Saturday’s Doncaster November Handicap runners will see a big field of 23 going to post in what will be the final race of the 2025 British turf flat season – with Castle Cove and Hopewell Rock two of the big fancies in the betting.
However, if you fancy either of these two horses – you might want to think twice before backing them.
Why?
They both have a HUGE November Handicap stat against them – one that has seen a ZERO return since 2007
ALL November Handicap Winners Since 2007 Were Drawn 8 Or HIGHER
The key November Handicap stat in question revolves around the draw.
Yes, with the race run over 1m4f, punters might not be paying too much attention to the starting gates – after all, there is a mile and a half for the horses to travel.
But, history tells us a different story ahead of Saturday’s big ITV Racing contest at Doncaster.
EVERY winner since 2007 came from a draw EIGHT or higher.
With no race in 2019, this is a sample size of 17 renewals – and not a single winner hailed from draws 1-7.
In fact, 14 of the last 17 winners (82%) also started in gates 10+.
Last year’s winner Lord Melbourne, who runs again on Saturday, won from stall 8 in 2024.
He’s also one of Andy Newton’s Saturday’s ITV Racing tips, with all 10 LIVE races covered from Doncaster, Wincanton and Aintree.
Two Big November Handicap Fancies Fall Down On Draw Stat
Which is why anyone backing two of the big fancies CASTLE COVE and HOPEWELL ROCK might want to think twice.
Castle Cove has been handed STALL 4.
Hopewell Rock has been handed STALL 1.
Meaning if this draw stat carries on into 2025, we can put a line through SEVEN of the 23 runners (see below).
Including these these two runners that the bookies are making favourite.
Leaving you with 16 horses to pick from.
November Handicap Winners Since 2007 and The Draw
| Year | Winner | Draw |
| 2024 | Lord Melbourne | 8 |
| 2023 | Onesmoothoperator | 13 |
| 2022 | Metier | 10 |
| 2021 | Farhan | 17 |
| 2020 | On To Victory | 13 |
| 2019 | No Race | – |
| 2018 | Royal Line | 23 |
| 2017 | Saunter Boy | 14 |
| 2016 | Prize Money | 12 |
| 2015 | Litigant | 12 |
| 2014 | Open Eagle | 18 |
| 2013 | Conduct | 21 |
| 2012 | Art Scholar | 9 |
| 2011 | Zuider Zee | 20 |
| 2010 | Times Up | 9 |
| 2009 | Charm School | 14 |
| 2008 | Tropical Strait | 22 |
| 2007 | Malt Or Mash | 13 |
Note: The 2023 running was staged at Newcastle (AW)
What Other 2025 November Handicap Runners Are Draw Low?
As well as Castle Cove and Hopewell Rock coming from low stalls – we’ve also got FIVE other horses drawn between 1-7.
- Draw 1 – HOPEWELL ROCK
- Draw 2 – TASHKHAN
- Draw 3 – ATHERSTONE WARRIOR
- Draw 4 – CASTLE COVE
- Draw 5 – METIER
- Draw 6 – MASTER BUILDER
- Draw 7 – PLATOON
84% Of The Last 25 Winners Aged 5 Or Younger
You can also whittle down the runners further by knowing 21 of the last 25 winners were aged 5 or younger.
Which would be a negative for Adjuvant, Oneforethegutter, Majestic, Tashkhan and Metier, who are all aged 6+.
Why Has The November Handicap Draw Been So Important In Recent Years?
The 1m4f start at Doncaster is just before Rose Hill – so as soon as the race starts, the runners are facing a left-hand turn in less than a furlong.
Which is slightly odd as you’d think those on the inside and drawn lower might have the edge getting to the bend first.
However, with a big field – unless very quick away, which is then dangerous as you’ll be using up a lot of early energy that horses will pay for in the closing stages – those on the inside tend to get shuffled back in the pack early on.
This then means when they eventually get round the long bend and into the home straight, those drawn low are either way back or have to deal with traffic issues.
The other reason is that the race is often run in softer ground and in these conditions horses tend to come up the stands side in the straight.
Which would favour those drawn slightly higher – as those lower would, at some point, has to tack over.
Last Year’s Winner Lord Melbourne Drawn 13
In contrast, to Castle Cove and Hopewell Rock, one horse that’s been given an okay draw is last year’s winner Lord Melbourne.
This Ralph Beckett runner has been given gate 13.
Three winners since 2007 had gate 13, while a massive 7 of the last 17 (41%) came between 12-14.
He’s only raced once since taking this prize 12 months ago, but that was a smooth 4 1/4 length success at Epsom at the end of September.
As a result, he’s up 13lbs from last year and 9lbs from that Epsom win.
But connections are helping him again, but booking a claiming rider in Jack Dace.
Oh, did you know – three of the last eight November Handicap winners were ridden by a claiming jockey.
2025 November Handicap Runners and Draw
- Grey Cuban – Stall 18
- Stressfree – Stall 9
- Lord Melbourne – Stall 13
- Tashkhan – Stall 2
- Maxi King – Stall 15
- Insanity – Stall 19
- Chemistry – Stall 23
- Hopewell Rock – Stall 1
- Tiernan – Stall 22
- Majestic – Stall 12
- Metier – Stall 5
- Platoon – Stall 7
- Oneforthegutter – Stall 20
- Hot Fuss – Stall 8
- Castle Cove – Stall 4
- Master Builder – Stall 6
- Miss Dolly Rocker – Stall 17
- Atherstone Warrior – Stall 3
- Miller Spirit – Stall 10
- Great Bedwyn – Stall 16
- Castle Stuart – Stall 21
- Master Vinttner – Stall 11
- Adjuvant – Stall 14
November Handicap 2025 Race Details
📅Date: Saturday 8th November 2025
⌚Time: 3:45pm
🏇Racecourse: Doncaster
💰Winner: £36,078
📺 TV: ITV4 / Sky Sports Racing
