Taunton Races & Results Tomform Wednesday 24th April 2024
There were 51 Races on Wednesday 24th April 2024 across 7 meetings. There was 7 races at Catterick, 7 races at Perth, 8 races at Uttoxeter, 7 races at Gowran Park, 8 races at Ludlow, 7 races at Taunton, 7 races at Bellewstown, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Wednesday 24th April 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(1) Meatloaf 5/2, Dual-bumper winner who overcame greenness to make a successful debut over hurdles in 9-runner novice at Wincanton (15f) in November. Couple of heavy defeats have followed bit this is easier and he's certainly in the right hands. Below par last twice but strong form claims if back to anything like his best.
2
2
2nd (2) (5/1 -67%) Recoup
5
5/1(-67%)
(2) Recoup 5/1, Fairly useful Flat winner in France who made the perfect start to his hurdling career for new yard when taking novice at Ludlow (15.8f) in October. Nowhere near that form at Musselburgh but had a wind operation since and showed a bit more when second at Sedgefield. Up in trip. 1m6f Flat winner; hasn't kicked on from his debut success over hurdles at Ludlow.
3
4
3rd (4) (9/2 -13%) Walks Like The Man
4.5
9/2(-13%)
(4) Walks Like The Man 9/2, Point/bumper winner who got off the mark in this sphere in 7-runner novice at Plumpton (20.5f, soft) in January. Unsuited by a drop back in trip when well-held fourth at Fontwell and he shaped quite well in a strong handicap at Sandown latest. Moved yards. His novice victory at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) is a standout so far over hurdles.
4
5
4th (5) (80/1 -60%) Backinaction
80
80/1(-60%)
(5) Backinaction 80/1, £25,000 6-y-o, Soldier of Fortune gelding. Dam unraced. Got off the mark in Irish points at third attempt in January but sent off a big price and offered little on hurdles bow. Up in trip. Went off 33-1 for hurdle debut at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) and didn't show a lot.
5th
7
5th (7) (20/1 -233%) Dan's Chosen
20
20/1(-233%)
(7) Dan's Chosen 20/1, Triple chase in 2023, jumping fluently for latest of them in October. First hurdle start for 2 years but he's a player on that form. Four chase wins; returns to hurdling over a trip short of his best and looks vulnerable.
6th
8
6th (8) (28/1 -100%) Dasher
28
28/1(-100%)
(8) Dasher 28/1, Showed plenty when placed in a pair of bumpers last season and there were positives to glean from February's belated reappearance/hurdles debut fifth at Chepstow (19.4f, heavy). Failed badly to build on that at Huntingdon, though. Not far away in his two bumpers but needs to leave his hurdling form a long way behind.
7th
6
7th (6) (11/1 -10%) Ballyfinn
11
11/1(-10%)
(6) Ballyfinn 11/1, £65,000 5-y-o, Flemensfirth gelding. Dam unraced out of 2m-2¼m hurdle winner Boro Bow. Runner-up in an Irish point and promising start when fifth in a warm Ascot novice in November. Off 4 months after and disappointed back there in March. Worth another chance. 121 days between his two runs in Ascot maidens in which he was beaten 17l and 32l.
8th
13
8th (13) (200/1 -300%) Sindri
200
200/1(-300%)
(13) Sindri 200/1, Maiden on the Flat and too free both hurdles starts. Limited Flat maiden and has been tailed off in her two runs over hurdles.
9th
10
9th (10) (200/1 +0%) Talap
200
200/1(+0%)
(10) Talap 200/1, Fairly-useful Flat winner for David Pipe but showed nothing both starts over hurdles. Flat winner for David Pipe last year; nowhere in two hurdles for this yard.
11
11
|U| (11) (200/1 -33%) Telenn D'annain
200
200/1(-33%)
(11) Telenn D'annain 200/1, Well beaten in bumpers and fared no better sent hurdling. No worthwhile form in two bumpers and the same again over hurdles.
10th
3
10th (3) (15/8 +32%) Roger Pol
1.875
15/8(+32%)
(3) Roger Pol 15/8, Dual-bumper winner who built on his Newton Abbot hurdle debut second when going one better over 2m at Fakenham at the start of November. Runner-up in Ascot handicap and Leicester novice and probably best to ignore Sandown run (hampered early). Had a blip in the EBF Final; the balance of his form makes him a strong contender.
12
12
|PU| (12) (150/1 -50%) Silver Chord
150
150/1(-50%)
(12) Silver Chord 150/1, Linda's Lad mare. Dam (h74), 17f hurdle winner, half-sister to useful hurdle winner around 2m Tominator. Minor promise in an Exeter bumper in December. Weakened out of it to be beaten a distance in her only bumper when 100-1.
