December 21 / 13.53 Taunton

13.53

Good

Cornish Rock Gin Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4901.4
  • 2m 3f 1y
  • Class 4
  • 10 runners
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Cornish Rock Gin Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 10 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

5/4 (Won)

Form: 12-112 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 131

Form & Verdict
Bumper winner who won at Exeter (2m2f/2m) in his first two hurdle runs before a clear second behind a 1-2 shot there (2m; RPR 131) 19 days ago; sets a good standard on that form and he's a big player back up in trip; his wins have come on good/good to firm but last run was on good to soft.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

20th Sep 2024

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 3

15:15 Newton Abbot

Lallygag

11st 2lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

raced in second, bad mistake and lost position briefly 6th, pressed leader going best home turn, sustained duel with winner from 2 out, kept on run-in, no extra towards finish

5/2

1st

4

31st Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 2

15:55 Newton Abbot

Lallygag

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

prominent

7/4

1st

7

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 2

15:45 Worcester

Lallygag

11st 1lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

led, headed but prominent 3rd, led again 3 out, ridden before 2 out

4/1

Form: 5-206

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Clear second in six-runner Market Rasen bumper (2m, good) in September but that form probably isn't anything to get too excited about and he's finished tailed off in two hurdle runs (2m3f) since.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

27th Sep 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:05 Market Rasen

St Patricks Bridge

12st 0lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Alexander Gibbons

Made all for Fergal O'Brien here (2m5f, good) six weeks ago, his third start since returning to racing under rules; subsequent 5lb rise ought to be manageable if he continues in good form for new stable.

5/2

1st

3

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 5

18:53 Market Rasen

St Patricks Bridge

11st 11lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Winning UK pointer (2m5f/3m; good); beaten 24l by Ribeye over 3m here last time (soft) but is now 8lb better off and should fare better on this faster ground.

5/2

4

6th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

16:55 Market Rasen

St Patricks Bridge

11st 11lb

J: Tom Broughton

T: Fergal O’Brien

Early promise in a bumper and novice hurdle for this yard but failed to fulfil it; two point wins for another trainer (along with some lesser efforts) over an 18-month spell ending in May but he dropped out back with Fergal O'Brien in June and goes chasing with a question to answer.

9/1

Form: 22U11 C

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in an Irish point and two bumpers; didn't get very far on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot (unseated at first) in October but he's won at Chepstow (2m, good to soft) and here (2m, good) since; has a double penalty but he pulled a long way clear with his main market rival last time and is open to more progress upped in trip; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

1

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

American Sniper

12st 2lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Has patchy profile but he's well handicapped on his Taunton second (2m3f, good) in December and he may have needed his reappearance run at Hereford this month; this step back up in trip is no problem and he's one to keep an eye on for in-form yard.

11/2

5th

1

5th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 147y

Class 4

19:17 Hereford

American Sniper

12st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Has become hard to predict, as his 16l fourth at Taunton (2m3f, good) in January would suggest, having failed to back up a decent effort there the previous month; back on his last winning mark and could play a leading role if at his best.

7/2

15

24th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 200y

Class 3

13:15 Cheltenham

American Sniper

10st 13lb

J: James Davies

T: David Pipe

Won big-field handicap off today's mark here (2m5f, good to soft) in November 2023 and was creditable sixth of 25 at Punchestown festival (2m3f, yielding) in April but his record between those two runs if very mixed and he's not an easy one to predict.

28/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won by 7l at Windsor (1m, soft) in his last Flat run and he made an encouraging start over hurdles for new yard when fourth at Huntingdon (2m, good) last month; stayed on steadily in that maiden but this is a stronger race and he has quite a lot to find upped in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

(10)

29th Aug 2025

Good

1m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:13 Salisbury

Afta Party

10st 10lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Mark Gillard

Struggling over hurdles last winter and lots to prove returned to the Flat after a break; 1m winner in October 2022.

50/1

Form: 8-2

Last run: 41 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
First foal from unraced half-sister to high-class chaser Farmer Jack; struggled in his sole bumper in March but he was a promising second when switched to hurdles over C&D (good) on return last month; that was behind a subsequent winner and he looks a likely improver with that run under his belt; stablemate of Lallygag.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:55 Worcester

Urban Soldier

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Came good over hurdles at sixth attempt, comfortably drawing 6l clear of gambled-on favourite at Southwell (3m, good; first-time cheekpieces) in April; 7lb higher here but could easily have a lot more to offer.

9/4

1st

3

23rd Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:50 Southwell

Urban Soldier

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Needs to bounce back from a tame effort on soft ground in February but made very encouraging seasonal/stable/handicap debut when third at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December and has possibilities here if aided by first-time cheekpieces.

6/1

1st

3

23rd Apr 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

17:50 Southwell

Urban Soldier

11st 11lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Needs to bounce back from a tame effort on soft ground in February but made very encouraging seasonal/stable/handicap debut when third at Doncaster (3m, good to soft) in December and has possibilities here if aided by first-time cheekpieces.

