Hi Reader

The November Handicap is live on ITV4 from Doncaster at 3:25. First run in 1876, it's the traditional finale of the British Flat turf season: a Class 2 handicap over a mile and a half for three-year-olds and up, and always one of the most competitive big-field puzzles of the year.

2026 Race Overview & Key Details

• The Ground: The going at Doncaster is Soft, Good to Soft in places, so stamina and a liking for some cut will count over this trip.
• The Field: A maximum field of 23 runners go to post over 1m4f (1m3f197y), with £75,000 in prize money and £38,655 to the winner. Deira Mile (OR 104) tops the weights on 9st 12lb.
• Market Leaders: Richard Hughes's Nobody Knows, the only three-year-old in the field and ridden by Ryan Moore, heads the betting off a mark of 93. Patrick Neville's Alfred Wincham, an eight-length winner over 1m6f at York last time, is the only other runner at a single-figure price.
• Last Year: Castle Cove won the 2025 running on heavy ground at 4/1 joint-favourite for William Haggas, with Miss Dolly Rocker (33/1) second and Atherstone Warrior (11/2) third. Castle Cove is back off an 8lb higher mark, and 2024 winner Lord Melbourne lines up again too, though no horse has ever won the race twice.

Let's get into today's preview and tips.

November Handicap 2026 Tip: Too Soon

A maximum field of twenty-three runners line up for the November Handicap over a mile and a half at Doncaster.

Too Soon looks overpriced following a poor run around Chester last time out. We backed him when he relished the rain-softened ground on Epsom Derby Day. Too Soon came clear with Night Breeze and battled well to see off that final challenger. He won again off a six-pound higher mark at Goodwood in late August. The Goodwood win was on good to soft ground with the handicapper raising him another six pounds to 100.

Jamie and Josh Moore have booked their nephew Toby Moore, who is good value for his seven-pound claim. Toby has ridden sixteen winners this season so is not lacking confidence or ability. Alfred Wincham and Nobody Knows look strong contenders with a few pounds up their sleeves potentially. However, they are much too short in such a competitive race.

Doncaster 3:25

1 point each way Too Soon 20/1 Paddy Power, Skybet & Bet365, 6 places.

Best of Luck, Nicky

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