There were 20 Races on Wednesday 8th January 2025 across 3 meetings. There was 6 races at Taunton, 7 races at Newcastle, 7 races at Kempton, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
Class & Speed Card

FRENCH SHIP sets a high standard as he beat a useful rival at Chepstow in November before finishing fourth to the subsequent Grade 1 winner The New Lion at Newbury later that month. A reproduction of either of those efforts would make him hard to beat, despite a 7lb penalty. The Final Word and Kykorock both disappointed in bumpers but are point-to-point winners and it is far too soon to be writing them off, while I Ain't Your Mate is a noteworthy Rules debutant.

FRENCH SHIP continued his good start over hurdles when making the frame behind a top-class prospect at Newbury on his latest outing and he looks to have leading claims of recording a second win in this sphere. Thistle Be The One stepped forward from his hurdling debut when runner-up last time and could be the main danger, ahead of The Final Word.

The vote goes to FRENCH SHIP, who wasn't beaten far behind The New Lion at Newbury and sets a good standard back in much calmer waters.
Class & Speed Card

Having shown very little on her debut for Jim Goldie, DANDY MAGIC was a surprise winner of a handicap over 6f here in November. However, the way she travelled through that race was very encouraging and she may have plenty more to offer in this sphere. A 7lb higher mark obviously makes this tougher and opens the door for the likes of Oakley Boy and Star Chorus to pounce if she shows any weakness.

OAKLEY BOY has shown improved form fitted with a visor on his last 2 starts, bumping into one who scored again next time at Wolverhampton on his latest outing, so he is taken to resume winning ways returned to 5f. Dandy Magic left behind her stable debut effort with a ready success here last time and is respected, with Star Chorus also one to note.

Assuming she copes with the drop back to 5f, DANDY MAGIC (nap) holds particularly strong claims. Oakley Boy is second choice.
Class & Speed Card

HIGH FIBRE was useful on the Flat and displayed plenty of promise when filling third place on his hurdling debut at Wincanton in October. With the benefit of that experience, the six-year-old tops the shortlist, although The Hardest Geezer also brings solid form to the table and should not be discounted. Strolling Along was not beaten far in a Carlisle bumper on his racecourse bow and is another to note.

5-y-o mare EPINEPHRINE was far from disgraced on the back of a 14-month absence when fourth in a listed novice at Sandown on debut for Venetia Williams 32 days ago and, appealing as the type to do better with that under her belt, she could be the way to go. High Fibre and The Hardest Geezer should progress further also and are feared, as is hurdles debutant Strolling Along.

The pick of those with hurdles form looks to be EPINEPHRINE from High Fibre. Also considered are Saccary and Strolling Along
Class & Speed Card

Neither HUMBLE SPARK (winner) nor Percy Willis (fifth) got a clear run when they encountered each other in a similar event over 1m2f here just after Christmas. That said, the former ran on strongly when the gaps appeared and appeals bidding to back up that hard-fought success off just 2lb higher. The class-dropping Illucidate still has low milage and, having show some improvement back on the Flat at Kempton last month, can give the selection the most to think about this time.

HUMBLE SPARK showed a superb turn of foot to get himself out of trouble here 11 days ago and remains of strong interest up 2 lb in what is likely to be another tactical affair. Percy Willis was a good second here last week and is the obvious threat.

Judged on recent form and other factors, the strongest contenders are PERCY WILLIS (narrowly preferred) and Humble Spark.
Class & Speed Card

TORNEO was second to a very well-handicapped rival, who has won again since, over 2m at Hereford a month ago and the five-year-old has to be of interest off just a 1lb higher mark. Largy Force is a consistent performer who is likely to be in the mix once again following her encouraging chase debut last month. Others to consider are Commanding View and It's Easy.

TORNEO has shaped well when runner-up in similar contests the last twice and is narrowly preferred to Largy Force, who made a promising start to her chase career at Hereford but may not really come into her own over fences until faced with stiffer tests of stamina than this. Harry Derham's Any Biscuits should also have a part to play if taking to fences at the first time of asking.

