December 21 / 15.23 Taunton

15.23

Good

Invest Southwest Novices’ Handicap Chase

  • Prize money: £4629.1
  • 2m 2f 40y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
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Invest Southwest Novices’ Handicap Chase

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.50
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 79724-

Last run: 247 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
0-13 over jumps for Bill Turner, with an inconsistent profile, and absent since April; however, the only previous time he wore these cheekpieces he was a good second over fences at Ludlow in February; interesting contender now starting out for a new yard with the cheekpieces back on.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

23rd May 2023

Good

2m 3f 189y

Class 5

16:00 Huntingdon

Letsbe Avenue

10st 10lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Keiran Burke

Not one to rely upon heavily but won off today's mark at Taunton (2m2f, good) in December and didn't run badly at Ludlow (2m) this month; looks well worth a crack at today's trip and is capable of a bold show.

11/4

4th

5

9th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 212y

Class 5

19:30 Ludlow

Letsbe Avenue

10st 12lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Keiran Burke

Opened his account on yard debut in 2m2f Taunton handicap chase in December but he's been hit and miss since and was pulled up at Fontwell (2m2f) last time; he needs to bounce back.

10/1

6

8th Mar 2023

Good

2m 1f 165y

Class 4

15:40 Fontwell

Letsbe Avenue

10st 3lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Keiran Burke

held up in rear, jumped left and bumped rival 7th

100/30

20/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 3-2643

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Exeter (2m1f, good to firm) in October on his reappearance but below that level on his three starts since and is now 0-16.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

13th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 12y

Class 5

16:35 Taunton

Gaelic Thunder

10st 2lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Chris Honour

0-9 over fences and 0-19 overall; ran well from the front when second here (2m2f, good) in December, but is effectively 5lb higher from further out of the weights today and returns here after a 63l defeat last month.

14/1

6th

8

8th Feb 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

14:05 Southwell

Gaelic Thunder

10st 2lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

took keen hold, prominent on outer, disputed lead 4th, led clearly after 7th, jumped right 4 out, ridden and headed before 3 out

20/1

11

16th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

13:10 Hereford

Gaelic Thunder

10st 3lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Honour

Looks a modest maiden but has proved generally consistent over fences, most recently second at Taunton in the race that Folly Gate would have probably won but for unseating; could go well again.

8/1

11/1

  • Place: £3.90

Form: 765-74

Last run: 16 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
His fourth of seven at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) on his recent chase debut was a step back in the right direction, and he continues to drop down the weights; however, he still needs to better that latest effort today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

24th Aug 2023

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

15:50 Stratford

Urabamba

10st 6lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Some fair efforts over hurdles and fences for this yard but more needed if he's to add to only career win in Ireland two years ago.

8/1

5th

9

20th Jul 2023

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

18:45 Worcester

Urabamba

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Has run reasonably over hurdles and fences for this yard but more needed if he's to add to only career win, in Ireland (for Henry De Bromhead) nearly two years ago; usual tongue-strap left off.

20/1

8

19th Jul 2023

Soft

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

14:40 Uttoxeter

Urabamba

10st 5lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Only 1-23; not far away over fences during the spring but comfortably held back hurdling the last twice and needs to raise his game.

16/1

Form: 165-12 BF

Last run: 194 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Won over hurdles in March (2m, soft) and displayed improved form to score on his chase debut at Newton Abbot (2m5f, good) in May; went very close there (2m, good) in June and this 6yo could continue his progressive ways now back from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

4

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Imperial Joe

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

in touch with leaders

10/1

1st

4

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

15:05 Exeter

Imperial Joe

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

in touch with leaders

10/1

3rd

3

28th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Imperial Joe

11st 12lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Tim Dennis

All three chase wins have been over further, the last two here at 2m7f; below his best when last seen in June.

20/1

Form: 55-752 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Having dropped down the weights, the first-time cheekpieces (retained) prompted a return to form when second of four at Leicester (2m, good to firm) three weeks ago; might not be far away if again on a going day.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 44y

Class 5

14:40 Fakenham

Legendary Rhythm

10st 13lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Has won two small-field mares chases at Leicester (2m4f, good; by 3l from Auditoria) and Wincanton (2m4f, good; Auditoria third) on last two starts; still feasibly treated and has a chance.

5/2

5

10th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

15:55 Huntingdon

Legendary Rhythm

11st 1lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Tom Symonds

Plenty to find with Methodtothemagic on Leicester form in February (2m6f, good) but has done better since returned to 2m4f on last two starts, making all at Leicester and Wincanton (good/good to soft); has a stamina query beyond that trip.

2/1

1st

5

27th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:30 Wincanton

Legendary Rhythm

10st 9lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Tom Symonds

Made all in similar event at Leicester (2m4f, good; opened her chase account) last month, beating Auditoria who went one better last week; likely player provided she's in the same form (lacks consistency).

