Taunton Races & Results Tomform Thursday 12th December 2024
There were 33 Races on Thursday 12th December 2024 across 4 meetings. There was 9 races at Newcastle, 8 races at Warwick, 7 races at Taunton, 9 races at Chelmsford-City, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner.
Races & Results Thursday 12th December 2024
The data in the racecards below is for the past year. View the racecard key.
(5) El Vigaro 11/2, Lightly-raced 5-y-o who is very going the right way at this modest level, supplementing his Uttoxeter win at Ludlow (length too strong for Badlands Boy) 17 days ago. Up further 6 lb but has to be of serious interest in his hat-trick bid with good-value conditional booked. Bids for a hat-trick; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off useful 5lb.
8
2nd (8) (6/1 +40%) Getmetothemoon
6
6/1(+40%)
(8) Getmetothemoon 6/1, Justified support in 12-runner handicap hurdle at Stratford following a short break in June and backed that up with a good third at Newton Abbot a fortnight later. Still to be asked for her effort when falling 3 out back at former track but failed to justify favouritism at here (19f) 3 weeks ago. Off the mark in June; ran creditably at this track most recently; solid contender.
7
3rd (7) (5/4 +72%) Kotari
1.25
5/4(+72%)
(7) Kotari 5/4, Looked a work-in-progress over hurdles last season but fairly useful form when racking up a hat-trick on the Flat during the spring. Fit from that code and this mark could be very lenient. Fairly useful on Flat this year; very attractively treated back over hurdles; respected.
14
4th (14) (9/1 +73%) Mini Yeats
9
9/1(+73%)
(14) Mini Yeats 9/1, Remains winless and didn't show much starting out for this yard at Uttoxeter in October, jumping none too fluently. Looks exposed as a modest maiden; opposed.
4
5th (4) (40/1 -100%) As Fast As Wind
40
40/1(-100%)
(4) As Fast As Wind 40/1, Fair maiden at best on the Flat in Ireland (stays 1½m) and caught the eye making late gains from an unpromising position sent hurdling after 8 weeks off at Exeter in October. Unable to make much of an impact both starts since but handicaps much more suitable. Has failed to get competitive since hurdling but may do better now handicapping.
2
6th (2) (12/1 -50%) Taritino
12
12/1(-50%)
(2) Taritino 12/1, Fair on Flat for Amy Murphy and showed an aptitude for hurdling for this yard last season. Since racked up a hat-trick back on the level so has to be of interest returning from 88 days off over timber. Good chance off current mark provided best Flat form is transferred back to hurdles.
6
7th (6) (66/1 -164%) Basilette
66
66/1(-164%)
(6) Basilette 66/1, Doyen filly who made a winning bumper debut in summer 2023. Had plenty of exposure on the Flat after that without success and has looked far from straightforward in her qualifying runs over hurdles. Bumper winner who could go well off this mark on handicap hurdle debut.
12
8th (12) (50/1 +24%) Basman Palace
50
50/1(+24%)
(12) Basman Palace 50/1, Hit the frame a couple of times last season but little to shout about in handicaps. Two duck eggs this term; doesn't look set to shed maiden tag.
11
9th (11) (125/1 -150%) Zufal
125
125/1(-150%)
(11) Zufal 125/1, Showed first form when fourth of 12 in a novice hurdle here in May but no impact since, unseating rider on return to action in August. Has weak claims on form.
3
|U| (3) (12/1 +25%) Siam Park
12
12/1(+25%)
(3) Siam Park 12/1, Made the frame in maiden hurdles at Wincanton first 2 starts under Rules but hasn't progressed since. often compromising his chance by keenness. Interesting off reduced mark back in a handicap, with improvement still possible.
9
10th (9) (16/1 -100%) Card Dealer
16
16/1(-100%)
(9) Card Dealer 16/1, Placed both starts between the flags and shaped well on Rules debut in an Ascot bumper back in 2021. However, didn't show much switched to hurdles during second half of 2021/22 campaign and understandably shaped as though needing the run on handicap debut following 33 months off here in November. Shaped better than bare result on reappearance; well treated on bumper form.