9
9
|RO| (9) (250/1 -25%) Inspector Maigret
250
250/1(-25%)
(9) Inspector Maigret 250/1, Looked limited in bumpers. Tailed off in his two bumpers and can be readily dismissed.
16:42 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class
4) 19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
It looks best to focus on the penalised runners, of which RECOUP shades preference. The son of Sea The Stars was no match for a commanding winner at Sedgefield on his first start following wind surgery in March and this looks a decent opportunity for him to get his head back in front. Both Roger Pol and Walks Like The Man contested the valuable EBF Final at Sandown last time out and must be respected in these calmer waters, while Meatloaf, who sets the standard on official ratings, is also noted.
MEATLOAF, Roger Pol and to a lesser degree, Recoup were all a shade disappointing last time but they are previous hurdles winners and are fancied to bounce back. The Paul Nicholls charge is marginally preferred.
A return to form could be on the cards for ROGER POL, who was always going to be find it hard work in Sandown's EBF Final.
16:42 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class
4) 19f PREDICTION SIMULATION
(5) Malina Jamila 8/1, Bumper/hurdles winner but not the most consistent, typically following a solid fourth at Doncaster with a brace of lesser efforts, albeit she went off too hard over C&D latest. Visor replaces cheekpieces. Capable but becoming hard to trust; much depends on what effect the visor might have.
1
15
1st (15) (33/1 -65%) Harkangel
33
33/1(-65%)
(15) Harkangel 33/1, Some promise when fourth of 14 in a 21f Sedgefield handicap on reappearance in November but comfortably held since. Headgear reached for. Has failed to offer much in five handicaps and was well behind Faha Belle two runs back.
2
11
2nd (11) (14/1 +44%) Summerleaze
14
14/1(+44%)
(11) Summerleaze 14/1, Maiden pointer and modest form at best in her qualifying runs since the turn of the year. No real impact on handicap debut here over 2m and now hiked up in distance. With a pointing background this longer trip could help but she's unconvincing.
3
14
3rd (14) (25/1 -150%) Joyful Kit
25
25/1(-150%)
(14) Joyful Kit 25/1, Long-standing maiden has been finding jumping an issue over fences. Sound-enough efforts back hurdling during the turn of the year and likely to give it another good go. Her Hereford third reads well but this longstanding maiden was probably flattered.
4
3
4th (3) (11/1 -69%) Jersey Gem
11
11/1(-69%)
(3) Jersey Gem 11/1, Showed a bit more than on hurdling debut when ninth of 13 in novice at Market Rasen in November before a heavy defeat at Wincanton a month later. Makes handicap debut up in trip for yard going great guns. Tongue tie also fitted. Could be some improvement lurking now sent into handicaps in a tongue-tie.
5th
8
5th (8) (11/4 +0%) Hazy Dream
2.75
11/4(+0%)
(8) Hazy Dream 11/4, Had a breathing op ahead of return from a year off and she landed a bit of a punt from out of the weights over C&D a fortnight ago. 6 lb higher but she did it easily so the follow up may well be on the cards. Back from an absence and wind surgery to win well over C&D two weeks ago; up 6lb.
6th
9
6th (9) (7/1 +42%) Danzini
7
7/1(+42%)
(9) Danzini 7/1, Won at Southwell in 2022 and back on track with headgear fitted when third twice last summer. Off 8 months and market may guide. Can be quirky but returns fresh and has a big run in her off this mark.
7th
7
7th (7) (66/1 -1000%) Lyla Garrity
66
66/1(-1000%)
(7) Lyla Garrity 66/1, Modest maiden hurdler in Ireland and achieved nothing on British debut 3 weeks ago. Blinkers quickly reached for. 50-1 when pulled up in a Chepstow handicap on stable debut; headgear is soon turned to.
8th
2
8th (2) (8/1 +33%) Faha Belle
8
8/1(+33%)
(2) Faha Belle 8/1, Irish point winner who failed to better modest form in bumpers and novice hurdles. Bit more like it when third upped to 3m on handicap debut at Doncaster in January. 14l fourth on handicap debut; Daire Davis can claim 7lb this time and that will help.
9th
13
9th (13) (14/1 +44%) Baby Sham
14
14/1(+44%)
(13) Baby Sham 14/1, Successful twice during middle part of 2023 but struggled to land a telling blow since. Has slipped back to a good mark following her latest struggles on good to soft.
10th
10
10th (10) (100/1 -100%) Sunshine Girl
100
100/1(-100%)
(10) Sunshine Girl 100/1, Showed improved form stepping up in trip to score at Southwell (24.3f, good to soft) last summer on her final start for Stuart Crawford. Mixed bag in 5 starts for Gary Hanmer, though, and it's easy enough to look elsewhere starting out for another yard. Won a 3m handicap off 2lb higher last summer but mostly well held in the meantime.