9/4

33/1

Form: 5P76P-

Last run: 275 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 73

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 6yo who was placed in a point (albeit soundly beaten) and improvement is possible on chase debut; however, he was well beaten/pulled up last season in his two handicap hurdles; claims aren't compelling.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

6

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 149y

Class 5

15:27 Wincanton

My Rockstar

10st 3lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Helen Rees

Record of 2-16 over fences; beaten about 11l in two 2m4f handicaps here since an absence and there are positives to take out of both those runs; this drop back in trip could help.

7/1

5th

7

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

My Rockstar

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Helen Rees

10yo who has won twice over fences but he faded into a well-held fourth behind Universal Secret over C&D in February; 3lb out of the weights in this rematch and he has work to do to turn the tables.

16/1

4th

5

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

My Rockstar

10st 7lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Helen Rees

C&D (good) winner in April 2023 who also popped up at Taunton (2m2f, good to soft) in November 2024 following a 182-day break; just four starts since have included two solid efforts and it's possible he can have a say back from a 331-day absence; has a query on soft ground, however.

8/1

Form: 0274-6

Last run: 26 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Well beaten on last month's chase debut at Ffos Las but it was her first run since April and the soft ground may not have suited; she's on a competitive mark on her best hurdle form and retains potential for fences, having won a point in December 2020; not written off.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th Dec 2022

Good

3m 2f 57y

Class 5

15:15 Taunton

Doyen La Lutte

12st 0lb

J: Fergus Gillard

T: David Pipe

Maiden under rules; no great promise in either chasing start (pulled up over 2m2f here last week) and hopes pinned on stepping up in trip and return of blinkers (ran reasonably in one attempt), replacing cheekpieces.

10/1

1

21st Dec 2022

Good

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:23 Taunton

Doyen La Lutte

12st 0lb

J: Tom Scudamore

T: David Pipe

Well beaten on last month's chase debut at Ffos Las but it was her first run since April and the soft ground may not have suited; she's on a competitive mark on her best hurdle form and retains potential for fences, having won a point in December 2020; not written off.

12/1

6th

2

25th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 4f 199y

Class 5

12:55 Ffos Las

Doyen La Lutte

11st 11lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

0-7 over hurdles but she reached the frame a few times last season including a second off only 1lb lower at Wetherby (2m4f, good to soft) in March; has had wind surgery since her last run in April and this point winner needs a close look on this switch to chasing; blinkers are removed and cheekpieces return.

9/2

OUR TIP

Form: U6-282

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
0-19 but he's been runner-up under Peter Summers on two of his three starts this season, most recently over C&D (good) last month; could be thereabouts once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

13th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 12y

Class 5

16:35 Taunton

Folly Gate

11st 4lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

0-10 over fences and 0-22 overall; looked unlucky not to open account here in December (2m2f, good; in front when unseating rider at last fence) but was behind two of today's rivals when only fifth here five weeks ago and his tendency to make jumping errors is always a worry.

7/1

5th

1

7th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

16:00 Taunton

Folly Gate

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Jane Williams

Runner-up over C&D (good) in November and was 1l ahead when unseating at the final fence over C&D (good) in December; fell four out at Hereford last time and there are risks attached in view of his jumping, but he can play a leading role granted a clear round.

100/30

3

16th Jan 2023

Soft

2m 0f 8y

Class 5

13:10 Hereford

Folly Gate

11st 13lb

J: Mr Peter Summers

T: Jane Williams

Still a maiden and not the safest of jumpers but looked the likely winner when unseating rider at the final fence in Taunton handicap (2m2f, good) just before Christmas; however, now 5lb higher and an error-free round again isn't guaranteed.

11/2

Form: 2U4F-P

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 5lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
10yo who is very lightly raced for his age and when pulled up at Exeter latest he was making his hurdle/seasonal debut; however, just one of last season's seven chase performances was a positive run; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

28th Feb 2023

Good To Firm

2m 4f 25y

Class 4

15:00 Leicester

Captain Cuckoo

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Mark Gillard

4th

3

12th Feb 2023

Good

2m 3f 48y

Class 3

14:00 Exeter

Captain Cuckoo

11st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: Mark Gillard

prominent, pushed along from 8th, ridden after 11th, soon no chance, tailed off

50/1

5th

8

29th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

16:00 Fontwell

Captain Cuckoo

10st 9lb

J: David Noonan

T: Mark Gillard

0-9 in points and 0-14 under rules; badly out of sorts this season (pulled up on all three appearances) and beginning to look a lost cause.

