Taunton Races & Results 1 Monday 8th January 2024 UK Horse Racing Speed Ratings & Tips

Taunton Races & Results Tomform Monday 8th January 2024

There were 15 Races on Monday 8th January 2024 across 2 meetings. There was 7 races at Taunton, 8 races at Newcastle, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.

Races & Results Monday 8th January 2024

The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.

12:55 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 19f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	11 1st (11) (9/2 -80%) Golden Ace	4.5 9/2(-80%)	(11) Golden Ace 9/2, Successful on bumper debut at Wincanton last winter and having run to a similar level when fifth at Ascot next time, she took a step forward when second in 20-runner Aintree Grade 2 on final outing in the spring. Had wind op ahead of return/hurdles debut and she's not out of things. Not seen since Grade 2 bumper second last April but a good prospect for novice hurdles.
2	2 2nd (2) (13/8 -17%) Lucky Place	1.625 13/8(-17%)	(2) Lucky Place 13/8, Runner-up only start in bumpers back in May and having filled same spot on hurdles debut at Huntingdon (15.8f) in November, he took a marked step forward to open his account in big-field Doncaster novice (19.4f) 24 days ago, quickening clear impressively. Lead claims with more to come. Improved to win readily by 13l at Doncaster last month, his second hurdling start.
3	1 3rd (1) (4/6 +55%) Insurrection	0.666667 4/6(+55%)	(1) Insurrection 4/6, Irish point winner who showed plenty sole start in bumpers and, following wind surgery, scored on return/hurdles bow at Exter (16.7f) in November. Excellent second in small field Grade 2 since and big player returned to calmer waters. Second in Sandown Grade 2 since impressive hurdling debut at Exeter in November.
4	8 4th (8) (125/1 -279%) Nordic Storm	125 125/1(-279%)	(8) Nordic Storm 125/1, £45,000 Norse Dancer gelding. 12/1, never figured when tenth of 15 in novice hurdle at Exeter (16.7f) 26 days ago. One for the longer term. Out of a well-connected mare but was in rear throughout on last month's debut.
5th	6 5th (6) (125/1 -213%) Guivinec	125 125/1(-213%)	(6) Guivinec 125/1, £55,000 buy after landing the second of his 2 starts in Irish points but no more than hinted at ability in Ascot bumper and not built on that in pair of hurdle attempts in recent months. Possibly one for low-grade handicaps. Didn't show a great deal in a bumper and two novice hurdles towards the end of last year.
6th	4 6th (4) (500/1 -400%) Brucie Bonus	500 500/1(-400%)	(4) Brucie Bonus 500/1, Showed little in bumpers and similar story in 2 hurdle starts to date. Always behind when a 400-1 outsider for first two hurdle races.
7th	10 7th (10) (200/1 -300%) Pescatorius	200 200/1(-300%)	(10) Pescatorius 200/1, No show in bumpers and well held in fourth on Wincanton hurdles bow 3 weeks ago. Another likely type for handicaps in this sphere. Not disgraced on hurdling debut but needs to take a big step forward.
8th	9 8th (9) (66/1 -230%) Owl Of Athens	66 66/1(-230%)	(9) Owl Of Athens 66/1, €27,000 3-y-o, Court Cave gelding. 33/1, showed ability when midfield in 14-runner C&D novice on hurdles debut 9 days ago, keeping on gradually without being knocked about. Type to do better further down the line. Not beaten far when midfield here last month but probably one for further down the line.
9th	5 9th (5) (100/1 -52%) Come On Paddy Mac	100 100/1(-52%)	(5) Come On Paddy Mac 100/1, Off mark in Irish points at fourth attempt but offered little in 2 hurdle starts for Laura Young last year. Can only be watched now starting out for new yard. Did not look straightforward when pulled up in two novice hurdles in 2022; with new stable.
10th	3 10th (3) (200/1 -100%) Azolo	200 200/1(-100%)	(3) Azolo 200/1, Big prices and well held in bumper/2 starts over hurdles to date. Struggled when a big-priced outsider for first two hurdling attempts (2m/2m4f).
7	7 \|PU\| (7) (300/1 -200%) Last In Line	300 300/1(-200%)	(7) Last In Line 300/1, Saddler's Rock gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Norse Legend. Well held in bumper/novice hurdle 9 months apart. Struggled when a 400-1 outsider for recent hurdling debut at Newbury (2m4f).

LTO Selection:

12:55 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 19f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

INSURRECTION won his first start over hurdles in fine style at Exeter before running with huge credit when second in a Grade 2 at Sandown last month. The son of Getaway has a 7lb penalty to carry in this novice contest but he sets a very high standard and is likely to prove very hard to beat. Also carrying a penalty is Lucky Place, who bolted up by 13 lengths at Doncaster last time and could prove the main threat with further improvement possible. Golden Ace was runner-up in a Grade 2 bumper a Aintree in the spring and is an interesting contender on her first start over the obstacles.

