Sandown 5th Dec 2025, the Betfair Winter Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 13.45:
No Drama This End has shown top-class form recently.
He won a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham on 14 November 2025 on soft ground, impressing by quickening away to win by three lengths.
That was his hurdle debut after solid bumper performances, including a win and a ninth in a competitive race.
He carries a penalty here but the step up to this trip should suit his stamina.
He acts well on soft ground and Paul Nicholls’ yard targets this contest.
Harry Cobden rides.
Crackerjacque comes in with a recent hurdle win at Fontwell on 16 November 2025 on good to soft, scoring convincingly by seven lengths.
He previously won a bumper at this course on heavy ground in February 2025, showing he handles Sandown and softish conditions.
Other bumper runs include a fifth at Exeter on soft and a tenth at Aintree on good.
This is a class rise but the longer trip may help, and Anthony Honeyball’s charge looks fit.
Rex Dingle rides.
The Blue Room made a winning hurdle debut at Chepstow on 5 November 2025, battling well to win by three-quarters of a length.
Prior bumper form includes a second and a fourth, plus a win in Ireland.
The pedigree suggests he will stay this extended distance on soft ground.
Olly Murphy’s runner has scope for improvement.
Sean Bowen rides.
Top Jimmy is two from two over hurdles, latest winning at Uttoxeter on 31 October 2025, making all to score by five lengths.
Previous hurdle win and bumper placings of fourth twice show consistency.
He acts on various ground, including soft, but this is a big step up in grade for his first try at this level.
Nigel Twiston-Davies trains, with Sam Twiston-Davies aboard.
Tormund Giantsbane won comfortably on his hurdle debut at Carlisle recently, pulling clear.
He has strong bumper form, including a win and a second.
Dan Skelton’s yard is flying, and he should relish soft ground and the step up in trip based on his staying ability.
Harry Skelton rides.
Simulation Results:
No Drama This End emerged as the clear winner in most simulations.
Simulation results:
– No Drama This End: 62% chance (equivalent fractional odds 8/13)
– Tormund Giantsbane: 15% chance (equivalent fractional odds 11/2)
– The Blue Room: 12% chance (equivalent fractional odds 15/2)
– Top Jimmy: 8% chance (equivalent fractional odds 12/1)
– Crackerjacque: 3% chance (equivalent fractional odds 33/1)
Best bet: No Drama This End – the class act with proven Grade 2 form on soft and suited to the trip.
Value selections: Tormund Giantsbane offers value at current 11/2 against a simulated fair price around 11/2, but slight edge; The Blue Room at 13/2 compares to 15/2 implied.
Steamer bets: Top Jimmy, having shortened from 14/1 to 11/1.