Low-mileage mare LARGY FORCE kept on for a creditable third on her seasonal/chase debut at Hereford last month and has potential.
Class & Speed Card

FIREBLADE was a well-backed favourite when he made his Tapeta debut over C&D last month. Although the son of Frankel came up short when third that day, it was still an encouraging enough display to suggest he could be hard to beat. Currently rated 88, Northern Ruler sets a fair standard and is an obvious threat on these terms, despite stepping up in trip. Similar comments apply to the penalised Royal Approval, who was a game winner over 1m2f here last month.

NORTHERN RULER wasn't seen to best effect when backed as if defeat was out of the question at Lingfield and has to be worth another chance stepped up in trip for his in-form new yard. Royal Approval and Fireblade can follow him home.

Another chance is given to NORTHERN RULER. The chief dangers are Royal Approval and Fireblade.
Class & Speed Card

Paul Nicholls has won two of the last three editions of this race and can add to the tally with the in-form SORCELEUR. Having made all to win novice hurdles at Exeter and Wincanton in quick succession in November, the five-year-old debuts in a handicap off a workable mark and could take some stopping if the longer trip doesn't catch him out. Tom Doniphon is feared most as he escapes a penalty for last week's C&D success in a conditional riders' event. Fellow last-time-out winner Coastal Rock completes the shortlist.

TOM DONIPHON and Sorceleur stand out. The former saw off a couple of in-form rivals in comfortable fashion on his handicap debut over C&D last week and gets the nod to go in again given he escapes a penalty for that success. The latter has been handed a stiff-looking mark but remains with lots of potential.

Having won off this mark over C&D nine days ago, TOM DONIPHON has earned the vote. Sorceleur and Coastal Rock could be dangers.
Class & Speed Card

PARISIAC bounced back to form when second over C&D 11 days ago and the six-year-old merits plenty of respect off just a 1lb higher mark here. That said, the veteran Mondammej is an obvious threat to the selection given his form in recent months, while Dark Kestrel edges out Our Absent Friends and Strong Johnson to be best of the rest.

MONDAMMEJ shaped as if still in good form when second here last time and remains of interest back at his best trip. His stablemate Dark Kestrel is a potential threat if getting the breaks, while Al Farabi should have more to offer for his current yard.

Being unexposed over 5f, AL FARABI could well build on his latest effort. Mondammej is second choice.
Class & Speed Card

Frere d'Armes goes well for Heidi Palin and is a must for consideration on his debut in this grade. However, JOKER DE MAI is a more intriguing option back over fences for the first time since he landed a brace of victories in France before joining his current yard. Useful over hurdles since, this could be a profitable move for Harry Derham's six-year-old. Angels Breath and Rewritetherules complete the shortlist.

FRERE D'ARMES seemed suited by the switch to front-running tactics at Fakenham and a reproduction of that form may well be good enough. Joker de Mai and Angels Breath are others to consider.

The ex-French 6yo JOKER DE MAI brings the potential to win this, while Angels Breath sets the standard judged on form last season.
Class & Speed Card

Only a short head separated Sandret (winner) and Powerful Response (second) over C&D recently and both have to be respected once again. That said, preference is for KALIKAPOUR, who beat a subsequent winner at Southwell last month and a 3lb rise for that success may underestimated Roger Fell's gelding. Annandale should have no problem with this drop in trip and is another to consider.

KALIKAPOUR ended his losing run when winning at Southwell under this rider last month and a 3 lb rise doesn't look insurmountable. There was little between Sandret and Powerful Response when first and second over C&D 11 days ago and they head the dangers.

The suggestion is PARISH COUNCILLOR, ahead of Burglar's Dream. There's little between Sandret and Powerful Response.
Class & Speed Card

This course brings the best out from SAWPIT SIENNA, who has won the last two renewals of this race and must have a decent chance of completing the hat-trick off 1lb lower than 12 months ago. This is a stronger edition, however, and the in-form Lady Caro and Getmetothemoon are capable of making this a good test. The former is a likely pace angle and looks the chief threat on the back of a near miss off 2lb lower at Hereford last month.