50/1

Form: 869-37

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Dropping down the weights but he was well beaten on his final three runs for Paul Nolan and has been tailed off on both runs for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

1st Mar 2023

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:10 Wincanton

Call Me Freddie

11st 1lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Richenda Ford

Won over hurdles in Ireland in 2021 but has struggled in British chases since the autumn (six runs) and is very difficult to enthuse over at present.

50/1

7th

10

20th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 110y

Class 5

16:45 Lingfield

Call Me Freddie

10st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Richenda Ford

Won over hurdles (3m, good) in Ireland in May 2021 but he's struggled over fences for new yard this season and he unseated early 14 days ago; now 1-23 and it's not hard to look elsewhere.

25/1

6

6th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

13:55 Fontwell

Call Me Freddie

10st 7lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Richenda Ford

Won over hurdles in Ireland in spring 2021 but has struggled to get seriously competitive over fences for new stable this season (four runs), and the refitted cheekpieces didn't appear to help much last time.

33/1

Form: 8P32-F

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
17-race maiden who was a first-fence faller at Lingfield on last month's reappearance, and there's a doubt about this drop back in trip; however, she was a good second at Warwick (3m, good) in March on her stable debut and second chase start, and she's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

21st Dec 2022

Good

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:23 Taunton

Lightning Gold

10st 12lb

J: Mitchell Bastyan

T: Richenda Ford

17-race maiden who was a first-fence faller at Lingfield on last month's reappearance, and there's a doubt about this drop back in trip; however, she was a good second at Warwick (3m, good) in March on her stable debut and second chase start, and she's not ruled out.

9/1

8

15th Nov 2022

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

13:00 Lingfield

Lightning Gold

10st 5lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Richenda Ford

disputed lead when fell 1st

8/1

Form: 324/63

Last run: 16 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 81

Form & Verdict
Encouraging third of seven at Lingfield (2m, good to soft) recently on his second start back from a long absence and he can better that form if cutting out the mistakes; possible contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

10

29th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 5

15:50 Huntingdon

Megalodon

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Paul Henderson

raced in second

66/1

10

21st Apr 2023

Good

2m 1f 109y

Class 5

19:05 Exeter

Megalodon

10st 2lb

J: Luke Scott

T: Paul Henderson

Only 9l away when first-time blinkered at Ludlow (2m, good) but wasn't half as good next time, though he did make a mistake five out; could make an impression off this mark if putting his best foot forward.

12/1

9th

12

6th Mar 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

13:50 Southwell

Megalodon

10st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Paul Henderson

Not disgraced in first-time blinkers at Ludlow 12 days ago and may be capable of another decent effort in the retained headgear; however, sole win remains in a hurdles race three years ago.

25/1

Form: 8P97-8

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
5yo; well beaten in a bumper and his three hurdle starts, and tailed off at 40-1 on last month's handicap/chase debut over C&D (good).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

8

30th Nov 2023

Good

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

14:35 Taunton

Estate Italiana

10st 4lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Alexandra Dunn

Came good with comfortable win at Ludlow (2m, good) in February and is now 1lb below that mark but has largely been disappointing since and needs to turn a corner.

25/1

5th

6

3rd Oct 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

14:20 Southwell

Estate Italiana

10st 10lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Alexandra Dunn

in touch with leaders

12/1

7th

8

12th Sep 2023

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

13:50 Worcester

Estate Italiana

10st 6lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Alexandra Dunn

Won off 2lb lower at Ludlow (2m, good) in February but there's been little sign of that form since; returns from a break.

12/1

Form: 565/0P

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Struggled over hurdles in 2020 and it was the same story last month on his first two chase starts, after a very long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

21st Dec 2022

Good

2m 2f 40y

Class 5

15:23 Taunton

Dark Storm

10st 2lb

J: Ben Ffrench Davis

T: Bill Turner

Struggled over hurdles in 2020 and it was the same story last month on his first two chase starts, after a very long absence.

66/1

11

30th Nov 2022

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 5

13:15 Ludlow

Dark Storm

10st 2lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Unplaced all nine starts; not beaten out of sight on this month's chasing debut, after nearly two years off, but great deal more needed.

25/1

10th

9

6th Nov 2022

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

16:50 Ffos Las

Dark Storm

10st 3lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

midfield, dropped to rear and reminders home turn

66/1

Non-runners

Lightning Gold

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £67.90
Straight Forecast £55.65
Tricast £754.69
Trifecta £574.20

Selections

The Times:

Imperial Joe

RP Ratings:

Folly Gate

D Express:

Legendary Rhythm

The Star:

Urabamba

SPOTLIGHT:

Letsbe Avenue

Telegraph:

Imperial Joe

The Guardian:

Imperial Joe

Daily Mirror:

Imperial Joe

The Sun:

Imperial Joe

Daily Record:

Imperial Joe

POSTDATA:

Folly Gate

WEST COUNTRY:

Folly Gate

Daily Mail:

Folly Gate