10
11th (10) (20/1 -43%) Badlands Boy
20
20/1(-43%)
(10) Badlands Boy 20/1, Improved for fitting of cheekpieces when second of 7 to EL VIgaro at Ludlow 17 days ago, Task is to now back that up. Ran well in first-time cheekpieces at Ludlow, finishing 1l second to El Vigaro.
1
12th (1) (11/1 +31%) Impecunious
11
11/1(+31%)
(1) Impecunious 11/1, Has shown a fair level of form at best over hurdles but doesn't look the most straightforward and handicap efforts this autumn hardly mark her down as well treated. No progress in two handicaps; needs to raise his game to defy top weight.
12:35 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
El Vigaro supplemented his breakthrough Uttoxeter victory when following up at Ludlow at the chief expense of Badlands Boy and is an obvious contender, despite going up another 6lb. Mill Street's three-year-old allowance brings him right into the reckoning and he arrives on the back of a confidence-boosting Sedgefield triumph. Getmetothemoon will likely have her supporters again, but a chance is taken that KOTARI can finally put it all together over hurdles because he is really well handicapped if he does.
This looks a strong race for the grade with KOTARI and Taritino of particular interest having displayed improved Flat form since last contesting a race over hurdles. Preference is for the former with fitness on his side. Of the rest, Mill Street makes a quick switch to handicaps from juvenile company and he's a player with his weight-for-age and excellent rider's claim thrown in, too.
Off a very attractive mark back over hurdles, KOTARI looks particularly interesting. Mill Street is second choice.
(2) Tashan 11/8, Only narrowly failed to make a winning debut in 5-runner juvenile hurdle at Hereford in October for John Butler and he built on that when running down Denzil at Warwick 3 weeks ago. Penalty to carry this time but there shouldn't be much between the pair again. Worse off with Denzil on Warwick form but is open to further progress; respected.
1
2nd (1) (11/10 +27%) Denzil
1.1
11/10(+27%)
(1) Denzil 11/10, Landed weak 3-runner race at Stratford on debut in October. Disappointed pitched into the listed Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle at Wetherby last month but back on track eased in class 3 weeks later when 1¼ lengths second of 7 to Tashan at Warwick. Now 7 lb better off with that rival. Clear second behind Tashan on worse terms at Warwick last time; leading player.
4
3rd (4) (100/1 -203%) For You Buzz
100
100/1(-203%)
(4) For You Buzz 100/1, Workforce gelding. Dam unraced half-sister to smart hurdler/high-class chaser (stayed 21f) Felix Yonger. Unseated rider early on debut at Wetherby and never really a factor a month ago. One for the longer term. Hampered and unseated rider early at Wetherby then never figured at Bangor.
5
4th (5) (5/1 -43%) Good For You
5
5/1(-43%)
(5) Good For You 5/1, Manatee gelding. Half-brother to fairly useful hurdler Officieux and fairly useful 17f hurdle/chase winner in France Moosetache. Newcomer for yard more than capable of getting one ready. Half-brother to two winners; represents last year's winning yard; interesting newcomer.
6
5th (6) (66/1 0%) Jackson's Bay
66
66/1(0%)
(6) Jackson's Bay 66/1, €4,000 3-y-o, Joshua Tree gelding. Closely related to fairly useful hurdler/chaser My Manekineko, stayed 3¼m, and half-brother to 6 winners, including smart hurdler Marsh Warbler. Finished a long way behind Tashan and Denzil on debut at Warwick. Long way behind two of these rivals at Warwick for an inauspicious debut.
3
6th (3) (28/1 -40%) Crest Of Honour
28
28/1(-40%)
(3) Crest Of Honour 28/1, Failed to justify market position starting out at Hereford in October (Tashan second) and ran even worse at Wincanton after. Disappointing favourite at Hereford then failed to complete at Wincanton.
13:05 Taunton Conditions Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
Tashan changed hands after his Hereford near-miss on debut and made an immediate return on the investment when accounting for DENZIL at Warwick. The runner-up is 7lb better off as he attempts to make up a length-and-a-quarter deficit, though, and is fancied to gain his revenge. Crest Of Honour was a disappointing favourite in that aforementioned Hereford contest and then pulled up at Wincanton. With that mind, his stable companion Good For You might be the pick of the remainder.
