December 30 / 13.45 Taunton

13.45

Good

League Of Friends Of Musgrove Park Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £5990.6
  • 2m 7f 3y
  • Class 4
  • 11 runners
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League Of Friends Of Musgrove Park Novices’ Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Runners: 11 runners

Type: Chase Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

12/1 (Won)

  • Win: £12.00
  • Place: £3.10

Form: 53-615 C

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 10lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Both hurdle wins here (2m3f) but lost her unbeaten course record with disappointing effort five weeks ago; Irish point winner so switch to chasing/step up in trip could work; hard to rule out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

5th Jun 2024

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 4

14:10 Newton Abbot

Love Actually

11st 3lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

Won back-to-back handicap chases (2m7f/3m) on right-handed tracks two winters ago and she may prefer going that way round; modest form of late in cheekpieces and now tries blinkers.

20/1

10

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Love Actually

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

in touch with leaders

9/1

10

14th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 60y

Class 4

15:00 Southwell

Love Actually

11st 4lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Keiran Burke

in touch with leaders

9/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.70

Form: 1/D1-14 C BF

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 4lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Easy winner at Ffos Las on chasing debut in October (2m3f+) but didn't back that up when fourth at Exeter last month (3m; has won at that trip); return to the winning effort certainly puts him in the picture.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

18th Mar 2023

Soft

3m 0f 0y

Class 2

15:35 Uttoxeter

Hows The Cricket

10st 5lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: Harry Fry

prominent, hit 9th, not fluent 11th, ridden after 4 out, weakened after 3 out, tailed off

12/1

2nd

6

9th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

14:33 Ffos Las

Hows The Cricket

11st 6lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

midfield, headway 5th, nudged along 11th

11/4

2nd

8

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

13:45 Taunton

Hows The Cricket

11st 4lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Harry Fry

Easy winner at Ffos Las on chasing debut in October (2m3f+) but didn't back that up when fourth at Exeter last month (3m; has won at that trip); return to the winning effort certainly puts him in the picture.

8/1

7/2

  • Place: £1.50

Form: 343-41 CD

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Emphatic C&D winner last month on second attempt over fences (and in first-time cheekpieces, retained); up 9lb in a deeper contest but obvious claims given the manner of the win and he's 2-2 going right-handed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

2

3rd Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

15:07 Southwell

Kayf Hernando

12st 2lb

J: Mr Sam Lee

T: J L Brotherton

Record of 2-3 in points for new stable; faces a tougher task back under rules but is a C&D winner and could go well.

9/1

4th

3

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

17:10 Ludlow

Kayf Hernando

12st 2lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd, weakened 3 out

11/2

4th

3

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 4

17:10 Ludlow

Kayf Hernando

12st 2lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Dan Skelton

in touch with leaders, not fluent 2nd

11/2

Form: 55-344

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Maiden; twice placed in French chases and fair effort at Lingfield last month but needs to step up a deal on that; first attempt at trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

7th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

20:00 Hereford

Seigneur Des As

12st 0lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

Win last February came off this mark but he's offered little in two runs over hurdles back from almost a year off, latterly for his new yard a fortnight ago; the return to fences needs to help.

10/1

2nd

3

7th May 2024

Good

3m 1f 44y

Class 4

20:00 Hereford

Seigneur Des As

12st 0lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Harriet Dickin

Win last February came off this mark but he's offered little in two runs over hurdles back from almost a year off, latterly for his new yard a fortnight ago; the return to fences needs to help.

10/1

5th

8

21st Apr 2024

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 3

13:57 Wincanton

Seigneur Des As

11st 1lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Harriet Dickin

Sole career win came in a Ludlow handicap chase in February of last year (3m, good); beaten a long way into third on his return from an absence in a 2m4f novice at Huntingdon.

20/1

Form: 33F-62

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Has enough form to make him of interest, including last month's second at Wincanton; key to his chance may be the step up to 2m7f and application of cheekpieces; live contender if finding a little more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

16th Jun 2023

Good

3m 0f 210y

Class 3

18:25 Aintree

Kakamora

10st 7lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Tom George

pressed leader, pushed along 3 out, ridden and weakened 2 out

9/2

1st

2

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:35 Worcester

Kakamora

11st 13lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Tom George

Flopped at Ludlow last month and has something to prove on the back of that, but two starts ago he won at Huntingdon (2m7f, good to soft) and he's also effective on good ground; not ruled out.

5/2

5th

6

9th May 2023

Good

3m 1f 125y

Class 4

18:25 Ludlow

Kakamora

11st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Tom George

These aids seem to have helped and he was having just his second attempt at a staying trip when a convincing winner at Huntingdon last month (2m7f, good to soft; only three finished); should go on; Harry Cobden a rare booking for the yard.

3/1

Form: F124/2 D

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Looked sure to win at Market Rasen last month on return from a long absence, but tied up and was headed on the line; could do better with that behind him but this looks stronger and he's just 1-18 in his career.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

4

22nd Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

15:15 Ffos Las

Fawsley Spirit

11st 9lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

led, clear after 9th, reduced lead 11th, disputed lead 15th, shaken up and lost position before 3 out

3/1

2nd

2

27th Feb 2023

Good

3m 1f 152y

Class 3

15:00 Plumpton

Fawsley Spirit

11st 10lb

J: Miss Megan Fox

T: Ben Pauling

Tied up and headed on the line after looking sure to win on the back of a long absence at Market Rasen (3m, good to soft); not so good after 50 days off at Taunton but that wasn't a bad race and cheekpieces could help.