11th
12
11th (12) (12/1 -71%) Step It Out Goldie
12
12/1(-71%)
(12) Step It Out Goldie 12/1, Showed ability in Irish bumper last year. Little to shout about in her qualifying runs over hurdles but yard going better now and she's up in distance for this handicap debut. Placed in an Irish bumper; poor in Britain but she's up in distance for her handicap debut.
1
1
|PU| (1) (9/1 -80%) Sailing Grace
9
9/1(-80%)
(1) Sailing Grace 9/1, Made a winning debut at Newton Abbot last season, before still looking in need of the experience when runner-up at Ayr next time. All but came down at the fourth at Hereford on her final outing and may have needed the run on reappearance/handicap debut in March. One to note up in trip. Interesting mark on her juvenile form; heavy ground and an absence excuses last time.
4
4
|PU| (4) (17/2 +29%) Spitfire Girl
8.5
17/2(+29%)
(4) Spitfire Girl 17/2, Ended last season with narrow victory (off 1lb lower) over C&D but been a mixed bag since, going with little fluency when plugging on for fifth in her repeat bid last month. Blinkers replace cheekpieces. C&D winner on a good mark and latest run here was a step in the right direction.
6
6
|PU| (6) (33/1 -106%) Little Talks
33
33/1(-106%)
(6) Little Talks 33/1, Bit more like it when hitting the frame in a brace of 3m handicaps this winter. Held back by a bad mistake at Huntingdon 3 weeks ago and return to this sort of trip will help. Fourth at Doncaster in Jan but hasn't gone on from there in handicaps at 2m7f and 2m4f.
17:15 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Hazy Dream recorded a bloodless success over C&D 13 days ago and merits the utmost respect despite a 6lb hike in the weights, but SAILING GRACE is preferred. Anthony Honeyball's charge looked outpaced over 2m3f at Taunton last time out on her handicap bow, but she looks set to appreciate a step up in trip and appeals as a solid candidate eased 2lb in the handicap. Danzini had been running to a consistent level when last seen in August and she is another to consider.
It might be worth taking a chance on STEP IT OUT GOLDIE, who represents a yard going much better than it was during her qualifying runs and this trip promises to suit now handicapping. Hazy Dream was impressive over C&D a fortnight ago and is the obvious alternative, with Sailing Grace another to consider.
Perhaps SPITFIRE GIRL can return to winning ways after a positive performance here last month on ground that would have been too soft.
(6) Jessie Lightfoot 6/1, Twice a winner over fences and decent efforts in defeat this season, including when third back chasing at Plumpton 2 months ago. Has re-joined this yard having left Evan Williams. Respected/. Has performed okay this season for Evan Williams and this is her sort of race.
2
3
2nd (3) (4/1 -33%) Airtothethrone
4
4/1(-33%)
(3) Airtothethrone 4/1, Won a handicap chase here (23f) last season and plenty of creditable efforts in defeat since, including runner-up back at Taunton (23f) penultimate start. Has to bounce back from a poor run but has dropped to his last winning mark and yard back among winners in recent weeks. Headgear on. Sole win came here and ran well at this track after a wind op; gruelling ground last time.
3
1
3rd (1) (5/2 +72%) Bbold
2.5
5/2(+72%)
(1) Bbold 5/2, Fair chaser nowadays and respectable efforts both starts for this yard after 9 months off, including when third at Wincanton on Sunday. Others look better treated. Ran a respectable race when a 15l third at Wincanton on Sunday.
4
4
4th (4) (9/1 +44%) Head And Heart
9
9/1(+44%)
(4) Head And Heart 9/1, In first-time cheekpieces, doubled her tally at Warwick (25.5f, heavy) in January but ran out next time and pulled up both starts since. Change of headgear now but in danger of going the wrong way. All gone pear shaped since his Warwick win; fair mark should the new blinkers work.
5th
8
5th (8) (8/1 -14%) Kingsmill Gin
8
8/1(-14%)
(8) Kingsmill Gin 8/1, C&D winner who bounced back to her best when scoring at Exeter a year ago. After 8 months off, showed that she retains plenty of enthusiasm when mid-field at Exeter on New Year's Day but struggled there after a further 3 months off 17 days ago. Under these less demanding conditions she should go well if as good as she was.
6th
7
6th (7) (11/1 -47%) Flemen's Tipple
11
11/1(-47%)
(7) Flemen's Tipple 11/1, Runner-up a few times but remains a maiden and last 2 efforts were poor, tried in headgear latest. 0-15; placed form over hurdles but neither chase run was wildly encouraging.
