The 2026 Lightning Novices' Chase at Windsor promises a thrilling contest, highlighted by Harry Skelton riding the favorite, Be Aware. Despite Be Aware's strong form, the race's nuances point towards a keen showdown, with challengers including Hansard, Alnilam, and Roadlesstravelled. The Windsor track favors strong stayers, suggesting a potentially quick pace. 'No Questions Asked' emerges as the strategic pick, touted for his impressive past performances and proven stamina over extended distances. As betting enthusiasts gear up, this comprehensive guide offers the latest odds, runner insights, and expert tips.
Odds and betting predictions for the 2026 Lightning Novices' Chase
This Grade Two takes place at Windsor on Friday 16th January
No Questions Asked is our selection at 7/2
Expired
Windsor races. (Getty)
The opening day of Windsor's Winter Million Meeting is headlined by the Lightning Novices' Chase. This Grade Two was moved to Windsor last season and 2025 winner, Gidleigh Park, went on to place in Grade One company at Aintree's Grand National Festival.
Here's our free guide to the 2026 Lightning Novices' Chase, including our best betting tips.
2026 Lightning Novices' Chase Odds
Name
Odds
Be Aware
11/8
No Questions Asked
7/2
Hansard
4/1
Alnilam
7/1
Roadlesstravelled
12/1
2026 Lightning Novices' Chase Runners
Harry Skelton has been confirmed in the saddle of market leader Be Aware. Dan Skelton's charge was touched off by July Flower in the Arkle Trial held at Cheltenham in November, and was no match for Lulamba when second to that rival in the Henry VIII Novices' Chase at Sandown last time out.
Hansard remains in Grade Two company after a decent second in the Wayward Lad at Kempton over Christmas, for which he was sent off as the 14/1 outsider of the field. In contrast, No Questions Asked was soundly beaten as the 7/5 favourite for the Noel Novices' Chase at Ascot last month, finishing 13 lengths adrift of impressive winner Steel Ally.
Sean Bowen and Olly Murphy will team up with Alnilam, who scored well at Cheltenham earlier in the season but has been well-beaten in two better races since. Jonjo & A J O'Neill could be represented by Grade Two-winning novice hurdler Roadlesstravelled, who'll be making his chasing debut on his seasonal reappearance.
2026 Lightning Novices' Chase Tips
Be Aware boasts the strongest form this season, having won at Stratford before a pair of runner-up efforts in top races. Harry Skelton has ridden his mount very aggressively over fences, and I expect he'll go straight to the front again.
Alnilam hasn't jumped well enough to make the running on his last two starts, but I'm sure Sean Bowen won't allow Skelton a freebie on the front-end. Roadlesstravelled was a bit of a tear-away over hurdles, and he's sure to be fresh enough on his belated reappearance. There's a good chance they're going to go a little too quick on the front-end.
The chase track at Windsor does suit strong stayers. Gidleigh Park saw off Caldwell Potter to win this Grade Two last year, and both went on to excel over longer distances.
Ben Jones riding No Questions Asked clear the last to win The Ascot Underwriting Novices' Limited Handicap Chase at Ascot. (Getty)
NO QUESTIONS ASKED (7/2) is proven over further than two miles. Ben Pauling's star won over two-and-a-half at Ascot on his chasing debut, before then getting outstayed by Wendigo in the John Francome at Newbury.
I was disappointed with Ben Jones' mount in the Noel Novices' Chase, where No Questions Asked found little having travelled nicely into contention. However, the winner that day, Steel Ally is clearly very good, and Jones gave up the ghost pretty quickly once he realised the leader had slipped the field.
A strongly run two miles is what No Questions Asked wants, and he's sure to get that on Friday. Pauling's eight-year-old is probably the most accomplished jumper in this field and he's a very powerful traveller. I just hope he'll find enough to win once we reach the business end of the race.
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