DENZIL was worn down by Tashan when the pair clashed at Warwick 3 weeks ago but they race off level-weights this time (with a 7 lb conditional rider also booked) and that may enable Dan Skelton's charge to come out on top this time. Good For You represents a stable with a good record first-time-out over hurdles so he needs a market check.
Armed with a 7lb pull and Harry Atkins claiming the same amount, DENZIL could well reverse Warwick placings with Tashan.
(2) Alexei 4/7, Fairly useful 4-time winner on Flat in Germany (stays 1½m) and created a good impression when making a successful hurdling debut in 4-runner novice at this course (19f) 4 weeks ago. Sure to progress and looks capable of defying a penalty. Progressive on Flat in Germany; won easily at this course on hurdles debut; respected.
9
2nd (9) (9/1 -13%) Thistle Be The One
9
9/1(-13%)
(9) Thistle Be The One 9/1, Useful in bumpers, winning on debut at Kempton before an excellent second at Ayr. However, lacks scope and proved a let-down switched to hurdles when fifth of 15 at Kempton 17 days ago. Should be capable of better. Bit disappointing on hurdles debut but remains of interest judged on bumper form.
11
3rd (11) (15/2 +17%) Tuxedo Junction
7.5
15/2(+17%)
(11) Tuxedo Junction 15/2, Fairly useful Flat performer for James Fanshawe and has a promising start over hurdles, building on debut promise when second of 16 in a Wincanton novice (15.2f) just over 6 weeks ago. Tongue strap on for 1st time. Open to further progress. Fairly useful on Flat; respectable second at Wincanton on latest hurdles start; in the mix.
3
4th (3) (16/5 -71%) Byzantium
3.2
16/5(-71%)
(3) Byzantium 16/5, Won on his only Flat start in France in autumn 2023 and has found only one too good both starts over hurdles 9 months apart, shaping as if need of the run at Chepstow (2m) latest. Remains capable of better. Flat winner in France; runner-up in both attempts over hurdles; one of the main players.
14
5th (14) (66/1 -32%) Don't Tell Rosie
66
66/1(-32%)
(14) Don't Tell Rosie 66/1, Wll held only outing on Flat for Daniel & Claire Kubler back in late 2022. Can only be watched on this switch to hurdling. Absent since well beaten in Flat event over two years ago (sole start).
4
6th (4) (12/1 0%) Chedington's Guest
12
12/1(0%)
(4) Chedington's Guest 12/1, Improved under a change of tactics when third of 8 in bumper (22/1) at this C&D (soft), having run of race. Off 8 months. Makes hurdles debut. 0-3 in bumpers but finished a solid third at this venue the final time; possibilities.
13
7th (13) (25/1 +24%) Calli Black
25
25/1(+24%)
(13) Calli Black 25/1, Winner of her sole completed start in points and placed in a couple of bumpers. Upped to 21f for hurdles debut and proved too free to last out at Warwick in October. Tongue tie on. Open to improvement. Chance depends on whether she improves for application of tongue-tie.
5
8th (5) (250/1 -525%) Clever Relation
250
250/1(-525%)
(5) Clever Relation 250/1, Fair on Flat (stays 1¾m), won seller in August, tailed off in handicap last time. Sold from Hughie Morrison's yard for just 4,000 gns. Record of 2-8 on Flat for Hughie Morrison; sold for 4,000gns since last run.
7
9th (7) (250/1 -150%) Staff Sergeant Len
250
250/1(-150%)
(7) Staff Sergeant Len 250/1, Fair form standout effort in bumpers but has been tailed off both starts over hurdles. Has failed to beat a rival in both attempts over hurdles.
10
|U| (10) (150/1 -127%) Torre Del Oro
150
150/1(-127%)
(10) Torre Del Oro 150/1, Formerly fairly useful up to 1½m for Andrew Balding but has offered little both starts over hurdles. Form for current yard leaves a lot to be desired.