2
2
|PU| (2) (11/1 -83%) Grove Road
11
11/1(-83%)
(2) Grove Road 11/1, Looked a promising stayer in the making when winning a brace of novice hurdles in late 2022. However, hasn't kicked on since and last 3 efforts have been poor. Has form figures of P366 over fences and the placed effort was remote.
9
9
|PU| (9) (11/1 -69%) Shortcross Storm
11
11/1(-69%)
(9) Shortcross Storm 11/1, Scored over fences at Newton Abbot in May but below par next 4 starts, though was a long way out of the handicap when remote second at Fakenham 23 days ago after 7 months off. Only 4 lb out of the weights on this occasion. 4lb wrong and difficult to know what form he's in at the minute.
5
5
|PU| (5) (12/1 +0%) Unblinking
12
12/1(+0%)
(5) Unblinking 12/1, Gained breakthrough over fences at Hereford (25f, good) last season and good runner-up efforts 3 starts this term, though needs to shrug off a poor run at Exeter. Went close over C&D in December and would have found the ground too soft at Exeter.
17:50 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 26f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
This is an open heat in which only a tentative vote can go to KINGSMILL GIN. The 11-year-old has struggled on testing ground recently, but she has been eased in the handicap as a result and, with forecast conditions in her favour today, the veteran could find some form. Jessie Lightfoot continues to run well in defeat and she is unlikely to be far away, while Airtothethrone finds himself on a competitive mark and may improve for the addition of first-time cheekpieces.
AIRTOTHETHRONE disappointed at Chepstow last time but he's back on his last winning mark so could be the answer with his yard in good form. Shortcross Storm hinted at a return to form from a long way out of the handicap at Fakenham on his return so is respected, with Jessie Lightfoot another to consider.
Tim Vaughan's AIRTOTHETHRONE runs this track well and he's readily forgiven his latest remote finish on desperate ground at Chepstow.
(4) Centara 9/4, Useful bumper winner who landed the odds in a 14-runner novice over C&D (good to soft) in December. Has failed to build on that in 2 subsequent starts (both here) but drop back in trip didn't help last time and the addition of a hood could have a positive effect. Cut out quickly the last twice but he's a C&D novice winner and the hood is interesting.
2
3
2nd (3) (10/1 +17%) Fourofakind
10
10/1(+17%)
(3) Fourofakind 10/1, Fairly useful form on the Flat in Ireland and dual hurdle winner for this yard, the second success coming in 19.5f Hereford handicap in February. However, not in anything like the same form on his next 2 starts (tried in blinkers last time) and now has a bit to prove. Capable off this mark but poor the last twice and wears no headgear this time.
3
6
3rd (6) (7/2 +0%) Bread And Butter
3.5
7/2(+0%)
(6) Bread And Butter 7/2, Cracking second in a big-field handicap at the Punchestown Festival on debut for Olly Murphy last April but it's been all downhill since and he needs to bounce back in a major way. Has lost his way since finishing runner-up at last year's Punchestown festival.
4
2
4th (2) (18/1 -80%) Jaramillo
18
18/1(-80%)
(2) Jaramillo 18/1, Unreliable individual who has struggled since opening his hurdles account in a Sedgefield novices' handicap last February. Back down to that winning mark but others preferred all the same. On last winning mark but with some serious questions to answer at the minute.
5th
10
5th (10) (14/1 +65%) Galactic Jack
14
14/1(+65%)
(10) Galactic Jack 14/1, Useful on Flat for Andrew Balding but well below that level over hurdles. Hardly has his tail up going into this handicap debut from 2lb out of the weights.
6th
8
6th (8) (28/1 -40%) Perfect Nelson
28
28/1(-40%)
(8) Perfect Nelson 28/1, Fair form when twice runner-up in bumpers in Ireland for Peter Fahey in May. Hurdles/stable debut sixth at Wincanton in October wasn't devoid of promise but hasn't built on that since and needs to step up a notch of two now pitched into a handicap. Has little to boast about in Britain and trailed Centara by some 20l over C&D.
7th
7
7th (7) (15/2 -67%) Iolaos Du Mou
7.5
15/2(-67%)
(7) Iolaos Du Mou 15/2, Newbury bumper winner early last season and has finished second on 2 of his 4 starts since switched to hurdles, including on return at Fontwell (17.7f, good) in October. However, he was disappointing on handicap debut at Huntingdon later that month and absent since (has undergone a wind op). Twice second before flopping on handicap debut; rested since and given wind surgery.