LUCKY PLACE created a taking impression when opening his account over hurdles at Doncaster 24 days ago, and with the prospect of more to come, he earns the vote to follow up under a penalty. Insurrection, who finished runner-up in Grade 2 company latest, rates the chief threat. Golden Ace, who was fairly useful in bumpers, is another to note now hurdling.

Lucky Place is respected but INSURRECTION has performed admirably in a Grade 2 since his winning hurdle debut.

12:55 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 19f PREDICTION SIMULATION

13:25 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f - 14 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	12 1st (12) (11/4 -83%) Joyeuse	2.75 11/4(-83%)	(12) Joyeuse 11/4, A half-sister to Champion Hurdle winner Epatante who landed a French maiden bumper 15 months ago. Worth a market check starting out over hurdles for top yard. Bought for 235,000euros soon after winning French bumper on debut in 2022; hurdle debut.
2	14 2nd (14) (6/4 +25%) Tutti Quanti	1.5 6/4(+25%)	(14) Tutti Quanti 6/4, Tongue tied when a promising second at Senonnes-Pouance on his hurdling debut in August. Yard have took last two runnings of this so he's a big player with plenty more to offer. Ran big race in defeat on debut in France last summer; now with Paul Nicholls.
3	5 3rd (5) (25/1 -79%) Into The Park	25 25/1(-79%)	(5) Into The Park 25/1, 66/1, showing some promise when unseated rider 3 out in novice hurdle at Aintree (17f, heavy) on hurdles bow 30 days ago. No forlorn hope. Still going okay when coming to grief before third-last flight on hurdle debut.
4	13 4th (13) (200/1 -506%) Shakeyatailfeather	200 200/1(-506%)	(13) Shakeyatailfeather 200/1, Maiden pointer who has shown only modest form in a pair of bumpers for Harriet Dickin and Tom Watson. Lots more needed going hurdling for another new handler. Didn't show enough in two bumpers for two different stables last year.
5th	4 5th (4) (9/4 +55%) Goonhilly	2.25 9/4(+55%)	(4) Goonhilly 9/4, Fairly useful form in a couple of bumpers and has shown similar form in this sphere, second of 11 in novice hurdle at Aintree (17f, heavy) 30 days ago. Well in the mix. A long way clear of the third when second at Aintree last month; likely contender.
6th	10 6th (10) (66/1 -100%) Tout Sur Moi	66 66/1(-100%)	(10) Tout Sur Moi 66/1, Eleventh of 15 in bumper (40/1) at Cheltenham (16.4f, soft) 72 days ago. Makes hurdles debut with tongue strap on for 1st time. Displayed promise in both bumpers last year but improvement is needed on hurdle debut.
7th	1 7th (1) (20/1 -67%) Bluegrass	20 20/1(-67%)	(1) Bluegrass 20/1, Useful on the Flat for Aidan O'Brien (placed in the 2022 Dante). Has shown promise switched to hurdles in recent months and not ruled out on the back of a wind op reverted to maiden company. Smart 3yo on the Flat but just a fair juvenile hurdler last season.
8th	7 8th (7) (125/1 -150%) King Of The Road	125 125/1(-150%)	(7) King Of The Road 125/1, Well held in Newbury bumper and in two runs overe hurdles last month. Lots more is needed. Well beaten on bumper debut in November and on both hurdling starts last month.
9th	11 9th (11) (200/1 -506%) Chatty Chich	200 200/1(-506%)	(11) Chatty Chich 200/1, Fair in bumpers but well held on both her runs over hurdles at Taunton and Fontwell this winter. Needs a big step forward. Did not make it out of the rear division in two novice hurdles last month.
10th	9 10th (9) (6/1 +40%) Onewayortother	6 6/1(+40%)	(9) Onewayortother 6/1, Fairly useful bumper winner but he posted just a respectable fifth of 17 in novice hurdle at Doncaster (19.4f, good to soft) 24 days ago. Needs to bounce back. Very respectable third on seasonal debut but latest run was a backward step.
11th	8 11th (8) (250/1 -400%) No Mean Feat	250 250/1(-400%)	(8) No Mean Feat 250/1, Pulled up sole start in points and just poor form to date under Rules, blinkered for 1st time when last of 11 in handicap hurdle at this C&D (good to soft) 25 days ago. Placed at 80-1 in a maiden in October but well beaten in two subsequent Class 5 handicaps.
12th	2 12th (2) (200/1 -203%) Dundory	200 200/1(-203%)	(2) Dundory 200/1, Fairly useful Flat winner but has yet to fire in two runs over hurdles at Ludlow and Wincanton this winter. Six-time winner on the Flat but well beaten on both hurdling starts.
13th	6 13th (6) (250/1 -400%) Jaxonne	250 250/1(-400%)	(6) Jaxonne 250/1, Has offered little both starts over hurdles this winter and looks set for another struggle. Showed only tiny glimmer of promise on his first two hurdling starts.
14th	3 14th (3) (125/1 -681%) Everyonesacritic	125 125/1(-681%)	(3) Everyonesacritic 125/1, Fetched £40,000 after winning his sole start in Irish points and hinted at promise when fourth of 7 in novice hurdle at Chepstow (16f, soft) 45 days ago. May do better still. Irish point winner last April but began hurdling career with two low-key runs.