Dan Skelton juvenile FLOWERING looks on a workable opening hurdle mark and is taken to deny Sawpit Sienna a hat-trick in this race. Ironed Out is also respected on the back of her Fakenham near miss.

Most have to be considered each-way but SAWPIT SIENNA (nap) is handicapped to win this race for the third year in a row.
Class & Speed Card

The hat-trick seeking King's School scored a shade cosily over C&D 11 days ago and a 3lb nudge up in the ratings is unlikely to prevent the four-year-old from giving another good account. That said, this looks slightly more competitive and last month's track-and-trip runner-up ALREET CHA may prove to be slightly better handicapped. Red Maids finished ahead of the selection that day, but her subsequent exploits now see her racing off an 8lb higher mark.

KING'S SCHOOL is steadily progressive so there's every chance he can complete the hat-trick. His old adversaries Red Maids and William Dewhirst, who both had their winning runs ended by the selection, head the dangers.

Several runners tie in with each other on recent C&D form. KING'S SCHOOL is preferred, ahead of William Dewhirst.
Class & Speed Card

Having looked an unlucky loser when denied a clear run and finishing a close-up second over a mile here recently, compensation could be in the offing for WYVERN. The Patrick Morris-trained gelding ticks plenty of the right boxes off just a 1lb higher mark and he is taken to repel chief threat Rebecca's Girl. The five-year-old has posted two creditable efforts in defeat since her C&D victory in December and she isn't taken lightly. Drafted and Lahab also warrant a second look.

REBECCA'S GIRL did best of those ridden close up on her most recent outing over C&D last month and appeals as the type to win more races this winter on that evidence, so she earns the vote. Lahab and Wyvern are a couple of others that have been shaping up well lately and warrant plenty of respect in what looks a good race for the grade.

An open race in which DRAFTED gets the vote ahead of Wyvern and Rebecca's Girl.
Class & Speed Card

LARGO BAY had been performing with credit in handicaps when last seen and with no doubts regarding stamina, the seven-year-old ought to go very close dropped into classified company. Disquietude has work to do on the official figures. However, she kept on for second in a similar event over an extended 1m1f at Wolverhampton recently and a further step up in trip could unlock some improvement. Galactic Glow is noted too.

LARGO BAY started 2024 with a win and may be able to repeat the feat in 2025. The way Disquietude finished off for second at Wolverhampton on Saturday suggests this step back up in trip could suit and she's feared most. Gentle Fire could also have a part to play if first-time cheekpieces help her to recapture the form she showed when runner-up at Wolverhampton last spring.

This return to Polytrack will suit class-dropper LARGO BAY, and he gets the vote in the hope he's fully tuned up after his break.
Class & Speed Card

TRANSPARENT shaped with considerable promise amidst greenness on his racecourse bow over this C&D in October. The Mehmas colt, who finished second that day, should have learned plenty and it would come as no surprise were he to put that previous experience to good use. Golden Thorn weakened into second late on over the mile here last month but she will be looking to lead once more and could sustain that finishing kick now dropped in trip. Newcomer Bozeman must be of interest too.

TRANSPARENT looks the one after his promising debut over C&D in the autumn. Ralph Beckett newcomer Bozeman would be a potential big threat if the betting speaks for him. Vocal Legend and Golden Thorn showed enough last time to suggest they should be on the premises.

The filly GOLDEN THORN showed pace when runner-up over 1m here on her second start and is taken to go one better now back down in trip.
Class & Speed Card

Sixth in a warm York novice on her debut in May last year, BLUE EMPRESS took a step forward to fill the runner-up spot at Newcastle following a 195-day absence last month. Further progress appears likely for the daughter of Blue Point and she can strike at the third time of asking. Desert Champion looked a winner in waiting when finishing third at Southwell recently and is a likely threat, while New Charter could also have a say.