8th
5
8th (5) (10/3 +17%) Sergeant Wilson
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(5) Sergeant Wilson 10/3, Free-goer who posted a good second at Newbury off a 4 lb higher mark in November. Safely held next 2 starts (both on heavy ground) but it would be no surprise to see this 6-y-o take a step back in the right direction on this quicker surface. Quirky and can race freely, but has the form to feature now he's back on drier ground.
9
9
|PU| (9) (28/1 -12%) Atjima
28
28/1(-12%)
(9) Atjima 28/1, Bumper winner who opened her account over hurdles in a 2½m Ffos Las handicap last spring but she hasn't reproduced form akin to that in 4 subsequent starts. Reluctant to line up on her reappearance and then pulled up next time.
18:25 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
The hat-trick seeking King Of The Road is a must for consideration after two convincing wins at Market Rasen but he does look vulnerable off a 10lb higher mark. With that in mind, CENTARA, who is already a course and distance winner, may be the way to go now he is tried with a hood applied. Open to any amount of improvement on just his second start in a handicap, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding must have every chance back up in trip here. Sergeant Wilson completes the shortlist.
KING OF THE ROAD has shot up the weights following his brace at Market Rasen but it's unlikely that he's done improving yet and the hat-trick beckons for this 5-y-o. Sergeant Wilson needs to bounce back following a couple of rather low-key efforts but he can be expected to do just that now back on better ground and he is second choice ahead of Centara.
A chance is taken on the quirky SERGEANT WILSON, who forever comes with an element of risk but he has a lot in his favour this evening.
(2) Bertie Wooster 8/1, Yet to win but has made the frame on all but 2 of his 10 starts in this sphere. No match for Haiti Couleurs in a Chepstow novice (23.6f, heavy) last time but perhaps this drop back in trip/better ground will help and he's in with a shout. Still a maiden but has run a few good races in handicaps (1m7f-3m1f); thereabouts.
2
8
2nd (8) (13/8 +19%) Swift Hawk
1.625
13/8(+19%)
(8) Swift Hawk 13/8, Fair form on the Flat for William Knight and, having changed hands for 85,000 gns, he made the perfect start for new connections when scoring over 16.5f here in December. Testing conditions were against him at Stratford next time and can get back on track now handicapping on quicker ground. Flat background; impressed here on good to soft; got stuck in the mud at Stratford.
3
6
3rd (6) (8/1 +0%) Bella Civena
8
8/1(+0%)
(6) Bella Civena 8/1, Looked potentially useful when landing an 8-runner Market Rasen junior hurdle (16.6f, heavy) last March but there has been no real progress in 3 subsequent starts. Juvenile hurdle winner; perhaps not suited by heavy ground on handicap debut latest.
4
3
4th (3) (9/1 -64%) Stanley Pincombe
9
9/1(-64%)
(3) Stanley Pincombe 9/1, Consistent sort who resumed winning ways in 9-runner handicap hurdle over 20.5f at Plumpton in November. Followed that with a solid second over this C&D but 3 lb nudge has elevated him to a mark that is probably just beyond his reach. Up another 3lb for latest second of 16 over C&D but he should be thereabouts.
5th
1
5th (1) (50/1 -150%) Behind The Curtain
50
50/1(-150%)
(1) Behind The Curtain 50/1, Fair maiden hurdler in Ireland who, following a couple of no-shows over fences for this yard, belied odds of 50/1 when landing a handicap back in this sphere at Wincanton (21.4f, heavy) last month. However, he ran no sort of a race at Exeter next time. 50-1 winner of a Wincanton handicap; heavy going perhaps a factor in his no-show at Exeter.
6th
9
6th (9) (12/1 -100%) Lifetime Legend
12
12/1(-100%)
(9) Lifetime Legend 12/1, Largely struggled since opening his account at Catterick last February but the handicapper has given him a chance as a consequence and he returned to form when runner-up in a first-time visor (retained) at Huntingdon (20.7f, good to soft). Likely he'll be on the premises. Won off 11lb higher last year and returned to form when second in a visor last month.
7th
7
7th (7) (9/1 -50%) Samazul
9
9/1(-50%)
(7) Samazul 9/1, Bumper winner last season and bettered what he showed on first 2 hurdles starts when fifth in a big-field Newbury novice (16.3f, soft) in January. Perhaps the testing conditions proved his undoing at Southwell following a wind op last month and he's not one to give up on just yet. Fifth in a Newbury maiden; unsuited by tacky surface on handicap debut since then.
8th
5
8th (5) (5/1 +64%) Despereaux
5
5/1(+64%)
(5) Despereaux 5/1, Dual winner last season, including here, and posted of his best effort of the current campaign when fourth in a 6-runner Exeter handicap (18.5f, heavy) recently. Down another 2 lb and won't be without an each-way chance if able to build on that effort in a first-time tongue strap. Could easily stage a revival back on goodish ground and the tongue-tie is new.
