The Fontwell Park race preview for 16 November lands at a moment when the autumn jumps season is tightening, stamina matters again, and tactical speed often becomes the deciding factor. The course’s figure-of-eight rhythm makes horses rethink their strides, which is why even the smaller fields on the card feel competitive. With prize money spread well across the afternoon and several handicaps featuring honest, improving types, this meeting comes with enough depth to interest both punters and purists.
Early Handicaps: A Steady Start with Open Fields
The opener, the John Rogerson Memorial Handicap Steeple Chase (12:27, 2m 5f 135y, £6,150), sets the tone. Bank On Frank brings the cleanest recent profile and looks comfortable on sharper turns. Summer In Milan is the seasoned stayer who will be staying on when others fold. Atreides jumps neatly and has a calm racing style, Ronnies Reflection offers late momentum rather than early travel, while Footloose Man and Ted The Thief remain consistent but haven’t produced standout finishing efforts lately while Chateau du Lys rounds out a tight handicap.
The morning continues with the BetGoodwin Download the App Novices’ Hurdle (12:57, 2m 2f 20y, £7,700), featuring six novices still shaping their futures. Alfa Charlie stands out on progression and clean hurdling. Crackerjacque likes to set the tone from the front, which will immediately test horses like Dragons And Demons and Escort’kheops, both still learning their race craft. Just Forty grinds rather than travels, and Phineas Bunce is all promise until the final furlong, where stamina is still unproven.
Competitive Middle Section with the Feature Race Looming
The Bet Clever BetGoodwin Handicap Hurdle (1:32, 2m 2f 20y, ÂŁ10,000) brings together horses with experience and upside. Galactic Charm stays genuinely well and handles tight bends smoothly. Game Colours is the smoothest traveller of the field, while Zaochen Enki remains raw but talented enough to take advantage if the pace collapses. Sage Green, Love Tree, and Moab create a competitive midfield without clear attacking power.
The highlight is the BetGoodwin Southern National Handicap Chase (2:05, 3m 3f 149y, ÂŁ22,000), a race that always rewards toughness. Unanswered Prayers is exactly the type for a marathon test, with proven stamina and steady, intelligent jumping. Livin On Luco is a powerful galloper who may stretch the field early. Shantou Lucky has the kind of staying profile while Ivane and Deep Purple belong to the category of chasers who rise when the pace becomes grinding. Ken Roy and Gold Clermont deepen the field further, ensuring no soft section of the race.
Juveniles and Late Handicaps Close the Day Strongly
The BetGoodwin Steamer of the Day Juvenile Hurdle (2:42, 2m 2f 20y, £7,700) brings seven lightly raced types. Exactly Right appeals most with tidy technique and solid mental composure. Forever Penywern and Ice Jet both offer pace but not yet fluency. Khalk’eau Spigao blends stamina and agility, while Nelson Gate, One Island, and Westlain complete a group where improvement is likely but inconsistency is expected.
The Best Odds Guaranteed Handicap Chase (3:17, 2m 3f 104y, ÂŁ8,900) suits horses who enjoy sustained rhythm. Scorsese fits that mould with a neat, flowing style. Joe Cotton, Diplomatic Ash, and Just Over Land stay well but may lack the decisive burst needed late. Ballyfinn and Hudson both hold the finishing kick advantage, especially if early pace is solid.
The meeting ends with the Free Bet Nose Losers Novices’ Limited Handicap Hurdle (3:52, 2m 6f 22y, ÂŁ6,150)—a mixed field of improvers and learners. Mask of Zorro moves stylishly but needs strength late. Thickthorn Tom has the profile of a sharp improver and may progress past this grade soon. The Brickey Ranger, Bradman, Grey d’Alco, No Guarantee, Atlantic Power, and Green Asset remain tightly grouped, leaving the race open to late pace swings.
This Fontwell Park race preview shows a busy, honest, and highly competitive card. Several races feature improving horses, while the Southern National promises the most tactical depth of the day. With strong chances from Unanswered Prayers, Galactic Charm, Exactly Right, Bank On Frank, and Scorsese, the meeting should deliver clear opportunities without any runaway favourites. Fontwell’s unique track ensures nothing is straightforward—and that’s exactly why this card stands out.
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