8
10th (8) (150/1 -355%) Steel Dancer
150
150/1(-355%)
(8) Steel Dancer 150/1, Made an unpromising start to his career when sixth of 10 in bumper at Wincanton (15.2f, good) on NH debut. Off 7 months. Makes hurdles debut. Only sixth in spring bumper at Wincanton; in good hands and may improve.
6
11th (6) (150/1 -50%) D'gesteevo
150
150/1(-50%)
(6) D'gesteevo 150/1, Well beaten in bumpers but hinted at ability for the first time fitted with cheekpieces when seventh of 13 in novice hurdle at this C&D (good to soft) 14 days ago. Needs another run for a mark. Midfield over C&D two weeks ago; needs improvement.
12
|PU| (12) (250/1 -25%) Youm Jameel
250
250/1(-25%)
(12) Youm Jameel 250/1, Half-brother to smart hurdler Saglawy (2m winner, by Youmzain). Showed fair form when fourth on second of 3 starts in minor events on Flat but it's a little concerning he broke a blood vessel last time. Makes hurdle/stable bow. Modest form at best on Flat; stable/hurdles debut.
13:35 Taunton Maiden Hurdle (Class 4) 16f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
BYZANTIUM has been turned over at short odds in his two starts since arriving from France, but drying ground should enable him to show his true colours and he can make amends. German import Alexei struck at the first time of asking over obstacles over 2m3f here and while he probably didn't beat much, he is a serious contender. Thistle Be The One, Tuxedo Junction and Chedington's Guest all warrant consideration, while Pigeon House comes right into the mix if turning up after Wednesday's Hereford second.
It was a thin maiden ALEXEI won here last month, but he couldn't have done it any easier and, with the drop in trip holding no fears, he's fancied to defy a penalty en route to better things. Tuxedo Junction and Pigeon House are fancied to give the selection most to think about.
Promising ALEXEI is taken to defy a penalty and follow up his course success. Byzantium is second choice.
(4) De Tellers Fortune 8/1, Off the mark at the third attempt over hurdles in Ffos Las maiden in May. Opening mark looks high enough on what he has achieved but he's likely to make a better chaser (won sole start in Irish points). Form of his Irish point win has substance; attractively treated off his opening mark.
10
2nd (10) (10/1 +0%) Langley Hundred
10
10/1(+0%)
(10) Langley Hundred 10/1, Bounced back to capitalise on a reduced mark and end a losing run at Hereford last time, always doing enough. Remains feasibly treated if he turns up in the same form. Exposed sort who looks unlikely to follow up his Hereford win; this is harder.
2
3rd (2) (4/1 -20%) Law Of Supply
4
4/1(-20%)
(2) Law Of Supply 4/1, Winning pointer who left hurdles form behind when successful on chase/handicap debut at Worcester on return and improved again when following up at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Should make a bold bid for the hat-trick. 2-2 since switched to chasing and handicap level, the latest win at Ascot; big player.
8
4th (8) (9/1 +44%) Tout Sur Moi
9
9/1(+44%)
(8) Tout Sur Moi 9/1, Showed promise in bumpers and similar story in trio of maiden hurdles earlier this year. However, turned over when odds on for a 4-runner novice here (19f, good) 4 weeks ago and needs to improve now tackling the larger obstacles. Maiden who needs improvement for the new trip and switch to fences.
1
5th (1) (3/1 +25%) Florencethemachine
3
3/1(+25%)
(1) Florencethemachine 3/1, Winning pointer who scored twice over hurdles last season. Confirmed chase debut promise when winning 3-runner handicap at Exeter and remains with potential as a chaser. Made all for easy win at Exeter last time; respected, with further progress plausible.
6
6th (6) (15/2 +46%) Bertie Wooster
7.5
15/2(+46%)
(6) Bertie Wooster 15/2, Gained reward for consistency over hurdles when opening his account in handicap at Taunton (19f, good) in April. Ran respectably after 6 months off when mid-field at Newton Abbot but was below par on chase bow at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Well held at Ascot (race won by Law Of Supply) on the switch to fences.