9th
10
9th (10) (28/1 +44%) Beau Haze
28
28/1(+44%)
(10) Beau Haze 28/1, Veteran who scored at Chepstow in March 2022 but very lightly raced since and he hasn't cut much ice in 2 starts since returning from a lengthy absence last month. Has been well beneath his winning level in two runs after an absence.
4
4
|PU| (4) (18/1 -80%) Mikhailovich
18
18/1(-80%)
(4) Mikhailovich 18/1, Got off the mark impressively at Huntingdon before posting a good third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (20.6f, good to soft) in November. However, latest effort was rather underwhelming and one or two of these look stronger. On the last time he encountered good ground he won comfortably over this far at Huntingdon.
19:00 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 4)
19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
A winner over the extended 2m4f circuit at Plumpton on his penultimate start, Stanley Pincombe rates a player in this company. However, having been raised 3lb after finishing second over C&D last time, another personal best is required from the Chris Gordon-trained gelding. By contrast, MIKHAILOVICH has been dropped 2lb since his last start and, having won when fresh before, Kim Bailey's gelding is a more intriguing option on his first run since December. Bella Civena and Bertie Wooster are a couple of others to consider.
The most interesting of these by some way is SWIFT HAWK, who got bogged down in the deep ground at Stratford but conditions here will be more suitable and he makes his handicap debut in this sphere on a potentially handy mark. Bertie Wooster and Lifetime Legend can fill the places.
Plenty to consider but DESPEREAUX (nap) has got himself very well handicapped by running below par on testing ground.
(2) American Gerry 9/2, Successful twice over hurdles in 2021/22 who struggled thereafter but showed benefit of recent run/wind op when finishing close-up third over fences at Plumpton (19.7f). Trip might have stretched him here since. Headgear back on. Non-stayer over 2m7f last time and had previously gone close over 2m3f at Plumpton.
2
5
2nd (5) (33/1 -65%) Hobie
33
33/1(-65%)
(5) Hobie 33/1, Irish point winner who stepped up on a low-key hurdles debut when landing a 2m Worcester maiden in May. Ran to a similar level under a penalty at Stratford but has been disappointing since, including over fences. Won a weak Worcester maiden hurdle last summer but fairly forgettable since then.
3
9
3rd (9) (10/1 -11%) Doctor Foley
10
10/1(-11%)
(9) Doctor Foley 10/1, Placed in Irish points and has proved a different proposition sent chasing, landing handicaps at Bangor (24f) and Fontwell (26f). Shaped as if amiss (reported to have made a respiratory noise) on return but fared no better after a wind operation after 4 months off at Southwell. Bit to prove now. Started off 2-2 over fences before losing his way; lightly raced and has time on his side.
4
6
4th (6) (22/1 +33%) Call Off The Dogs
22
22/1(+33%)
(6) Call Off The Dogs 22/1, Career best when winning 5-runner handicap chase at Plumpton (25.7f, good, 6/5) but has shown nothing this season after 2 years off. Looked out of sorts since returning from a long absence and he comes with high risk.
5th
1
5th (1) (4/1 -14%) Imperial Joe
4
4/1(-14%)
(1) Imperial Joe 4/1, Most consistent last term, winning 3 times (twice here). Yet to fully recapture that sort of form this season but he's sliding in the weights and shaped well over an inadequate trip here 6 weeks ago. Player back up in distance. Stays further than this and ran surprisingly well dropped to 2m here the last time.
6th
8
6th (8) (9/2 +10%) Royal Sam
4.5
9/2(+10%)
(8) Royal Sam 9/2, Point winner who showed promise over hurdles last term for Milton Harris. Respectable efforts both starts over fences for this yard this term and remains capable of better in this sphere. Twice second over hurdles; yet to be as good over fences and now returns from wind surgery.
7th
12
7th (12) (18/1 -13%) Elpologreg
18
18/1(-13%)
(12) Elpologreg 18/1, Got off the mark in 5-runner handicap chase at Fakenham (16.3f, soft) but that was a poor contest and he failed to back that up at Plumpton since. Probably flattered by his Fakenham win and then finished last of the five next time out.
8th
3
8th (3) (28/1 -180%) Stopherandgo
28
28/1(-180%)
(3) Stopherandgo 28/1, Just one decent effort over hurdles for this yard this season so bit to prove sent chasing (maiden Irish pointer). Pointing background suggests this switch to fences over further might benefit.