DESERT CHAMPION went like the best horse at the weights before ultimately finding residual greenness just catching him out when a close third at Southwell 3 weeks ago and, remaining capable of better, he's fancied to confirm the promise of that effort and come out on top. Megaphone, on debut for George Boughey, and appealing newcomer Berkshire Whisper are others to note.

Having shown promise in a hot novice on his sole 2yo run, MEGAPHONE earns the vote ahead of 110,000gns newcomer Berkshire Whisper.
Class & Speed Card

A competitive affair in which GRENHAM BAY gets a tentative vote. He overcame a tardy start to score cosily over C&D last month and the suspicion is that a 4lb rise may underestimate him. Gundogan shaped better than the bare result suggests when a staying-on fifth over this trip at Wolverhampton last time out and he commands respect off 1lb lower. Big R was too keen when fifth behind the selection latest but, eased 1lb, he could get closer.

GRENHAM BAY responded well to the application of first-time blinkers and ultimately scored a shade readily when taking a C&D handicap 21 days ago. A 4 lb rise should see him firmly in the mix once more and he's given the nod in the hope this headgear works as well a second time. Tyger Bay, Hierarchy and Runaround Sioux head up the dangers.

The pick is RUNAROUND SIOUX, who looked unlucky on her last two 6f starts and was stretched by 7f when again running well last time.
Class & Speed Card

Profitman showed a willing attitude when first past the post over a mile at Southwell recently and, despite being placed second that day, another bold bid would come as no surprise. That said, DRUMSTICK gets the nod. John Gallagher's charge caught the eye when finishing a staying-on fourth after not enjoying a clear passage over C&D on his penultimate start and he shaped as if he was still in good form when third over the same trip at Newcastle latest. Beauty Generation looks the pick of the remainder.

MONOPOLISE looks the solid one here after a string of good efforts in 2024. Drumstick is less exposed than a lot of these and his last 2 efforts show he can be very competitive from his mark on AW. Profitman and Saturnalia complete the shortlist.

Preference is for SATURNALIA, who is on a dangerous mark and didn't get any luck at Lingfield last week.
Class & Speed Card

Hippocratic Oath scored in three of his four outings in nursery company and a 3lb rise in the ratings for his latest victory at Wolverhampton shouldn't prevent another bold bid. However, there are some unexposed rivals in here and BECCALI may prove to be the better handicapped of the pair. Charlie Appleby's gelding had a subsequent winner behind in third when making a winning nursery debut at Dunstall Park last month and a 6lb higher mark looks workable. Molveno must also be respected.

BECCALI continued his theme of race-by-race progress when opening his account on nursery debut at Wolverhampton (7f) 23 days ago and with this further step up in trip expected to hold no fears, he looks a big player in his follow-up bid. Fellow last-time-out winner Hippocratic Oath, who is 3 from 4 in handicaps, rates the chief danger.

The vote goes to BECCALI (nap), who won on his handicap debut at Wolverhampton and is open to more progress on this step up to 1m.
Class & Speed Card

Having finished a respectable third in the class 2 London Stayers' Series final over C&D last month, ZORAN makes grand appeal dropping into class 4 company. Emma Lavelle's inmate races off an unchanged mark and he should go very close. Handicap debutant Jack McNamara is open to improvement up in distance and he may serve the most resistance to the selection, ahead of Poncho, who is likely to appreciate a return to the Flat.

HAALAND shaped well on the back of an 11-month absence and was unlucky not to finish closer when fifth over shorter at Wolverhampton 12 days ago. He could well be worth siding with to confirm the promise of that run turned out quickly. Zoran boasts a good record here and is feared, as is handicap-debutant Jack McNamara and Francesco Baracca.

Having been denied a clear run when a close fifth on his recent comeback at Wolverhampton, HAALAND gets the nod ahead of Zoran.
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 |
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.
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.