December 30 / 14.45 Taunton

14.45

Good

Farewell Doctor John Heathcock Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £6753.04
  • 2m 7f 198y
  • Class 3
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Farewell Doctor John Heathcock Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

5/1 (Won)

  • Win: £5.60
  • Place: £2.10

Form: 3F3-11 D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Back to form with two wins this season and 9lb rise for the second of those still leaves him on a feasible mark (has won off it); stays well and bold bid expected, especially if there is further rain.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

8

5th Nov 2023

Soft

3m 2f 34y

Class 3

15:40 Carlisle

Apple Rock

11st 3lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Ben Pauling

Posted a handicap hurdle hat-trick late last year (2m4f/3m, soft/good to soft); this 9yo is making a belated chase debut but he showed promise in points in 2018 (including runner-up to Shishkin) and he has a good reappearance record (including a win here); not ruled out.

16/1

6th

8

8th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

3m 0f 58y

Class 2

15:15 Haydock

Apple Rock

11st 4lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Finished a well-held sixth (behind Itso Fury) at Ascot when bidding for a four-timer but ran respectably and Beau Morgan now takes off 7lb with his claim; enters calculations.

20/1

2

30th Mar 2023

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

15:50 Taunton

Apple Rock

11st 13lb

J: Luca Morgan

T: Ben Pauling

Just out of the money at Ascot last month when bidding for a four-timer but ran respectably on bare figures and likely remains in form; C&D winner the time before and enters calculations back here.

5/2

7/2

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 551-11 D

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Unplaced in first five career starts but has taken off in a big way since; completed a hat-trick when easily beating four rivals at Uttoxeter last month; 9lb higher in a much deeper race but might still be ahead of the handicapper; going back right-handed a slight concern but lot to like.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

4

1st Nov 2025

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 1

15:45 Ascot

The Changing Man

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Unfair to knock his strike-rate of 1-12 over fences as he's run some crackers in defeat, with four seconds last season including a strong C&D handicap and the Ultima at Cheltenham in March; quite likely that he was over the top when last to finish in the 3m1f Grade 1 novice at Aintree; tough, consistent and much respected despite a challenging mark.

100/30

3rd

7

4th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

13:45 Aintree

The Changing Man

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 1-11 over fences, the success in a Grade 2 Reynoldstown at Ascot that essentially fell apart; however, he's proved very consistent in good handicaps otherwise this term, second at the Cheltenham Festival (3m1f, good to soft) most recently; again likely to give his running.

10/1

OUR TIP

12/1

  • Place: £3.30

Form: 1-5 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
Romped home at Worcester in May 2021, on his debut under rules, but then absent until finishing last at Ffos Las last month (weak in the market); may well leave that behind but others have less to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

30th May 2024

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 5

19:40 Warwick

Presenting Jeremy

11st 11lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Barry Murtagh

2m7f hurdle winner (good) when with Dan Skelton; has struggled in all three starts for his current trainer; tongue-tie now accompanies cheekpieces; much more is needed from him.

33/1

Form: F/54-7 C

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Only win (from 15 starts) came in the 2m3f novice event on this card three years ago; well beaten at Kempton last month on return from a break, and cheekpieces will need to inject a spark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

22nd Mar 2024

Good To Soft

3m 0f 52y

Class 4

17:20 Newbury

Republican

11st 12lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Followed his former trainer Oliver Sherwood to Harry Derham's yard for which he made a winning start over 3m at Musselburgh (soft); didn't win with much in hand but that was his first run for 251 days and a 5lb rise is fair enough.

11/4

1st

2

1st Jan 2024

Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 4

15:30 Musselburgh

Republican

11st 13lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

prominent, in touch with leaders after 8th

3/1

4th

8

25th Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

16:00 Ffos Las

Republican

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Oliver Sherwood

Won at Hereford (2m3f, good) in February but that was a weak four-runner race and he's since been a soundly beaten fourth at Southwell (2m4f, good to soft); others have more pressing claims.

10/1

Form: 611-22 C

Last run: 42 days

W: 10st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Both wins came over 2m3f here in February/March; second both starts this season and looked as if he might benefit from a step up in trip at Chepstow last month (2m 3f+); 11lb above highest winning mark but still interesting and further rain would add to his chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

8

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:25 Ffos Las

Iberio

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

All three wins over hurdles were at Taunton, latest over 3m on heavy in March 2023; chasing last term and ended his time with the Hobbs/White stable on some low notes; pulled up after an early error over fences (0-6 in that sphere) 12 days ago on stable/seasonal debut; well treated on best efforts.

