April 13 / 15.10 Taunton

15.10

Good

Brain Tumour Research Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4224.8
  • 2m 7f 198y
  • Class 5
  • 14 runners
RTV
View Course
Brain Tumour Research Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

6/1 (Won)

  • Win: £10.00
  • Place: £2.90

Form: 1364

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Won an Ayr bumper for Micky Hammond last spring; has fair form in 2m novice hurdles for this yard since; there's plenty of stamina in his pedigree and he appeals as one who could go on to better things now handicapping over a much longer trip; interesting runner.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

16th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

13:40 Market Rasen

Picks Lad

11st 4lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Took a big step up in trip on his handicap hurdle debut at Taunton (3m, good to soft) in April and was awarded the race (due to interference); subsequently sold out of Kim Bailey's yard for £25,000 and this lightly raced 7yo brings potential to today's chase debut, with his new yard in fine form.

3/1

1st

3

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Picks Lad

11st 13lb

J: David Bass

T: Kim Bailey

prominent, challenging when short of room and badly hampered on turn after 3 out, rallied to challenge 2 out, kept on well final 110yds, just failed, finished 2nd, placed 1st

6/1

4th

5

20th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

16:35 Southwell

Picks Lad

11st 5lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

prominent

9/2

11/1

  • Place: £2.20

Form: 2-U875 BF

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Yet to match his bumper form over hurdles, sent off favourite for 2m5f Wincanton handicap last time but stopped quickly to finish last of five; much too soon to write off given who trains him but has a bit to prove this time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

23rd Jul 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

15:35 Newton Abbot

Sandalwood

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, pulled up quickly after 3 out

9/4

1st

3

7th Jul 2023

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

15:15 Newton Abbot

Sandalwood

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

pressed leader, led 3rd, headed after 3 out, led again when ridden before 2 out, clear when not fluent last, stayed on

9/4

4

31st May 2023

Good To Firm

3m 2f 0y

Class 4

17:40 Warwick

Sandalwood

11st 0lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

No match for easy winner when second at Plumpton this month, having refused to settle in first-time blinkers, but was first past the post in cheekpieces at Taunton (3m, good to soft; demoted to second) two starts ago and the cheekpieces are back on here; player if handling the forecast fast ground.

5/2

10/1

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 060244

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 78

Form & Verdict
Second on handicap debut at Ffos Las (2m, soft) in December but a bit below that level when fourth at Ludlow (2m, good) and Chepstow (2m3f, soft); faded from the final final flight at the last-named course so this significant step up in trip isn't an obvious move.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

16th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

16:22 Ffos Las

Weavers Answer

11st 1lb

J: James Bowen

T: Tim Vaughan

Placed on final three outings last season, most recently when third of ten at Taunton (3m, good) in March; remains on career-high mark for this reappearance but won't be far away if fully tuned up.

5/1

3rd

1

10th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

16:10 Taunton

Weavers Answer

12st 0lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Back on track with two good seconds this winter, the latter at Lingfield (2m7f, soft) last month, and ought to handle the faster ground here; can make his presence felt again.

4/1

2nd

3

20th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:05 Lingfield

Weavers Answer

11st 10lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Dual hurdle winner who got back on track with a second at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft) in December and the first three pulled well clear in that race; looks interesting off unchanged mark and he's still unexposed as a stayer.

7/2

Form: 465066

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Yet to make a significant impact, including in handicaps at up to 3m on last three starts; others are more persuasive.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 4f 97y

Class 3

14:45 Haydock

Safe Destination

10st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Scored at Chepstow (3m2f) in October but he turned in a rare poor effort when pulled up in 3m5f Fakenham handicap chase in December; cheekpieces are reached for now and he's the sort to bounce back.

8/1

2nd

6

19th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:25 Kempton

Safe Destination

10st 13lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

Scored by 4l in conditional jockeys' race at Chepstow (3m2f, good to firm) last Sunday, taking chase record to 6-16; escapes a penalty and commands respect.

7/4

8

12th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

13:32 Chepstow

Safe Destination

11st 4lb

J: Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel & Willy Twiston-Davies

5-15 over fences; looked as good as ever when placed at Perth (3m, good) last month, after a break, and was runner-up on his only visit to Chepstow; likely contender.

11/2

Form: 39-457

Last run: 87 days

W: 11st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
0-8 over hurdles in Ireland for Colm Murphy, not really going on from his handicap debut third at Navan (2m5f, heavy) early last year; steps back up in trip for stable debut after 87 days off; betting perhaps the best guide to expectations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

21st Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 4

17:15 Perth

Champ Royal

12st 0lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: Susan Corbett

Placed off 1lb higher at Catterick (3m1f, soft) in January but the rest of last season's form was disappointing and this is first start since February; others have much stronger claims.