LTO Selection:

13:25 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

JOYEUSE changed hands for a whopping 235,000 euros after scoring in a point-to-point in October and she makes her debut under Rules for the Nicky Henderson yard today. The daughter of No Risk At All is a half-sister to Epatante and could easily make a winning start here. The main danger might be Tutti Quanti, who is a well-realted son of Chanducoq and represents for powerful connections on his first outing. Goonhilly is the pick of those with experience under NH rules.

Paul Nicholls has took this prize for the past two seasons and his new recruit TUTTI QUANTI, who shaped well on his hurdling bow when runner-up in France, looks another strong candidate for the yard. Nicky Henderson's newcomer Joyeuse, a half-sister to the stable's Champion Hurdle heroine Epatante, is feared most with Goonhilly rating a solid place prospect.

After running well under a very positive ride in France last summer, TUTTI QUANTI is taken to strike on his British debut.

13:25 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f PREDICTION SIMULATION

13:55 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f - 13 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	9 1st (9) (7/1 -17%) The Gypsy Davey	7 7/1(-17%)	(9) The Gypsy Davey 7/1, Half-brother to fair hurdler Cotton Jenny and dam was a 2m chase winner. Off the mark at fourth attempt between the flags in December and it will be interesting to see what the market has to say ahead of this Rules debut. Made all for recent Irish point win; goes hurdling at a realistic level.
2	10 2nd (10) (6/1 +14%) Walkingoneggshells	6 6/1(+14%)	(10) Walkingoneggshells 6/1, Winner of a maiden point last spring and stepped up on his low-key Rules debut when fourth in an 8-runner Musselburgh bumper (15.6f, soft) 3 weeks ago. Needs a second look now switched to hurdles. Irish point winner in May 2023; hasn't done badly in bumpers this winter; hurdle debut.
3	13 3rd (13) (4/1 -33%) Lhebayeb	4 4/1(-33%)	(13) Lhebayeb 4/1, Progressive on the level in 2023, notching third win at Windsor (10f, heavy) in October. Stepped up on her hurdles debut display when fourth of 10 at Wincanton (15.2f, soft) recently and she's a major player. Won 3 Flat handicaps in 2023; minor hurdle promise on Boxing Day; handicaps likely to suit.
4	7 4th (7) (12/1 +52%) Schematic	12 12/1(+52%)	(7) Schematic 12/1, Returned lame when down the field in a Chepstow maiden hurdle on his debut in October. Probably best watched for now. Two of dam's siblings were useful jumpers; found to be lame after debut; early days.
5th	6 5th (6) (10/1 +0%) Golden Ambition	10 10/1(+0%)	(6) Golden Ambition 10/1, Made a promising start over hurdles when fourth in 10-runner novice at Lingfield (19.5f, soft) on return but drop to 16.7f didn't appear to help at Bangor next time. Will be of greater interest when moving back up in trip in due course. Quite promising hurdle debut at 2m3f; lesser run since; sharp 2m not ideal on pedigree.
6th	12 6th (12) (22/1 -38%) Jacksbar	22 22/1(-38%)	(12) Jacksbar 22/1, Jack Hobbs mare. Dam, maiden over hurdles/fences (stayed 23f), closely related to unreliable but useful hurdler/chaser (stayed 33f) Milansbar. Yard can certainly ready a newcomer but passed over by Harry Skelton, who instead partners Bahio Boum. Bred with stamina in mind but worth a market check on hurdle debut for leading yard.
7th	11 7th (11) (80/1 -142%) Behind The Veil	80 80/1(-142%)	(11) Behind The Veil 80/1, Little impact in 3 starts to date and she's hard to warm to. Very modest form so far, in a bumper and two hurdle starts, including over C&D.
8th	3 8th (3) (3/1 +63%) Cawthorne Banker	3 3/1(+63%)	(3) Cawthorne Banker 3/1, Fairly useful form when placed 3 times in bumpers last term and while he didn't show much on return/hurdles debut at Doncaster, another chance can be given to this 6-y-o in view of his bumper promise. Promising in bumpers; dropped right out on hurdle debut but entitled to need the run.
9th	8 9th (8) (40/1 -21%) Shady B	40 40/1(-21%)	(8) Shady B 40/1, Runner-up final 2 starts between the flags last spring but nearer last than first starting out under Rules in an Exeter maiden hurdle 18 days ago. Close up in two points; faded on hurdle debut but should have some improvement in him.
10th	1 10th (1) (28/1 -133%) Bahio Boum	28 28/1(-133%)	(1) Bahio Boum 28/1, Shaped with encouragement when third of 8 in bumper at Worcester on debut in September. However, no show both starts since, including on hurdles bow at Wincanton last month, and he's probably more of a long-term project. Early promise in good-ground bumper; 66-1 and never showed on recent hurdle debut.
11th	14 11th (14) (10/3 +5%) Johannes	3.333333 10/3(+5%)	(14) Johannes 10/3, Fair form when successful in 2m minor event on the Flat in France last spring. Subsequently sold for €62,000 and while he failed to land a blow starting out over hurdles at Exeter (16.7f, soft), this 4-y-o has since undergone a wind op and can be expected to improve. Won 2m Flat race in France; fair stable/hurdle debut in a better race; interesting.
12th	2 12th (2) (125/1 -400%) Bruce Gobbler	125 125/1(-400%)	(2) Bruce Gobbler 125/1, Last of 4 sole start in point bumpers and well beaten both starts under Rules to date, too. Last of 4 in sole point before tailed off in a bumper and a C&D novice.
4	4 \|PU\| (4) (25/1 -108%) Cornish Storm	25 25/1(-108%)	(4) Cornish Storm 25/1, Fair handicapper on Flat, off the mark over 1½m at Kempton in September. Could have a part to play on this hurdles debut, provided his jumping passes the test. Best Flat run when winning 1m4f AW handicap in September; has a going query now hurdling.

