November 28 / 12.50 Taunton

12.50

Good To Soft

Taunton Racecourse Business Club “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4955.32
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Taunton Racecourse Business Club “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

Form: 12-6 D BF

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Stable was quiet when he was well held on last month's hurdling debut at Exeter, although he did jump moderately; this 5yo is of major interest on an earlier second in a Wincanton bumper in April when narrowly beaten by a smart one who made it 2-2 over hurdles at Ascot last week.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

17:25 Taunton

Jackpot Des Bordes

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, not fluent 6th, lost second 3 out, soon struggling, went second before 2 out, kept on but no match for winner

10/11

2nd

2

23rd Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

17:25 Taunton

Jackpot Des Bordes

11st 12lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, not fluent 6th, lost second 3 out, soon struggling, went second before 2 out, kept on but no match for winner

10/11

4th

9

22nd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 2f 183y

Class 3

14:05 Newbury

Jackpot Des Bordes

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Won a good-ground bumper in November last season and a novice at Taunton (2m, good to soft) one year later on his second start over hurdles; turned over when 4-6 back at Taunton (2m3f, good to soft) in December but he mostly jumped better and it was creditable form; needs extra for this handicap debut but early days and he has first-time cheekpieces.

9/1

Form: 52-

Last run: 332 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won a good-ground point bumper and has shaped with plenty of promise under rules in races won by smart types; can go on to better things now sent over hurdles.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:27 Kempton

Saint Anapolino

12st 2lb

J: Mr Jack Stenhouse

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Three-time hurdle winner (once here) who has made the frame in all three chases, most recently when third of six at Exeter (3m, good to soft) last month; likely to make his presence felt again here.

13/2

6

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

Saint Anapolino

11st 6lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Made very good progress in early part of this year, looking well suited by step up to 2m5f (from 2m) when completing hat-trick at Kempton (good to soft) in February; below form after making jumping error there in March but may improve again this season; respected.

14/1

6th

6

15th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 2

14:45 Kempton

Saint Anapolino

11st 8lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

midfield, headway on inner when bad mistake 7th

3/1

Form: 0-11 D

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made all in a Plumpton bumper in May and followed up in a Southwell maiden hurdle (again on good ground) two weeks ago, although that was a weak race for which he was long odds-on; this is much stronger and he has a penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

9th May 2026

Good

1m 7f 144y

Class 1

13:15 Haydock

Dance And Glance

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

5-14 strike-rate and steadily progressive form, gaining his latest success over this C&D (good ground; three of today's rivals behind) in convincing fashion; a 6lb rise does not look harsh, and with further improvement on the cards he has solid claims.

7/1

1st

5

4th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 144y

Class 2

14:12 Haydock

Dance And Glance

10st 12lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

6yo who has shown improved form this season, winning at Ascot (1m7f, soft) in December then runner-up at Sandown (2m, good); well-beaten fifth in the gruelling William Hill Hurdle at Newbury (2m, heavy) in February; has had a break since and could play a leading role if back to his best.

4/1

5th

16

7th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 0f 69y

Class 1

15:20 Newbury

Dance And Glance

10st 11lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Just held on from strong-finishing All In You at Ascot (1m7f, soft) and was unable to confirm the placings, albeit far from discredited, at Sandown (2m, good); that rival has the upper hand with further progress plausible; however, this consistent sort should go well.

16/1

Form: U19F-1 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Both wins have come in small fields, a Newton Abbot bumper (good to soft) and a C&D novice (good to firm) that looks dodgy form; wouldn't be the obvious answer to this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

11

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Jukebox Annie

10st 8lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Claire Hitch

Has made little impact since switched to handicaps and, though well supported at Taunton (2m, good) in January, failed to justify the money, struggling a long way out and eventually pulling up; off since and now 14lb lower than her opening mark but can only be watched at present.

14/1

Form: 98-

Last run: 221 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in two Wincanton bumpers (heavy/good) and one to watch for the time being.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

17th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Dark Material

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

led narrowly, headed but prominent before 2nd, weakened after 3 out

25/1

6th

6

17th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 4

14:15 Wincanton

Dark Material

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

led narrowly, headed but prominent before 2nd, weakened after 3 out

25/1

5th

4

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

12:50 Taunton

Dark Material

11st 0lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

chased clear leader, headway and in touch with leaders with one circuit to go, not fluent 4 out

100/1

OUR TIP

Form: 8-63

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Beaten 18l+ in all his races, the latest on hurdling debut at Hereford; stable has a much better chance with Tripoli Flyer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

5

28th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:00 Worcester

Brave Move

11st 6lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Has to bounce back from a poor run at Hereford but prior to that he wasn't far away over 3m at Taunton (good); he's up to winning a race of this nature.

7/1

5th

4

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

16:57 Hereford

Brave Move

11st 4lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Similar form in this three handicaps, closest finish when coming from the rear for third of 16 at Taunton (3m, good) last time; off 126 days and back down in trip but has to be considered for yard among the winners.

4/1

4th

8

2nd Nov 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

15:30 Huntingdon

Brave Move

11st 5lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Fergal O’Brien

Stable won this last year and his pedigree suggests the step up in trip should suit on handicap debut, but he has been off 11 months and will need to improve on what he has shown in three starts in bumpers and two over hurdles.

14/1

Form: 94-R

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Refused three out at Chepstow when tailed off at the time (125-1); now goes in cheekpieces.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:40 Chepstow

DGesteevo

10st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

No form claims after eight hurdle races, five in handicaps; tongue tied on latest and tried cheekpieces before that; 1lb out of the weights

25/1

9th

13

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Warwick

DGesteevo

10st 8lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

0-7 over hurdles, having been pulled up on last three appearances, and needs first time tongue-tie to make a big difference; cheekpieces (worn for last two races); removed.