33/1

7th

5

14th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 6f 151y

Class 4

13:50 Kelso

Champ Royal

11st 8lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Susan Corbett

taken down early, in touch with leaders on inner

10/1

3rd

6

31st Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 71y

Class 4

15:35 Catterick

Champ Royal

11st 7lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: Susan Corbett

led, headed and not fluent 2 out, lost second and no extra run-in

16/1

OUR TIP

Form: P651

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Left his qualifying runs over hurdles behind when staying on well to force a dead heat on 2m Exeter handicap debut (good) five weeks ago; tackles a significantly longer trip now but this 3m point winner looks sure to stay a lot further; likely capable of better again.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Looking For Larry

12st 0lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

Rewarded heavy market support when winning by 6l here (2m5f, soft) at start of 2025 but not much has gone to plan since and his two runs this year were no better than respectable; needs to up his game.

16/1

6th

4

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 5f 82y

Class 5

13:05 Wincanton

Looking For Larry

11st 11lb

J: Murray Dodd

T: Tim Dennis

Well-backed winner at Exeter (2m5f, soft) last January, on his second run after a long absence; looked a bit of a handful in next two runs but he returned after another layoff with an encouraging effort at Exeter (2m7f, good to soft) last month; continues to edge down the weights and has possibilities if he can build on that last run.

12/1

7th

6

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Looking For Larry

11st 10lb

J: Mr Jake Bament

T: Tim Dennis

Landed a gamble when winning by 6l at Exeter (2m5f, soft) on New Year's Day, his second run after a long absence, but misbehaved and looked unenthusiastic on recent chasing debut; quickly switches back to hurdling here; has a point to prove.

8/1

Form: 65U23

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 6yo who lost out only by a short head after leader fell at final flight on handicap debut at Hereford (2m5f, good) in February; beaten 13l when a no more than respectable third at Exeter (2m2f, good to soft) last month; needs this new trip to unlock some improvement.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

14th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:28 Kempton

Pedley Wood

10st 6lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Joe Tizzard

Has C&D form and he won two in a row at Wincanton (2m4f on good to soft; 3m1f on heavy) last midwinter; mixed results since but back on his latest winning mark and adding cheekpieces could help; ought to go well.

9/2

3rd

2

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 4f 35y

Class 4

15:20 Wincanton

Pedley Wood

11st 13lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Won two in a row at Wincanton (2m4f/3m1f) last winter and latest was off 1lb lower on heavy ground; looks interesting on that form but he's been up and down since and was pulled up here on Boxing Day; needs to bounce back again after that and he comes with risks attached.

8/1

6th

6

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Pedley Wood

11st 6lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

midfield, dropped to rear 9th, struggling 14th, weakened 4 out

9/2

Form: 7473F2

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 3lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Best hurdle run when second in a C&D handicap (good to soft) a month ago, going down by only a neck despite fluffing the final two flights; raised 5lb but she is unexposed at this trip and there's a race in her if she can cut out the errors.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 5

15:08 Newton Abbot

Dancingontheedge

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Took this prize in 2024 but was having only her second run over fences when beating just one in 3m2f handicap here in May; now returns to hurdling after a short break and has claims if she can bounce back.

7/2

5

14th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

15:22 Newton Abbot

Dancingontheedge

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Bumper winner who was off the mark over hurdles here last July; there wasn't much wrong with her chase debut here (2m5f, soft) in September and she should go on from that following a good comeback against an in-form rival in a Chepstow hurdle (2m7f, good) last month.

5/2

Form: 353P34 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 12st 0lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Never looked like justifying favouritism (off bridle from early stage) when fourth at Warwick (3m2f, good) seven weeks ago but has dropped to 1lb below the mark he won off last spring and it's possible new headgear (first-time blinkers for cheekpieces) could put an edge on him; not dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

11th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Warwick

Nickelsonthedime

12st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Very well suited by this C&D and good ground but returned from break with a disappointing effort (albeit without usual cheekpieces) three weeks ago and, even if back on song, probably doesn't have much margin for error off current mark.

14/1

1

11th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 0y

Class 4

19:35 Warwick

Nickelsonthedime

12st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Very well suited by this C&D and good ground but returned from break with a disappointing effort (albeit without usual cheekpieces) three weeks ago and, even if back on song, probably doesn't have much margin for error off current mark.

14/1

6

21st Apr 2024

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

13:57 Wincanton

Nickelsonthedime

11st 3lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Kayley Woollacott

Not at his best last time at Warwick (3m1f) but was having a very solid season up until then, albeit at about 3m+; this drop in distance is a big enough concern to look elsewhere.

20/1

Form: 38520P

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner; made an encouraging handicap debut when second at Hereford (3m1f, good) in early February but has disappointed twice since; player on the Hereford form but it's hard to be confident.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

19:40 Fontwell

Getupearly

10st 8lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Winning pointer; 18 defeats under rules equally divided between hurdles and fences; however, accepted the new cheekpieces when runner-up at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) last time and that run offers hope.