3
7th (3) (4/1 +33%) Shy Love
4
4/1(+33%)
(3) Shy Love 4/1, Showed ability only start in bumpers and looked potentially useful when making winning start over hurdles at Huntingdon (20.5f, soft) in March. Excuses next 2 starts, including on return, and not taken lightly now chasing (third sole start in Irish points). Lightly raced 6yo who looks interesting on handicap/chase debut.
5
8th (5) (12/1 -9%) Hall Lane
12
12/1(-9%)
(5) Hall Lane 12/1, Opened chase account under a change of tactics in 4-runner handicap at Market Rasen (23.9f, good to firm) in July and better effort since when respectable fourth in this headgear at Ascot 3 weeks ago. Remains vulnerable to progressive ones. More exposed than most of these rivals and looks set for another supporting role.
9
9th (9) (80/1 -300%) Thirtyfour Thirty
80
80/1(-300%)
(9) Thirtyfour Thirty 80/1, Bumper/hurdles winner but offered little on return after 4 months off at Wincanton and well held in a match race on chase bow here since. Change of headgear. Combination of step back up in trip and new headgear may help.
14:05 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 4) 23f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 4 race.
LAW OF SUPPLY has had a terrific start to his chasing career and a 7lb rise for his most recent success at Ascot may not be enough to prevent him from landing the hat-trick. The form of the stable is another plus and the son of Mahler gets the vote ahead of Florencethemachine, who improved from first to second start in this sphere when easily scoring at Exeter over 3m last month. De Tellers Fortune must be of interest on his chase debut, while Immortal Fame is another to note on the back of his latest success at Ayr.
LAW OF SUPPLY has been most progressive since going chasing and is fancied to make it 3 from 3 in this sphere. Florencethemachine is the obvious threat after her easy win at Exeter, while De Tellers Fortune is a chasing newcomer to note.
As regards the runners who already have chasing experience, LAW OF SUPPLY and Florencethemachine are particularly appealing.
(9) Him Malaya 10/1, Fair performer who posted good placed efforts over hurdles at Kempton/Ludlow in the spring. Never figured sent chasing at Newton Abbot (21f) in June and below best when sixth of 9 to Getalead in handicap hurdle at Wincanton (15.2f) 46 days ago. Back up in trip. Looks nicely weighted but has something to prove back up in trip.
1
2nd (1) (3/1 +0%) Choccabloc
3
3/1(+0%)
(1) Choccabloc 3/1, Bumper winner who made a bright start over hurdles last winter, off the mark at Ludlow (21.2f) in November. Not disgraced when fifth in Cheltenham Grade 2 next time and back on the up when second of 6 in Ayr novice (20.5f) in April. Interesting now handicapping on return. Steadily progressive sort who ran well at Ayr on Scottish National day; respected.
7
3rd (7) (14/1 -17%) Liverpool Knight
14
14/1(-17%)
(7) Liverpool Knight 14/1, 3-time winner over hurdles for Olly Murphy during 2023 who showed benefit of a recent debut for new yard aided with the run of things when second of 4 in handicap hurdle at Wetherby (19.7f) 26 days ago. Likely to give another good account. Ran creditably behind a well-treated opponent last time; place possibilities.
3
4th (3) (7/1 +13%) Ilanz
7
7/1(+13%)
(3) Ilanz 7/1, Bumper/3-time hurdle scorer who has posted solid efforts on 2 of his 3 starts since joining Olly Murphy, finishing third in race that worked out well at Market Rasen (20.6f) when last seen in July. Capable of exploiting this sort of mark this winter and yard continue in good order. Placed in two of his three starts for new stable; 1-1 at Taunton; in the mix.
8
5th (8) (10/3 +17%) Getalead
3.333333
10/3(+17%)
(8) Getalead 10/3, Returned from 6 months off in fine form, benefiting from return to calmer waters when making it 3 wins from last 4 starts at Wincanton (19.8f) 21 days ago. 4 lb rise should see him competitive again but he needs to keep the errors at bay. 3-3 under Gearoid Harney, recording all those wins this winter; not ruled out.