LTO Selection:

13:55 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

This contest shouldn't take much winning and it may pay to side with LHEBAYEB, who possibly brings the best form to the table after her fourth at Wincanton on Boxing Day. The six-year-old mare has been found a suitable assignment in this maiden hurdle and she can get off the mark. Bahio Boum failed to show much on his debut over hurdles at Wincanton but he could take a big leap forward, as he is in very capable hands. Of the remainder, Walkingoneggshells appeals most.

The vote goes to JOHANNES, who was a wide-margin winner of his sole start on the Flat in France and is entitled to step up on his hurdles debut sixth in the Exeter juvenile won by Salver (Grade 2 winner since) last month. He has subsequently undergone a wind op and is taken to get the better of Lhebayeb and point-winners The Gypsy Davey and Walkingoneggshells.

A few of these may be of more interest when handicapping but JOHANNES can take advantage of a drop in class on his second hurdle start.

13:55 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f PREDICTION SIMULATION

14:25 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f - 4 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	1 1st (1) (5/4 +23%) Keep Running	1.25 5/4(+23%)	(1) Keep Running 5/4, French improt who tasted success over hurdles for Harry Whittington and showed no ill effects of yard/chase debut spill when runner-up behind Dr T J Eckleburg at Ludlow (2m) 33 days ago, pulling clear of remainder. 4 lb better off with that rival here and he rates a big player. Ran big race from the front when second over C&D last month; only 2lb higher today.
2	5 2nd (5) (4/1 +0%) Extraordinary Man	4 4/1(+0%)	(5) Extraordinary Man 4/1, Consistency hasn't been his strong suit but put it all together to capitalise on career-low mark back from 5 months off at Hereford (2m) last month and encouragingly backed that up when second at Fakenham (16.2f) 48 days ago. This rates tougher, though. Cheekpieces on. Battled well to win at Hereford in November; up in grade here; others look stronger.
3	4 3rd (4) (5/1 -25%) Couldbeaweapon	5 5/1(-25%)	(4) Couldbeaweapon 5/1, Improved again when making all in handicap hurdle at Worcester last October and placed on his next 4 starts. Probably would've finished second to the odds-on winner but for unseating 3 out on C&D chase debut and he's open to improvement in this sphere. In process of running well before unseating rider on seasonal/chase debut; a possible.
4	3 4th (3) (11/4 -22%) Dr T J Eckleburg	2.75 11/4(-22%)	(3) Dr T J Eckleburg 11/4, Added further chase success to his tally when holding off Keep Running at Ludlow (2m) on penultimate start and he again ran well when second back at that venue 19 days ago. No reason why he won't go well again. Dual chase winner (once over C&D); went down fighting at Ludlow last month; good chance.

LTO Selection:

14:25 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.