6/1

6th

4

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

13:45 Taunton

Fawsley Spirit

11st 11lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Looked sure to win at Market Rasen last month on return from a long absence, but tied up and was headed on the line; could do better with that behind him but this looks stronger and he's just 1-18 in his career.

5/1

Form: 21F1-2

Last run: 46 days

W: 12st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Two hurdle wins last season but well beaten on chasing debut at Plumpton last month (left in remote second by a faller); capable of better but now needs to show it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

16:50 Wincanton

Whydah Gally

12st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Something to prove regarding current form as he's failed to shine over fences this winter, but he's 1-14 in chases as opposed to 3-10 over hurdles, and perhaps the return to this discipline will trigger a revival.

12/1

6

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Whydah Gally

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Capable stayer but has struggled with consistency; finished a 10l fourth at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day, a race in which Vision De Maine was pulled up, but that was a laboured effort; handles most ground and has the ability to get involved but comes with risk.

8/1

6

27th Jan 2025

Soft

3m 1f 152y

Class 4

15:50 Plumpton

Whydah Gally

11st 1lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Capable stayer but has struggled with consistency; finished a 10l fourth at Wincanton (3m1f, good to soft) on Boxing Day, a race in which Vision De Maine was pulled up, but that was a laboured effort; handles most ground and has the ability to get involved but comes with risk.

8/1

OUR TIP

Form: 7-2324

Last run: 62 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Has performed quite well in four chases but yet to add to his three hurdle wins; best on good ground but first attempt at this trip will need to provoke some improvement if he's to land this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

27th May 2026

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 5

18:38 Cartmel

Restandbethankful

10st 6lb

J: Peter Kavanagh

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Mixes chasing with hurdling and he's stuck on a losing run; last three efforts thoroughly underwhelming.

20/1

6

1st Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 77y

Class 5

15:40 Sedgefield

Restandbethankful

11st 3lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Course winner but it's now 16 starts since his last victory and he came in a remote fifth of seven over C&D on Boxing Day; he's not one to rely on.

9/1

8

25th Oct 2025

Good

2m 1f 14y

Class 5

14:45 Kelso

Restandbethankful

11st 1lb

J: Sean Quinlan

T: Lizzie Quinlan

Last win was at Cartmel in August 2024 (2m1f, soft); best run since when third over same C&D in July (good); bit disappointing last twice, but no surprise if he were to run well.

12/1

Form: 5/31-2

Last run: 57 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Just five career starts; point winner and scored on hurdling debut in January; good second at Ludlow last month on return from a break, and live prospects now switched to chasing with step up to this trip likely to suit.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

30th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 189y

Class 4

14:15 Huntingdon

Mahon Point

12st 0lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Fergal O’Brien

Point/hurdle winner; reappearance over hurdles was fine and he was only 9-2 for his handicap/chase debut at Taunton only to come down early; needs respecting.

5/2

1

6th Jan 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 11y

Class 4

14:00 Ludlow

Mahon Point

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Brennan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Form: /4111- D

Last run: 535 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 116

Form & Verdict
Vastly improved over hurdles in the summer of 2021, winning his last three; 14lb higher than for the latest of those and a long absence to overcome, while further rain may not suit; still of interest on chasing debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:30 Ludlow

Pinnacle Peak

11st 7lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Far from solid judged on bare form this term, albeit had a physical excuse (found to have an irregular heartbeat) last time; this five-time hurdles scorer drops back in grade and is competitively treated provided he stages a revival.

20/1

14

15th Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

13:15 Ascot

Pinnacle Peak

11st 2lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Martin Keighley

Well handicapped on hurdles form up to autumn 2023; had a year off before two lesser shows this term (over fences latest) and 7lb claimer is recruited.

33/1

4th

8

14th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 31y

Class 3

12:25 Doncaster

Pinnacle Peak

10st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Martin Keighley

in touch with leaders, steadied into midfield 2nd

16/1

Form: 4P-267

Last run: 55 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Hurdle winner (off 4lb higher) just over a year ago but yet to fire as a chaser; well beaten on return from a break last month and cheekpieces need to inspire a serious upturn in fortunes.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

27th Jan 2023

Frozen

2m 4f 145y

Class 4

14:30 Huntingdon

Mister Sweets

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Neil Mulholland

in touch with leaders

20/1

10

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 3y

Class 4

13:45 Taunton

Mister Sweets

10st 10lb

J: Thomas Doggrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Hurdle winner (off 4lb higher) just over a year ago but yet to fire as a chaser; well beaten on return from a break last month and cheekpieces need to inspire a serious upturn in fortunes.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £58.90
Straight Forecast £59.08
Tricast £154.41
Trifecta £306.00

Selections

WEST COUNTRY:

Mahon Point

POSTDATA:

Kayf Hernando

RP Ratings:

Fawsley Spirit

SPOTLIGHT:

Kakamora

Telegraph:

Mahon Point

The Guardian:

Mahon Point

D Express:

Mahon Point

Daily Mail:

Kayf Hernando

The Sun:

Kayf Hernando

Daily Record:

Kayf Hernando

TOPSPEED:

Kakamora

The Times:

Fawsley Spirit

Daily Mirror:

Fawsley Spirit

The Star:

Fawsley Spirit