5
6th (5) (17/2 -42%) Latin Verse
8.5
17/2(-42%)
(5) Latin Verse 17/2, Won twice over hurdles last season and returned to that sort of form with usual cheekpieces left off when second of 9 in handicap hurdle (11/2) at Huntingdon (15.8f, soft) 19 days ago, pulling clear of the remainder. Longer trip worth exploring. Ran well last time but this longer distance presents a question mark.
6
7th (6) (50/1 -456%) Paso Doble
50
50/1(-456%)
(6) Paso Doble 50/1, Fairly useful Flat winner who quickly reached a similar level in this sphere, gaining his second victory as a novice here (16.5f) 3 years ago. Things can't have been plain sailing to have been absent since but significant his leading yard have persisted with him. Interesting. Absent since winning the novice hurdle on this card in 2021; check the betting.
2
8th (2) (4/1 +11%) Wilful
4
4/1(+11%)
(2) Wilful 4/1, Progressive winner in bumpers and similar story over hurdles, completing hat-trick of novice victories with fair bit in hand in 8-runner contest at Worcester (20f) in August. Further progress distinctly possible now handicapping after 4 months off and he needs considering. Gained his three hurdles wins by an aggregate of 47l; interesting handicap debutant.
4
9th (4) (18/1 -64%) Kamaxos
18
18/1(-64%)
(4) Kamaxos 18/1, Made light of a long absence to comfortably see off 6 rivals in 2m Sandown handicap hurdle in February. Decent efforts in defeat next 2 starts and found to have bled on return/chase debut at Warwick (16.2f) 3 weeks ago. Sort to bounce back. Failed to show his form over fences on seasonal debut; consistent over hurdles.
14:40 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) 19f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 3 race.
WILFUL continues to go from strength to strength, having won his last three outings in impressive fashion, and a mark of 125 on handicap debut could prove lenient. Choccabloc may have only scored once last season, but he is an intriguing sort at this level. Runner-up on his most recent start at Huntingdon, Latin Verse seems to be finding his way since joining the Anthony Charlton stable and cannot be ruled out.
CHOCCABLOC resumed progress when chasing home a more seasoned novice at Ayr on his final start back in the spring and, appealing as the type to go forward again this term, he could be the answer on handicap debut. Paso Doble is an intriguing contender returning from 3 years off and confidence behind him in the betting would look significant. Improving 5-y-o Wilful and thriving 8-y-o Getalead complete the shortlist.
With further improvement on the cards, CHOCCABLOC is taken to defy top weight. Wilful is second choice.
(1) Ostrava Du Berlais 1/4, Built on promising Warwick chase debut when readily taking 6-runner handicap chase at Ludlow (16f, soft) 8 days ago. Looks well in under 7 lb penalty and holds outstanding claims. Opened her account with 10l success at Ludlow last week; leading player under a penalty.
2
2nd (2) (12/1 -167%) My Mate Polly
12
12/1(-167%)
(2) My Mate Polly 12/1, Sprang something of a surprise when taking 6-runner handicap chase (28/1) at Wincanton (20.2f, good to soft) 21 days ago. 3 lb rise fair and remains low mileage in this sphere. One of the main players, provided the form of her Wincanton success is backed up.
6
3rd (6) (13/2 +19%) Miss Fedora
6.5
13/2(+19%)
(6) Miss Fedora 13/2, Got back on track reverted to hurdling when landing 8-runner handicap at Cartmel (17.2f, soft) in August. However, yet to score over fences and arrives on back of poor effort at Lingfield 3 days ago. Well treated on best hurdles form; ran poorly on Monday, taking chase record to 0-8.
3
4th (3) (9/1 +36%) Firefly Lane
9
9/1(+36%)
(3) Firefly Lane 9/1, Winning pointer who opened her account over fences at Newton Abbot (21f) in September. Shaped as if still in good form when third at Fakenham (24.2f, good to soft) latest and ought to give another good account here. Outstayed over 3m last time but, conversely, may find this trip on the sharp side.
