribbon cannot be entirely dismissed given the yard's record at the venue.
KTB Selection Morissette
This is the narrative read of the 3:29 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. How favourites, trainers, jockeys and the draw have fared here over the last five years is on the Fontwell racecourse statistics 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?
Katios Queen, who is 1 from 1 at the track.
How many runners are dropping in class?
Three: Katios Queen, Emerald Quest and Roxy Russet.
Which jockey has the strongest strike rate at Fontwell in this field?
Harry Cobden with a 22% strike rate from 178 rides.
Which horse has already won at the race distance?
Katios Queen.
What is the trainer strike rate at Fontwell for the yard of the selection?
17% from 12 runs with an A/E of 0.97.
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