14/1

6th

8

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

14:25 Ffos Las

Iberio

11st 3lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

pressed leader early, raced in second 2nd, prominent from 6th, not fluent 3 out, soon weakened

14/1

15

29th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 54y

Class 4

14:35 Chepstow

Iberio

11st 2lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Three-time hurdle winner; yet build upon last autumn's promising chase debut for the Hobbs/White stable and has been absent since March but is on a good mark for today's stable debut; cheekpieces removed.

12/1

25/1

Form: -43345

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Ludlow winner in March, after wind surgery, but still 7lb above that mark and well beaten at Kempton last month on return from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

31st May 2023

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:00 Newton Abbot

Itacare

12st 0lb

J: David Noonan

T: David Pipe

Scored off 3lb higher at Ludlow (2m5f, good) last spring but he's been out of sorts in his last five runs, including on his return after another wind operation at Worcester (tailed off) three weeks ago; has plenty to prove and he needs a major revival.

14/1

7th

12

8th May 2023

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Worcester

Itacare

11st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Scored off today's mark at Ludlow (2m5f, good) in March 2022 and was placed over C&D (good) off 9lb higher last summer; out of sorts when last seen in the winter but had another wind op (his third) during subsequent 96-day break and can't be ruled out.

12/1

10th

6

1st Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 4

15:55 Exeter

Itacare

11st 9lb

J: Philip Armson

T: David Pipe

midfield

25/1

Form: 12P-64 C

Last run: 35 days

W: 12st 0lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in this a year ago (now 4lb lower) and suggested he was returning to form when fourth at Newbury last month; should be in the thick of matters again, despite top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

9

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:18 Southwell

Time To Tinker

10st 3lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Gary Hanmer

ran in snatches, in touch with leaders on outer, dropped to rear and struggling after 4 out

14/1

6th

9

15th Nov 2024

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

15:18 Southwell

Time To Tinker

10st 3lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: Gary Hanmer

ran in snatches, in touch with leaders on outer, dropped to rear and struggling after 4 out

14/1

7th

7

3rd Nov 2024

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

15:43 Huntingdon

Time To Tinker

11st 2lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Gary Hanmer

Arrested his decline when placed at Bangor (2m3f, good) in September and will be fine over today's longer trip but his recent Kempton run was underwhelming and others in this field have much more appealing profiles.

12/1

Form: 510-12 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 11lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Steadily progressive and September's Bangor win was followed by a good second at Doncaster last month; up another 2lb but main concern would be further rain as all her wins have come on good ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

2

25th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

14:40 Ascot

Go Chique

11st 11lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

prominent, lost position 4th, dropped to last 6th, pulled up before 7th

16/1

5th

2

24th Oct 2023

Good

2m 7f 25y

Class 3

16:00 Exeter

Go Chique

11st 12lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

Bounced back to form to beat AJP Kingdom at Market Rasen (2m7f, good) in August but the form looks dubious, given that several flights were omitted and the race developed into a sprint; quickly back in the doldrums on latest outing; others look much safer.

14/1

0

1

11th Sep 2023

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 2

16:25 Newton Abbot

Go Chique

12st 0lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

led, headed and prominent 5th, weakened quickly after 3 out, soon pulled up

6/1

Form: 24-196 D

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Worcester winner in August but well beaten in both subsequent starts, the latest at Kempton last month; often makes the running.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

5

16th Nov 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

15:21 Market Rasen

Moon King

11st 11lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Clare Hobson

Makes his stable debut on a reduced mark but his form for Charlie Longsdon went the wrong way this year and he has plenty to prove.

25/1

6th

1

(3)

30th Sep 2023

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

17:15 Ripon

Moon King

10st 1lb

J: Graham Lee

T: Charlie Longsdon

raced lazily, raced in last, pushed along before halfway, reminders 5f out, lost touch and tailed off from 4f out

20/1

0

4

7th Sep 2023

Good

3m 1f 185y

Class 4

14:18 Southwell

Moon King

11st 10lb

J: Bradley Roberts

T: Charlie Longsdon

Now 10lb lower than when winning over hurdles last summer but was last of four on chasing debut in July, and his finishing effort over hurdles last month was disappointing; swaps blinkers for refitted visor here; needs to up his game.

10/1

Form: 2-1113 D

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in three novice events early in the summer but was tailed off on last month's Hereford handicap debut; plenty to prove after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

26th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

15:00 Fontwell

Fountains Chief

11st 13lb

J: Sean O’Briain

T: Anthony Honeyball

Front-runner; unbeaten in three novice events (2m4f-2m7f, good) last May/June; tailed off on handicap debut in November but his fourth of six at Southwell (2m4f) four weeks ago was a step back in the right direction.

9/2

4th

2

29th Jan 2023

Good

2m 4f 88y

Class 4

16:10 Southwell

Fountains Chief

11st 12lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Unbeaten in three novice events last summer but tailed off on November's handicap debut at Hereford; plenty to prove after that.