DR T J ECKLEBURG got the better of Keep Running when the pair met at Ludlow at the start of last month. Evan Williams' charge has since performed with credit when finishing runner-up at the same venue in a better contest and it would be no surprise to see him confirm the placings. That said, the latter was completing for the first time over fences, having fallen on his chasing debut here, and the six-year-old is capable of taking a step forward. Extraordinary Man has finally got the hang of things over the larger obstacles and is likely to enter calculations.

KEEP RUNNING arrives 4 lb better off for his ½-length defeat behind re-opposing Dr T J Eckleburg when the pair met at Ludlow 33 days ago and, with the prospect of more to come in this sphere, Warren Greatrex's charge could well be up to turning the tables here. Couldbeaweapon is also worth a second look.

Dr T J Eckleburg reeled in KEEP RUNNING (nap) over C&D last month but the latter is 4lb better off for this rematch.

14:25 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 16f PREDICTION SIMULATION

15:00 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 19f - 12 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	9 1st (9) (15/2 +0%) Inca De Lafayette	7.5 15/2(+0%)	(9) Inca De Lafayette 15/2, Course winner who also scored at Wincanton on his return but pulled up in handicap at Huntingdon (15.8f, good to soft) 55 days ago. Something to prove. Has very mixed record over hurdles but won in good style two starts ago; can't rule out.
2	4 2nd (4) (9/1 -13%) Mr Freedom	9 9/1(-13%)	(4) Mr Freedom 9/1, Likeable type who followed 4 wins over hurdles last season with a hat-trick on the Flat during the summer. Posting another good effort when unseated rider last at Sandown (16f, heavy) 30 days ago. In the mix once more. Consistent 5yo who is still on a workable mark and ought to make his presence felt.
3	6 3rd (6) (7/2 +13%) Vicki Vale	3.5 7/2(+13%)	(6) Vicki Vale 7/2, Course winner who comes here on the back of a respectable third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Aintree (20f, heavy) 30 days ago. Shortlisted. Course winner; drops in grade after good third at Aintree last month; respected.
4	10 4th (10) (3/1 +40%) Just Loose Change	3 3/1(+40%)	(10) Just Loose Change 3/1, C&D winner who arrives on the back of a good second of 11 in handicap at this C&D (good to soft) 25 days ago, despite conceding first run. Up 4 lb but form has been franked so he can go well again. Back in good form when clear second over C&D last month; raised 4lb for that.
5th	3 5th (3) (11/1 -29%) Killaloan	11 11/1(-29%)	(3) Killaloan 11/1, Course winner who was fitted with cheekpieces for 1st time when respectable third of 7 in handicap hurdle at Wincanton (19.8f, soft) 46 days ago. Ought to be in the shake-up. Very respectable third in first-time cheekpieces in November and enters calculations here.
6th	1 6th (1) (22/1 -159%) Galahad Quest	22 22/1(-159%)	(1) Galahad Quest 22/1, Bagged 2½m Warwick handicap but below-par fourth at Kempton (20.5f) when last seen out 9 months ago. Switches to hurdles for his return with his fitness to prove. Won over fences last February; back hurdling for belated seasonal debut.
7th	5 7th (5) (80/1 -264%) Getalead	80 80/1(-264%)	(5) Getalead 80/1, Added to his tally with pair of small-field victories in September 2022 but below that level on 3 of his 4 starts since for Claire Harris. Others appeal more on his return from 10 months off for new stable. On good mark for stable debut but has fitness to prove and seems best on good ground.
8th	12 8th (12) (18/1 -125%) Ask Brewster	18 18/1(-125%)	(12) Ask Brewster 18/1, Won sole start in points and has shown promise when fourth in a pair of maiden hurdles at Chepstow this winter. Has more to offer now going handicapping. Very much one to consider. Fourth in two Chepstow maidens in November; should have more to offer in handicaps.
9th	11 9th (11) (28/1 +0%) Bread And Butter	28 28/1(+0%)	(11) Bread And Butter 28/1, It's now 31 runs since his last win in 2020 and below-par fifth in handicap hurdle at Haydock (18.9f, heavy) 16 days ago. Others are much preferred. Second at Punchestown festival on stable debut last April but has lost his way since.
10th	8 10th (8) (40/1 -122%) Bashful Boy	40 40/1(-122%)	(8) Bashful Boy 40/1, Scored at Newton Abbot in July but only sixth of 11 in handicap hurdle at this C&D (good to soft) 25 days ago. Needs to get back on track. Back on a good mark now but was unable to land a telling blow over C&D last month.
11th	7 11th (7) (9/2 +18%) Zoffee	4.5 9/2(+18%)	(7) Zoffee 9/2, A fairly useful winning hurdler/chaser for Philip Hobbs in 2021. Since shown himself to be a useful stayer on Flat for Hugo Palmer so he's a player for his new yard back in this sphere off a reduced mark. Has run very well in some major Flat handicaps since latest jumps run in 2021; interesting.
2	2 \|PU\| (2) (9/1 +10%) El Rio	9 9/1(+10%)	(2) El Rio 9/1, Lightly-raced winner over hurdles but he resumed with a below form seventh of 13 in novice hurdle at Kempton (21f, good to soft) 56 days ago. Makes handicap debut with plenty to find on form. Quite impressive winner of Ascot maiden last April; makes handicap debut today.