25/1

Form: 5 BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £90,000 after winning a two-finisher Irish maiden point (3m, heavy) in February; bit disappointing in his Sandown bumper 18 days ago (seemingly outpaced) but he did go off favourite and he's no doubt a lot better than that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:50 Wetherby

Youdecide

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Point/hurdles winner who hasn't strictly improved in two chase attempts but may build on latest effort (3m) as he remains unexposed at this distance; visor replaces the cheekpieces worn of late; in the mix.

5/2

4th

10

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:27 Kempton

Youdecide

10st 5lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

2m4f hurdle winner; weakened into fourth after making most of the running on chasing debut at Warwick (2m, good to soft; jumped right on occasions) and moves up from Class 5 today; completely unexposed beyond about 2m4f under rules and this return to a right-handed track is an obvious move but others have more pressing claims.

9/1

2

26th Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 139y

Class 5

14:45 Market Rasen

Youdecide

11st 12lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Underwhelming under rules until handicap debut at Huntingdon (upped from 2m to 2m5f, good) two weeks ago in which he started favourite in seven-runner race and won in clearcut style under 5lb claimer from I'm Your Buckaroo; raised 5lb but could have more to offer.

15/8

Form: 4368-F

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Now 0-5 over hurdles and was beaten when falling in a Chepstow handicap last month, having raced freely; the hood could be a notable addition but he's unlikely to be good enough.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Siam Park

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Joe Tizzard

4-9 over fences but has departed mid-race in his last two chases and now reverts to hurdling off a 5lb lower mark; 0-10 in this discipline but he has been placed and could go well.

4/1

3

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

18:30 Newton Abbot

Siam Park

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

He's 4-8 over fences and fell in two of the defeats, including last time when he was still travelling nicely four from home; likely to be bang there if avoiding the mistakes.

11/4

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:42 Newton Abbot

Siam Park

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner, most recently at Plumpton (2m1f, good) in November before falling in a Sandown Class 3 in January; returned from a break with two solid placed efforts in March over hurdles, latest when a close second at Taunton (2m3f, good) 21 days ago; switches back to fences in a very small field and should go well.

11/4

Form: 5-5

Last run: 10 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Well held in a Kempton bumper and again on his switch to hurdling at Leicester; one for another day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Less Jersey Royal

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Hasn't really threatened in any of his four handicaps and the blinkers did nothing for him at Uttoxeter, albeit over 2m7f.

6/1

5th

4

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Less Jersey Royal

11st 1lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Hasn't really threatened in any of his four handicaps and the blinkers did nothing for him at Uttoxeter, albeit over 2m7f.

6/1

5th

6

3rd May 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Less Jersey Royal

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Ben Pauling

Seven defeats under rules include three handicaps and he hasn't threatened in any of them (when runner-up two starts back he was beaten some 26l); didn't run too badly at Stratford last time in first-time cheekpieces and now goes in blinkers; has to improve, however.

8/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Managed to win his fourth start in Irish points but probably up against it in a race of this nature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

16:20 Ffos Las

Manhattan Valley

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Christian Williams

The form of his point success has substance; unconvincing results over hurdles but looks open to improvement on this handicap/chase debut; interesting.

8/1

11th

9

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

12:50 Taunton

Manhattan Valley

11st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

always behind

33/1

11th

9

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

12:50 Taunton

Manhattan Valley

11st 0lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

Managed to win his fourth start in Irish points but probably up against it in a race of this nature.

33/1

Form: U77

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has hinted at ability but nothing like enough to recommend in a novice of this nature.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

5th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

16:48 Ffos Las

Dublin To Milan

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Seven-race maiden over hurdles who has shown no worthwhile form in three handicap chases since February; tries blinkers, but cheekpieces did nothing for him.

10/1

11th

8

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 83y

Class 5

16:20 Ffos Las

Dublin To Milan

10st 12lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Pulled up in both starts switched to chasing this term but can't be written off; remains the type who should do better in this sphere, having shown some promise in points.

10/1

5

11th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:55 Huntingdon

Dublin To Milan

11st 2lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Consistency remains an issue and he had barely started the final circuit when pulling up on his chase debut here (2m4f, heavy) three weeks ago; maybe the ground was an issue that day and cheekpieces, which his half-brother wore to win five of his six races, are now fitted; hard to be confident but his yard's ticking along and this is uncompetitive.

13/2

Form: P25-6

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
His near-miss in a Fontwell bumper (soft) is a complete standout in his form; opposable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

16

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

16:42 Newbury

Staff Sergeant Len

10st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Neil Mulholland

Held every chance when unseating late on in a chase at Wincanton on Boxing Day (2m4f); again let down by his jumping at Ludlow; sold for £19,500 since; likely best watched after a change of yard, especially back over hurdles with stamina to prove.

25/1

Non-runners

Tripoli Flyer

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £5.70

Selections

The Times:

Jackpot Des Bordes

RP RATINGS:

Tripoli Flyer

Telegraph:

Saint Anapolino

SPOTLIGHT:

Youdecide

Daily Mail:

Jackpot Des Bordes

D Express:

Jackpot Des Bordes

The Star:

Jackpot Des Bordes

POSTDATA:

Tripoli Flyer

The Guardian:

Tripoli Flyer

Daily Mirror:

Tripoli Flyer

The Sun:

Saint Anapolino

Daily Record:

Saint Anapolino