6/1

Form: 90

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up in his only point and he's been tailed off at big prices in two novice hurdles (2m4f/2m) this season.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

10

4th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 29y

Class 5

16:55 Fontwell

Ipsos Pierji

10st 3lb

J: James Best

T: Nicky Martin

midfield on outer, not fluent 1st, in touch with leaders 6th

20/1

Form: 9-55

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Soundly beaten in a Warwick bumper in March and same story at big prices in two novice hurdles (2m) this season; tongue-tie is removed after one use and he remains best watched for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

8

30th Aug 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

18:45 Fontwell

Silver Atom

10st 9lb

J: Miss Brodie Hampson

T: Archie Watson

1-26 under all codes, the win gained off a basement Flat mark just under a year ago; well beaten over hurdles, fences and on the Flat in recent months, and difficult to enthuse over at present.

20/1

6th

6

(9)

8th Aug 2024

Good To Firm

1m 3f 198y

Class 6

16:30 Brighton

Silver Atom

9st 9lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Comfortably held over fences the last twice; sole win came under this code but he achieved little in sole Flat run this year.

10/1

12

1st Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:25 Worcester

Silver Atom

10st 2lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Archie Watson

Won on the Flat at Bath last September; in the frame in four of his handicaps over hurdles in November-April last term but less encouraging recently and always behind on chasing debut at Market Rasen (2m3f, good; 28-1) ten days ago; best watched.

20/1

Form: 7048-6

Last run: 30 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability in his final bumper but he's been well held at big prices in two maiden hurdles (2m1f/2m); has plenty of stamina in pedigree but he has a lot to find upped to this trip and will be more interesting when switched to handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

16th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 77y

Class 2

15:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Gabriels Getaway

10st 2lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Always comes with risk, given his jumping often lacks fluency and that he apparently needs to be held up in rear, but he's effectively 7lb lower than when keeping on well for second in valuable Ascot handicap (2m1f, good) in November and will be suited by this return to forecast good ground; blinkered for last two runs; cheekpieces tried today.

6/1

3rd

6

28th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

13:55 Doncaster

Gabriels Getaway

10st 4lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

None too consistent and was only fifth in this last year; however, very capable of being competitive on his best form and the first-time blinkers appeared to be working until he clouted two out here a month ago in the race won by Mighty Bandit; could run well.

10/1

3rd

6

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 0f 78y

Class 2

15:13 Doncaster

Gabriels Getaway

10st 9lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Honeyball

Successful (off 7lb lower) in this contest two years ago but needs to rebound, having performed poorly in latest start; chance partly depends on how well he reacts to added blinkers.

10/1

Form: 8P-9

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Has struggled at big prices in three novice hurdles (2m/2m7f), most recently when beaten out of sight here (2m, good; first run after wind op) on his return last month; can only be watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

9th Mar 2023

Good

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Call Me Tlalok

10st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

took keen hold, led narrowly, slow jump and headed 11th, ridden and dropped to rear after 12th, became detached 13th, pulled up before 14th

8/1

9th

4

21st Dec 2022

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

13:53 Taunton

Call Me Tlalok

11st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Keiran Burke

Has struggled at big prices in three novice hurdles (2m/2m7f), most recently when beaten out of sight here (2m, good; first run after wind op) on his return last month; can only be watched.

100/1

9th

3

24th Nov 2022

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:10 Taunton

Call Me Tlalok

11st 0lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Keiran Burke

No show in two novice hurdles last term; has had wind surgery; stable's very good strike-rate this season provides hope for better but would need to see market support to consider.

66/1

Form: 3 BF

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Won the second of his two Irish points in the spring before changing hands for 60,000gns; didn't live up to market expectations on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen (2m4f, soft; 6-4 favourite) last month but he made some striking late headway to snatch third and should be sharper this time; could be in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

13th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

17:00 Hexham

Lunar Contact

11st 12lb

J: Miss Rebekah Duffy

T: Susan Corbett

Two-time chase winner who was a 9l second in this race 12 months ago (good); gets a pull in the weights with the winner Brandy McQueen from their clash at Catterick (3m1f, good) last month but he was soundly beaten in second and has work to do today.

10/1

2nd

5

4th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 54y

Class 5

16:10 Catterick

Lunar Contact

12st 2lb

J: Miss Rebekah Duffy

T: Susan Corbett

Won over hurdles and twice over fences for Tom Ellis in 2024 (3m, good/good to soft); won a four-runner point for this yard in January but well beaten last time; has no easy task

16/1

2nd

2

14th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 41y

Class 5

16:48 Hexham

Lunar Contact

12st 2lb

J: Miss Rebekah Duffy

T: Susan Corbett

Twice a 3m chase winner at Fakenham before bagging the hat-trick in 3m Southwell handicap hurdle in November; pulled up on final two handicap chase runs for Tom Ellis but still considered for in-form new yard here.

3/1

Non-runners

Lunar Contact

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £57.96

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Lallygag

Telegraph:

American Sniper

The Star:

Urban Soldier

Daily Record:

Urban Soldier

Daily Mail:

American Sniper

The Sun:

American Sniper

RP Ratings:

Lallygag

POSTDATA:

Lallygag

WEST COUNTRY:

Lallygag

The Times:

Lallygag

The Guardian:

Lallygag

D Express:

Lallygag

Daily Mirror:

Lallygag