LTO Selection:

15:00 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 19f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.

ZOFFEE makes his first appearance over hurdles since contesting the 2020 Boodles at the Cheltenham Festival when pulled up on that occasion. Since then, the eight-year-old has tried chasing and switched to Hugo Palmer for a spell on the Flat, notably winning the Northumberland Vase and placing in several valuable handicaps, including the Chester Cup. Back over hurdles off a 15lb lower mark for new trainer Olly Murphy, there may well be unfinished business in this sphere and he gets the vote. Vicki Vale is capable of another decent showing based on her efforts this season, while El Rio is worth another chance having disappointed at Kempton in November.

Lots with chances but ZOFFEE, a useful Flat stayer for Hugo Palmer, starts out with Olly Murphy on a reduced mark back hurdling so gets the vote. In-form C&D winner Just Loose Change rates a big threat, with Ask Brewster also well in the mix on his handicap debut. Mr Freedom completes the shortlist.

Handicap debutant EL RIO might have found the good ground too lively last time and is a big player if judged on his stylish Ascot win.

15:00 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 19f PREDICTION SIMULATION

15:30 Taunton Hunter Chase (Class 5) 22f - 11 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	12 1st (12) (6/5 +78%) Regatta De Blanc	1.2 6/5(+78%)	(12) Regatta De Blanc 6/5, Took her point record to 3-3 when taking a Larkhill restricted in November. It'll be very interesting to see what the betting makes of this Will Biddick mare on her Rules debut 3-3 in Larkhill points last year and reportedly held in some regard; rules debut today.
2	2 2nd (2) (66/1 -32%) D'jango	66 66/1(-32%)	(2) D'jango 66/1, More miss than hit over fences since his Lingfield success last February, including back hurdling last twice. Best watched on this first outing for a new yard after leaving David Pipe. Left David Pipe after heavy defeat in low-grade handicap hurdle in October; tough task.
3	1 3rd (1) (9/1 +0%) Bennys King	9 9/1(+0%)	(1) Bennys King 9/1, Reinvigorated by a switch to hunters and fitting of cheekpieces last season, winning twice and fine second in the Aintree Foxhunter (all under Heidi Palin). Ran poorly in a couple of handicaps this winter without cheekpieces but the headgear returns now back in a hunter. Pulled up in two handicaps in the autumn but did well in hunter chases earlier last year.
4	8 4th (8) (50/1 -213%) Lakota Warrior	50 50/1(-213%)	(8) Lakota Warrior 50/1, Hurdle and chase winner during his time with Dan Skelton. In decent form in the pointing field when last seen in the spring but a watching brief is advised back from a break. Came good for this stable in open point last May but others have more pressing claims here.
5th	5 5th (5) (10/3 -67%) Shantou Flyer	3.333333 10/3(-67%)	(5) Shantou Flyer 10/3, Third in the Foxhunter at last year's Cheltenham Festival before notching wins at Exeter in April and Stratford in June. Warmed up for this with a point win 6 weeks ago. A bold bid looks assured. Very long in the tooth now but was still a potent force in hunter chases last year; player.
6th	4 6th (4) (14/1 -320%) Senior Citizen	14 14/1(-320%)	(4) Senior Citizen 14/1, Useful handicap chaser, winning over 3m at Doncaster at a similar time last year. Player if primed for this first outing in 11 months. Very useful handicapper in his prime but has become inconsistent; hard to predict.
11	11 \|PU\| (11) (9/1 -13%) Walkin Out	9 9/1(-13%)	(11) Walkin Out 9/1, Multiple point winner who made it second time lucky in hunters at Cartmel in May. Should be sharper for an outing in a point last month but improvement will be needed to play a leading role here. Wide-margin winner at Cartmel last May but this race is much stronger.
7	7 \|PU\| (7) (15/2 +17%) Yccs Portocervo	7.5 15/2(+17%)	(7) Yccs Portocervo 15/2, Won back to back at Uttoxeter at the beginning of the summer. Last month's Fakenham third was no more than respectable and he has a bit to find with a couple of these. Useful handiapper; didn't run badly before tiring on heavy ground last month; a possible.
9	9 \|PU\| (9) (20/1 -25%) Diligent	20 20/1(-25%)	(9) Diligent 20/1, Multiple winner for Nigel Hawke. Also placed in hunters for this yard last spring but has a 7-month absence to overcome here. Not at best in hunter chases last year and ideally wants good ground.
6	6 \|PU\| (6) (22/1 -300%) The Big Lense	22 22/1(-300%)	(6) The Big Lense 22/1, Back to winning ways in Aintree handicap chase when last seen in June. Should have a part to play if ready to roll after 6 months off. Won Aintree handicap by 8l last June; may not be ideally suited by today's slower ground.
3	3 \|PU\| (3) (100/1 -300%) Great D'ange	100 100/1(-300%)	(3) Great D'ange 100/1, Won 3m Market Rasen handicap chase for Robbie Llewellyn in September. Good second next time but pulled up at Chepstow in October and a remote fourth in a point on last month's stable debut. Low-grade handicap winner in September; made low-key stable debut in a point.