10
10
|B| (10) (10/1 +29%) I Love You Sivola
10
10/1(+29%)
(10) I Love You Sivola 10/1, French recruit who has struggled for current yard, running to a poor level again when finishing a remote second of 2 finishers at Exeter last month. 0-6 in Britain and was beaten 19l by the winner at Exeter last time (2m3f, soft).
7
7
|F| (7) (9/2 +0%) Hard Frost
4.5
9/2(+0%)
(7) Hard Frost 9/2, Found improvement when narrowly landing 9-runner handicap chase here (23f) in December. Not in same form next 2 starts but return to better ground may help. 4th 12 months ago and won back here in Dec; off colour the last twice but could revive.
11
11
|PU| (11) (11/1 -10%) Prince Cleni
11
11/1(-10%)
(11) Prince Cleni 11/1, Little form over hurdles but did well over fences at the start of the summer, second at Uttoxeter then winning at Southwell (both 3m). His 3 runs since then have been disappointing, though. Bounce back needed after 7 months off. Hasn't been running particularly well since successful at Southwell in June.
4
4
|PU| (4) (33/1 -450%) Twoconduit
33
33/1(-450%)
(4) Twoconduit 33/1, Little form for 3 different yards over hurdles. Makes chase debut (won sole outing in points). Modest in Ireland and tailed off in a hurdle on British debut; now tries chasing.
19:35 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 5) 22f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Top-weight IMPERIAL JOE caught the eye when keeping on for third over 2m here last month and the eight-year-old could be primed to regain the winning thread at a track where he won twice last year. Not beaten far at Plumpton on his penultimate outing, American Gerry is capable of a bold showing, while course winner Hard Frost may be suited by dropping back in trip. The booking of Harry Cobden aboard Royal Sam looks significant and he could be thereabouts on his third run for new connections.
IMPERIAL JOE has a good course record and should be suited by this return to further, so gets the vote off a tempting mark. American Gerry and Royal Sam are others to consider.
Returning here has to be a good thing for HARD FROST and he might be able get his season back on track in an open handicap.
(11) Jolyjump 18/1, Kapgarde gelding who looked a shade on the weak side and offered only a modicum of promise in a trio of novice hurdle runs during the winter. In good hands though and market confidence now handicapping/back from 3 months off would look significant. In a good yard and handicaps should see him in a better light; the market can guide.
2
8
2nd (8) (13/2 +35%) Earth Cry
6.5
13/2(+35%)
(8) Earth Cry 13/2, Won both outings in bumpers and encouragement when fourth at Ludlow on first of his 2 starts over hurdles last season. Not scaled same heights in 2 starts upon joining present yard but far too soon to be writing him off and return to forecast quicker ground here a plus. Well treated on his bumper form; hasn't really got anything together so far over hurdles.
3
1
3rd (1) (7/2 +56%) John Betjeman
3.5
7/2(+56%)
(1) John Betjeman 7/2, Likeable type who has steadily eased in the weights and ran well having forced a sound gallop when third at Fontwell (17.7f) 5 days ago, no extra run-in but clear of the remainder. Should give another good account at this shorter trip. Only 3-63 and has never won away from Ffos Las; placed at best more than likely.
4
2
4th (2) (7/2 +42%) Winterwatch
3.5
7/2(+42%)
(2) Winterwatch 7/2, Three-time winner on the Flat and running with holding his form in handicaps in this sphere in recent months, weakening before the last when third over 19f here 4 weeks ago. Possibilities down in grade. Given his Flat ability he's become disappointing over hurdles and he's now 0-10.
5th
5
5th (5) (9/2 +50%) Phoenix Risen
4.5
9/2(+50%)
(5) Phoenix Risen 9/2, Got his act together since the cheekpieces went on, scoring twice over C&D last spring (including this race). Placed twice thereafter and went with plenty of zest for a long way on return from 8 months off at Newbury (16.3f) 33 days ago. Better expected here. Needs to better his Newbury form but that was after a break; goes well here.
6th
4
6th (4) (50/1 +0%) Pak Army
50
50/1(+0%)
(4) Pak Army 50/1, Completed a four-timer from the front (second leg on Flat) when seeing off 6 rivals at Stratford (16.3f) in June. However, failed to complete both starts since returning for new stable this spring. Can only be watched. Won four last year; pulled up in both runs for this yard, the latest here when 150-1.
7th
12
7th (12) (12/1 -50%) Taritino
12
12/1(-50%)
(12) Taritino 12/1, Fair on Flat (stays 1¼m) for Amy Murphy and showed an aptitude for hurdling, his latest C&D fourth in maiden company his best effort yet. Not disgraced back on the Flat at Bath (10f, heavy) latest and less testing ground promises to suit now handicapping with Cobden an eye-catching booking. Flat winner; unexposed hurdler and Cobden a notable booking for handicap debut.