4/1

5th

4

7th May 2025

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

19:40 Fontwell

Getupearly

10st 8lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Winning pointer; 18 defeats under rules equally divided between hurdles and fences; however, accepted the new cheekpieces when runner-up at Huntingdon (2m7f, good) last time and that run offers hope.

4/1

2nd

5

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

18:38 Huntingdon

Getupearly

10st 13lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Winning pointer who is 0-17 under rules and 0-8 as a chaser; he does have placed form in this discipline but his last three efforts have been well below his best, the latest after wind surgery; bit risky with cheekpieces turned to.

2/1

Form: 335-PP

Last run: 39 days

W: 10st 12lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Placed in two 2m3f Hereford novice hurdles (both on good) in late 2021 but has struggled in a light handicap career since, pulling up on both outings this term.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Mojito Royale

10st 12lb

J: James Best

T: Richard Mitford-Slade

pressed leaders early, prominent from 3rd, pushed along after 8th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out

50/1

2

5th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:45 Ffos Las

Mojito Royale

11st 10lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Richard Mitford-Slade

Placed in two 2m3f Hereford novice hurdles (both on good) in late 2021; however, safely held on handicap debut last January and soon under pressure when pulled up at Fontwell (2m6f) when next seen five weeks ago; wore cheekpieces last five starts but now has tongue-tie and blinkers.

50/1

5

29th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

14:15 Fontwell

Mojito Royale

11st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Richard Mitford-Slade

raced lazily, prominent, lost ground after 3rd, towards rear 6th, struggling and reminder with one circuit to go

25/1

Form: 57PFP1 D

Last run: 23 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Failed to complete over fences in first two handicaps but different proposition back hurdling at Market Rasen (2m7f, soft) last month; only had 4l to spare at the line but impressed with the way she quickened around twice that margin clear going to the second last, suggesting there could be more in the locker; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17

6th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

14:55 Chepstow

Country Kitten

10st 2lb

J: David Noonan

T: Max Young

Won at 40-1 at Market Rasen (2m7f, soft) in March 2023 off 2lb higher mark; no worthwhile form since, including last two runs over fences; returns from ten-month layoff and hard to enthuse over.

50/1

Form: 40-374

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 2lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in a couple of bumpers in the summer of 2021 but has been unable to build on that in four starts over hurdles, including beaten 22l into fourth on 2m4f Southwell handicap debut 24 days ago; up in trip now; early days but others arrive with more pressing claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

10

13th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 1y

Class 5

14:40 Fakenham

Div Ine Tara

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Hobson

Not beaten far at Ludlow in April (2m5f, good to soft) but early mistakes cost her when pulled up on final start for Fergal O'Brien; probably best watched on this occasion in first-time headgear.

20/1

Form: 0896

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 74

Form & Verdict
Beaten upwards of 42l in three qualifying runs at up to 2m5f (good/good to soft) this year but it's very rare for his top trainer to get one in off such a low opening mark; one of three runners from the stable and it'll be very interesting to see how he goes in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

31st May 2023

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:30 Newton Abbot

Imprevu Du Large

10st 2lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Paul Nicholls

Beaten upwards of 42l in his first three hurdle runs but he ran well for a long way on his recent handicap debut at Ludlow (3m, good; 17l third); should have more to offer now switched to fences for top yard and he's an interesting contender on this drop back in trip; tongue-tie added.

4/1

3rd

5

14th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

17:05 Ludlow

Imprevu Du Large

10st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Beaten upwards of 42l in three qualifying runs at up to 2m5f (good/good to soft) this year but it's very rare for his top trainer to get one in off such a low opening mark; dangerous to ignore.

9/4

14

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:10 Taunton

Imprevu Du Large

10st 2lb

J: Tom Buckley

T: Paul Nicholls

Beaten upwards of 42l in three qualifying runs at up to 2m5f (good/good to soft) this year but it's very rare for his top trainer to get one in off such a low opening mark; one of three runners from the stable and it'll be very interesting to see how he goes in the betting.

9/1

Non-runners

Nickelsonthedime, Getupearly, Div Ine Tara, Imprevu Du Large

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £98.90
Straight Forecast £87.74
Tricast £379.87
Trifecta £685.40

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dancingontheedge

Telegraph:

Champ Royal

The Guardian:

Picks Lad

The Sun:

Pedley Wood

TOPSPEED:

Getupearly

The Star:

Weaver's Answer

Daily Mirror:

Country Kitten

WEST COUNTRY:

Nickelsonthedime

RP Ratings:

Dancingontheedge

POSTDATA:

Dancingontheedge

The Times:

Dancingontheedge

Daily Record:

Dancingontheedge

Daily Mail:

Champ Royal

D Express:

Champ Royal