LTO Selection:

15:30 Taunton Hunter Chase (Class 5) 22f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.

BENNYS KING has been struggling in handicaps of late but he showed some high-class form in this sphere last season and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back here. That said, the veteran Shantou Flyer is more than capable of giving the selection plenty to think about, while the unexposed Regatta De Blanc also has to be of interest.

SHANTOU FLYER is 14 now but was still one of the best hunters around last season and a point win this winter suggests there's still plenty of life in his legs. It would be no surprise to see Bennys King leave recent handicap efforts behind now refitted with the cheekpieces he wore to good effect last season and he's second choice ahead of the returning Senior Citizen. Will Biddick's unbeaten pointer Regatta de Blanc is another interesting contender.

The first British hunter chase of the season can go to 14yo SHANTOU FLYER, who was still a very useful tool in this sphere last year.

15:30 Taunton Hunter Chase (Class 5) 22f PREDICTION SIMULATION

16:05 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 16f - 13 Run Class & Speed Card

Info	Form	Odds	Comments
1	4 1st (4) (3/1 -9%) Sawpit Sienna	3 3/1(-9%)	(4) Sawpit Sienna 3/1, Below par first 2 starts of this season but shaped as though back on the right track when fourth here (19f, good to soft) last time and she's now 1 lb lower than when winning this race 12 months ago. Key player. Cosy winner of this race last year (soft) off much the same mark; running into form.
2	6 2nd (6) (13/2 +7%) Selkirk Grace	6.5 13/2(+7%)	(6) Selkirk Grace 13/2, Fair form shown in bumpers and while she hasn't troubled the judge in a trio of starts over hurdles so far, better can be expected now pitched into a handicap. Will be interesting to see what the betting has to say. Has hinted at ability and can expect better now handicapping off a modest mark.
3	1 3rd (1) (17/2 -89%) Ilary de L'Ecu	8.5 17/2(-89%)	(1) Ilary de L'Ecu 17/2, Fair form in pair of French bumpers in 2021 and best form for current yard when fourth in maiden hurdle at Warwick (2m, good to soft) last May. That form has been boosted since and she has to enter calculations now handicapping. Two good efforts from the front last spring but lack of a recent run is not ideal.
4	7 4th (7) (7/2 +71%) Gaia Vallis	3.5 7/2(+71%)	(7) Gaia Vallis 7/2, Went close in 3m mares' handicap here last April but she hasn't matched that level of form in 2 starts since returning from a break in November. Chase/dual hurdle winner; won't mind the conditions but well below best since break.
5th	5 5th (5) (16/1 -60%) Opticality	16 16/1(-60%)	(5) Opticality 16/1, Modest performer on Flat, belatedly off the mark in that sphere on the AW in October. No great impact in 3 starts over hurdles to date, albeit latest fourth in a C&D novice wasn't a bad effort and she may do better now handicapping. Cheekpieces refitted (worn twice on the level). 1m AW winner in October; handles soft but stamina in question; handicap debut.
6th	12 6th (12) (12/1 -71%) Damask	12 12/1(-71%)	(12) Damask 12/1, Has failed to land a meaningful blow in her 7 starts over hurdles but she continues to edge down the weights and could have a part to play here if the addition of cheekpieces helps eke out some improvement. Vulnerable in handicaps so far; continues to drop in the weights; first-time cheekpieces.
7th	3 7th (3) (20/1 -43%) Annie Wicks	20 20/1(-43%)	(3) Annie Wicks 20/1, Modest form in bumpers and failed to beat a rival on her only completed start over hurdles last season. Again struggled on return at Kempton in November and it's easy enough to look elsewhere. Handicap debut. Modest hurdle form but showed ability in bumpers; realistically placed on handicap debut.
8th	10 8th (10) (33/1 -230%) Sevenofus	33 33/1(-230%)	(10) Sevenofus 33/1, Point winner who was placed in a series of handicaps at around 2½m prior to finishing sixth of 16 with first-time cheekpieces enlisted at Chepstow (2m, good to soft). Headgear dispensed with on this debut for new yard and she's not without each-way hope. Bits and pieces of 2m4f handicap hurdle form for N Mulholland; off since late 2022.
9th	2 9th (2) (25/1 -79%) Criquette	25 25/1(-79%)	(2) Criquette 25/1, Irish point winner but yet to better modest form in bumpers/over hurdles and reverts to this sphere on the back of a poor effort on chase debut at Hereford. Now tried in cheekpieces. Achieved very little in handicaps over hurdles and fences; first-time cheekpieces fitted.
10th	13 10th (13) (33/1 +18%) La Referi	33 33/1(+18%)	(13) La Referi 33/1, Achieved very little all 4 starts over hurdles last term and fared no better on her reappearance at Sedgefield in November. Had few chances; two handicap runs suggest she will be out in the cold again.
9	9 \|PU\| (9) (15/2 +25%) Birdhouse	7.5 15/2(+25%)	(9) Birdhouse 15/2, Made second bumper start a winning one at Fakenham last February but lacks the physique and pedigree for jumping and has shown little in a trio of novice hurdles. Big step forward needed now handicapping. Resolute bumper winner on soft; kept low profile over hurdles; surely capable of better.
8	8 \|PU\| (8) (16/1 -33%) Triple Nickle	16 16/1(-33%)	(8) Triple Nickle 16/1, Fair dual-purpose performer on her day but sole success in this sphere was gained back in March 2021 and while she wasn't disgraced when third at Ffos Las last time, that form is nothing to get excited about. Not in much form since returning from absence; slightly better latest; on lowly mark now.
11	11 \|PU\| (11) (28/1 -40%) Boudica Warrior	28 28/1(-40%)	(11) Boudica Warrior 28/1, Fair maiden on the Flat but poor form in this sphere following 5 attempts and she's readily passed over. Maiden; mostly struggled over hurdles and pulled up at Fakenham before Christmas.