8th
13
8th (13) (18/1 -50%) Universal Secret
18
18/1(-50%)
(13) Universal Secret 18/1, Dual winner at Wincanton early on last year who has largely been struggling for form this season, pulled up on his penultimate run prior to falling 48 days ago (too far out to suggest outcome). Others that bit more persuasive on balance. Potentially well handicapped but hasn't rediscovered his touch this campaign after wind op.
9th
7
9th (7) (18/1 -100%) Ruler Legend
18
18/1(-100%)
(7) Ruler Legend 18/1, Useful winner at 10f on flat who justified cramped odds to make a winning handicap debut in this sphere at Huntingdon (15.8f) in March. Seemed anchored by a 7 lb rise when seventh of 15 at Market Rasen (16.6f) 2 weeks ago, however. Never threatened 14 days ago but had won comfortably at Huntingdon off 7lb lower.
10th
15
10th (15) (33/1 -136%) Eventful
33
33/1(-136%)
(15) Eventful 33/1, Took well to refitted blinkers/back from 5 months off when doubling his tally at Southwell in November 2022. Struggled to make an impact in trio of starts thereafter and the betting may prove a useful guide returning from 11 months off. Well held in three runs last year and she's been a long-time absent.
11th
14
11th (14) (13/2 -30%) Glorious Lion
6.5
13/2(-30%)
(14) Glorious Lion 13/2, Fair maiden on the Flat for James Ferguson and definite encouragement on 2 of his last 3 starts in juvenile hurdles. Probably best to forgive him his latest Haydock run and switch to this sounder surface promises to be in his favour now handicapping. Possible improver on very different ground than he's been running on; handicap debut.
12th
3
12th (3) (33/1 -267%) Gerard Mentor
33
33/1(-267%)
(3) Gerard Mentor 33/1, Three of his 4 career victories have come right handed and he ran well when runner-up at Exeter/Hereford in the autumn. Absent since running below best at first-named venue in November but he has undergone wind surgery ahead of this and cheekpieces now replace blinkers. Back from a break (and wind surgery) on ground he enjoys; competitive mark.
13th
6
13th (6) (40/1 -21%) Eagle Of The Glen
40
40/1(-21%)
(6) Eagle Of The Glen 40/1, Improved when landing a Hexham junior novice on final start of last season and picked up where he left off with a winning reappearance in a Huntingdon novice in October. Never figured in 3 handicaps thereafter and he's since left Stuart Edmunds. Dual winner; down 8lb for three fairly comprehensive failures in handicaps.
14th
16
14th (16) (33/1 -65%) Rock On Tommy
33
33/1(-65%)
(16) Rock On Tommy 33/1, Two-time 2m scorer at Uttoxeter last July but comes here out of sorts, well held following 4 months off when thirteenth of 15 in handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (16.6f, good to soft) 14 days ago. Last year did not end well and was no better back from a break two weeks ago.
15th
9
15th (9) (125/1 -1150%) Always Force It
125
125/1(-1150%)
(9) Always Force It 125/1, Modest form at best over hurdles but shaped well in pair of handicaps at Navan/Downpatrick last summer for Gavin Cromwell. 40/1 offered little on stable debut in a Fontwell maiden (19.2f) in March (first start for 6 months) and this should reveal more. Tongue tie added. Ran okay in Irish handicap hurdles; heavy defeat on British debut was in a maiden.
16th
10
16th (10) (100/1 -300%) Knot On Time
100
100/1(-300%)
(10) Knot On Time 100/1, Fair ex-Irish hurdler/chaser for Paul Nolan who was well held back over hurdles following a monster absence at Warwick in November. Fell/pulled up both outings subsequently and he's tough to assess at present. Best form in 2020; hasn't offered much at all since returning from a long absence.
20:10 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5)
16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
GLORIOUS LION may have disappointed on his most recent effort at Haydock, but he is better judged on his penultimate second at Kelso and a mark of 99 could prove lenient on his handicap debut. Harry Derham's charge gets the vote ahead of the capable Winterwatch and John Betjeman, who has dropped to a mark 5lb below his last success. A winner at Huntingdon on his penultimate outing, Ruler Legend could be a key player in proceedings as well.
One of just two 4-y-o's in this line-up, GLORIOUS LION has offered plenty to work on in juvenile hurdles and, with the switch to a much sounder surface rating a definite plus now his sights are set on handicaps, Harry Denham's charge is fancied to be seen in an even better light. Winterwatch is shaping up well and is feared along with last year's winner Phoenix Risen.
Although handicap debutant GLORIOUS LION handled soft ground on the Flat, these conditions could make a big difference over hurdles.
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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