5
5th (5) (100/1 -203%) Lady Ironside
100
100/1(-203%)
(5) Lady Ironside 100/1, Long-standing maiden on level and over hurdles. Not seen for 22 months and is best watched on chase debut. Maiden who has been absent for 22 months; makes chase debut; market helpful.
15:15 Taunton Handicap Chase (Class 5) 18f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
A ready winner over 2m at Ludlow last week, OSTRAVA DU BERLAIS appeals under a 7lb penalty with the step up in trip considered a potential source of improvement. Furthermore, this is just her third start since having a wind problem addressed and, as she is officially 1lb well-in, the case for support looks rock-solid. Miss Fedora boasts winning form and commands respect on that basis. Firefly Lane cuts back in trip and also needs considering of 2lb above her last winning mark.
It's hard to get away from OSTRAVA DU BERLAIS, who had plenty in hand when scoring at Ludlow last week and remains open to improvement. Firefly Lane may be the one to chase her home.
Back down in grade, Ludlow winner OSTRAVA DU BERLAIS looks capable of defying a penalty. My Mate Polly is second choice.
(4) Despereaux 5/2, Had rather lost his way this season but bounced back to form in first-time cheekpieces when winning weak 7-runner handicap at Ludlow (23.8f, soft) last week. Gets to race from the same mark here so certainly not out of things despite this being more competitive. 5lb well-in after winning comfortably over 3m last week at Ludlow; obvious claims.
14
2nd (14) (4/1 +0%) Happy Index
4
4/1(+0%)
(14) Happy Index 4/1, Confirmed promise of yard debut when winning at Perth in September and defied a hike in the weights when landing 9-runner handicap hurdle at Market Rasen (23.1f, good) 4 weeks ago, driven out under an excellent ride. Every chance for the hat-trick with a conditional negating most of a 6 lb rise. Won her last two races by 6l and 5l; still looks on a competitive mark.
5
3rd (5) (25/1 -178%) Badbury Rings
25
25/1(-178%)
(5) Badbury Rings 25/1, From a good jumps family and runner-up second (only completed) of 2 starts in points but has looked a longer-term project in a trio of runs over timber thus far. Could progress now handicapping hiked up in trip. No surprise to see him raise his profile now sent handicapping over further.
13
4th (13) (17/2 -6%) The Dark Edge
8.5
17/2(-6%)
(13) The Dark Edge 17/2, Improved further after 5 months off when off the mark in 9-runner handicap hurdle at Plumpton (20.5f, good to soft) in September and has held form well in filling the runner-up spot both outings since. Cheekpieces now go on. In form; might be high in the weights but the cheekpieces are new.
2
5th (2) (11/1 +45%) Brownstone
11
11/1(+45%)
(2) Brownstone 11/1, A fair hurdle winner in Ireland and in good nick for current yard, shaping as if still in good form but letting himself down off the bridle when fourth of 10 in handicap at Exeter (18.5f, heavy) 6 days ago, no extra run-in having hung badly left from 3 out. Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard.
3
6th (3) (8/1 +50%) Wot You Wearing
8
8/1(+50%)
(3) Wot You Wearing 8/1, Back-to-back winner at Chepstow last November and very encouraging start to present campaign when just touched off in a 25.5f Hereford handicap (good) in October. Not in same form on both subsequent starts though but appeals as a likely candidate to bounce back down in grade. Although Cheltenham last time was tough his previous Chepstow run was no better.
8
7th (8) (33/1 -106%) Broomfield Gale
33
33/1(-106%)
(8) Broomfield Gale 33/1, Modest hurdler at best in Ireland for Robert Murphy. Played up beforehand but ran creditably on her first outing for this yard when third of 10 in handicap hurdle at Ludlow (21.2f, soft) last month but has work to do from this mark. Questionable what she achieved at Ludlow in finishing a remote third.
15
8th (15) (22/1 -120%) Elusiveness
22
22/1(-120%)
(15) Elusiveness 22/1, Flat-bred mare who took a step forward when runner-up on her handicap debut at Exeter on final start of last season. Looked rusty returning from 6 months off back there in October but more like it with cheekpieces added when fifth of 10 at Ffos Las (21.9f, heavy) just over 3 weeks ago. Hasn't progressed further since finishing second on her handicap debut; beaten 6l latest.