LTO Selection:

16:05 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 16f Race Class Flow

The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.

In a moderate event, SAWPIT SIENNA just gets the vote following an encouraging fourth over 2m3f here when last seen in November. Opticality remains unexposed and should not be underestimated in a race of this nature on her handicap bow. Ilary De L'Ecu and Sevenofus both merit a market inspection on their return to action, while Triple Nickle has an each-way chance.

The form of the Warwick maiden in which ILARY DE L'ECU was a good fourth last spring is working out well and she is appealing now venturing down the handicap route. Next on the list is Sawpit Sienna, who landed this race 12 months ago and she shaped as though coming back to the boil here last time. Damask could be a threat if responding well to the new headgear, while handicap-debutantes Opticality and Selkirk Grace are both worth a second look.

Last year's winner SAWPIT SIENNA is running into form but there are a few handicap debutantes who need a look in the market.

16:05 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 16f PREDICTION SIMULATION

Racecard Key

Ths is the racecard key.

Icon	Meaning
	TomForm top stats, gold rated
	TomForm top stats silver rated
	Ran similar race before
S	TomForm fatstest rated speed horse, last time out
T	Top Time speeed rated
	Top Racingpost rated
	At the races watchout for
	At the races top pick
	Top rated for thet statistic

How to use Tomform

Please Watch this short video that will help you learn how to use Tomform.com to filter out the runners and find a winner in each race.

This is the 16:15 Kempton race from the video above backed at 28/1 earlier in the day.

About U.K Horse Racing

Horse racing is a popular and historic sport in the UK, with a tradition dating back centuries. It is a multi-billion pound industry that attracts millions of spectators each year and generates significant economic activity.

There are two main types of horse racing in the UK: flat racing and jump racing. Flat racing is run on a level course and is typically shorter in distance, while jump racing involves horses jumping over obstacles and is generally longer in distance. Both types of racing are popular with spectators and bettors, and they take place at various racetracks throughout the country.

The most famous horse racing event in the UK is the Grand National, which is held annually at Aintree Racecourse in Liverpool. It is a jump racing event that is known for its challenging course and has become a national institution in the UK. Other notable horse racing events in the UK include the Derby, held at Epsom Downs Racecourse in Surrey, and the Royal Ascot, held at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.

Horse racing in the UK is regulated by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA), which sets rules and standards for the industry. It is responsible for the welfare of racehorses and the safety of jockeys and trainers, as well as ensuring fair and transparent racing practices.

In addition to its economic and cultural importance, horse racing in the UK also plays a significant role in the breeding and training of thoroughbred horses. Many of the world's top thoroughbreds are bred and trained in the UK, and the industry plays a vital role in the preservation and promotion of the breed.

Overall, horse racing is an integral part of British culture and a major contributor to the country's economy. It is a thrilling and exciting sport that continues to attract a loyal following and generate significant interest from spectators and bettors around the world.

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