9
9th (9) (12/1 +14%) Lock Out
12
12/1(+14%)
(9) Lock Out 12/1, Firmly back on track when making a winning return in handicap chase at Chepstow in October under this rider. Unable to land the odds off 5 lb lower at Hereford 3 days later, but back on song when third at this track (23f, good) 4 weeks ago. Blinkers back on for his return to hurdling. Has been in competitive form over fences; capable hurdler and not ruled out.
11
|U| (11) (11/2 +15%) Ugo Bingo
5.5
11/2(+15%)
(11) Ugo Bingo 11/2, Stepped up in trip and duly showed improved form to get off the mark over hurdles at this course (19f, good to soft) a fortnight ago, tackled run-in and all out to hold on. Capable of better again as his stamina is drawn out further, so certainly one to look out for. Improving but recent win here was over 2m3f so stamina could be an issue.
6
10th (6) (40/1 -60%) No Rematch
40
40/1(-60%)
(6) No Rematch 40/1, Denied only by an unexposed type in 15-runner handicap hurdle at Exeter (21.6f, heavy) on final outing for Evan Williams last December. Not seen to best effect on both starts for this yard in the summer and failed to complete in his first chase since spring 2023 at Hereford recently. Tailed off and fallen in last two races; turns 11 soon and wouldn't be the obvious answer.
10
11th (10) (100/1 -100%) Just Four Fame
100
100/1(-100%)
(10) Just Four Fame 100/1, Third in an Aintree bumper in May 2022 but hurdling efforts have been uninspiring in the main, faring no better in first-time cheekpieces at Huntingdon (19.6f, good) last month. Can only be watched. Signs of progress in his novices but has pulled up in both handicaps.
7
12th (7) (18/1 -13%) Chauffeur Driven
18
18/1(-13%)
(7) Chauffeur Driven 18/1, Point winner. Also third in maiden/novice hurdles around 2m last winter but disappointed first 2 starts handicaps. However, he made more impact than previously fitted in blinkers/tongue tie when fifth of 10 at this C&D (good to soft) 2 weeks ago and he could well build on that. Latest fifth here is something to build on and could get involved.
16
13th (16) (66/1 -100%) R Bernard
66
66/1(-100%)
(16) R Bernard 66/1, Scored at Stratford in May but off 6 months before a fading sixth of 9 in handicap at Ludlow in October. Tailed-off last of 6 at Huntingdon (25f, soft) 19 days ago so the percentage call is to look elsewhere. Dual Stratford winner but has looked off his game in two runs since back from a break.
1
14th (1) (66/1 -230%) Kendelu
66
66/1(-230%)
(1) Kendelu 66/1, Won back-to-back handicaps at this venue before Christmas in 2021 and following a couple of lesser efforts, returned to form back under less testing conditions when third of 17 in handicap at this course (19f, good to soft) when last seen in February 2022. Best watched given the absence. Multiple winner on a competitive mark but has been off an awful long time.
15:50 Taunton Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) 24f Race Class Flow
The chart reads from right to left to today's class 5 race.
Olly Murphy's horses have been in excellent form of late, with HAPPY INDEX notably flourishing after winning two of her three starts since joining the yard in the summer. Running off 6lb higher than last month's Market Rasen success over 2m7f, this additional furlong should be ideal and another bold showing is expected with today's rider claiming 5lb. Ludlow winner Despereaux is capable of another big run if the retained cheekpieces have the same impact. The Dark Edge is also noted with the same headgear added.
A tricky finale to solve but the suggestion is HAPPY INDEX, who has returned this season an improved model and Olly Murphy's mare can complete the hat-trick with a good-value conditional negating most of her latest 6 lb rise. Despereaux left previous efforts behind this season when scoring at Ludlow last week, so he heads up the opposition, with recent course winner Ugo Bingo and The Dark Edge both fancied to be in the mix, too.
The pick is DESPEREAUX (nap) who was strong in the market ahead of winning last week and he's turned out quickly off the same mark.
Racecard Key
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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
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At the races watchout for
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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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