8/1

Form: 15-

Last run: 275 days

W: 11st 6lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Bought for £200,000 after winning on his debut in France 13 months ago; tongue-strap worn then left off when he was tailed off at Market Rasen in March; aid returns for handicap debut but lot to prove; up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

22nd May 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

14:10 Ffos Las

Invictus Smart

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Neil Mulholland

Won 2m2f conditions event at Fontainebleau (very soft) on racecourse debut in November 2021; struggled in two runs for this yard, including when 66-1 for handicap debut in December (3m, good to soft); dropped 5lb but not easily recommended.

7/1

8

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

14:45 Taunton

Invictus Smart

11st 6lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Neil Mulholland

Bought for £200,000 after winning on his debut in France 13 months ago; tongue-strap worn then left off when he was tailed off at Market Rasen in March; aid returns for handicap debut but lot to prove; up in trip.

14/1

Form: 7791-0

Last run: 40 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Significant improvement when winning an Exeter novice in February (trainer's most recent winner) but no show on last month's return/handicap debut at the same track; considerably up in trip.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

31st May 2023

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:00 Newton Abbot

Bluffmeifyoucan

11st 11lb

J: Lucy Gardner

T: Sue Gardner

Has a patchy record and he didn't fire at Wincanton (100-30 favourite) in March but that was after a good second at Fontwell (2m5f, good) and he was successful in a novice event last spring; has claims if he can get back near best after a break and he's in the mix.

13/2

3rd

7

9th Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

14:40 Wincanton

Bluffmeifyoucan

11st 2lb

J: Lucy Gardner

T: Sue Gardner

took keen hold, midfield, headway after 3rd

11/4

2nd

8

26th Feb 2023

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 4

15:00 Fontwell

Bluffmeifyoucan

11st 2lb

J: Lucy Gardner

T: Sue Gardner

Big improvement to win Exeter novice (2m2f, soft) in February on final start last term by 18l; has done little in handicaps this winter, reportedly making a respiratory noise on second occasion; best watched.

50/1

Form: 336-05 D

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
More than two years since he gained his only win under rules and has lost his way over fences lately; could possibly be perked up by a change of scenery (was with Fergal O'Brien) but too many doubts for now.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

27th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:30 Plumpton

Huntsmans Jog

12st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Milton Harris

pressed leader on outer

25/1

12

18th Feb 2023

Good

2m 7f 118y

Class 3

16:10 Ascot

Huntsmans Jog

10st 9lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: Milton Harris

held up in rear, pushed along 6th

50/1

12

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

14:45 Taunton

Huntsmans Jog

10st 13lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Milton Harris

More than two years since he gained his only win under rules and has lost his way over fences lately; could possibly be perked up by a change of scenery (was with Fergal O'Brien) but too many doubts for now.

33/1

Form: 234-15 D BF

Last run: 45 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Chepstow winner on handicap debut in October but tailed off at Lingfield since, when reportedly unsuited by very soft ground; even a return to the winning form might not be sufficient in this competitive event.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

2nd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:39 Chepstow

Bobalot

11st 7lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Laura Horsfall

Well beaten before last-fence refusal on latest outing in February but has a largely consistent record over hurdles; will be suited by the trip/ground and has slipped to a good mark; each-way claims at least.

8/1

1

17th Feb 2026

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

14:30 Market Rasen

Bobalot

12st 0lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Laura Horsfall

Has won three times over hurdles and finished third for the fourth successive time in that sphere at Southwell (3m, good to soft) 15 days ago; back over fences after a couple of failed attempts in November 2023 but tends to find at least one too good.

9/1

3rd

2

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 60y

Class 5

16:27 Southwell

Bobalot

11st 11lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Laura Horsfall

Huntingdon winner in April (3m1f, good); fair runs over this trip on good to soft/soft/heavy on last three starts; each-way chance

9/1

Form: 2552-5

Last run: 27 days

W: 10st 8lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Dual bumper winner but 0-8 over hurdles; runner-up at Ludlow in April on only attempt at 3m and didn't shape too badly on this month's Sandown return (2m4f); bit to prove but not without some hope.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

10th Feb 2023

Good

3m 0f 0y

Class 4

14:00 Kempton

Moonamacaroona

11st 0lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Now 0-9 over hurdles after a quiet start to this campaign but she won two bumpers and she should be on a decent mark; due to make chase debut in this new headgear at Huntingdon on Thursday (1.15).

10/1

4th

4

9th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 129y

Class 4

13:15 Huntingdon

Moonamacaroona

11st 2lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Dual bumper winner but 0-9 over hurdles and it's been a quiet start to the season following wind surgery; perhaps a visor can trigger a return to form now chasing off what's a fair mark.

4/1

15

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 3

14:45 Taunton

Moonamacaroona

10st 8lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Alan King

Dual bumper winner but 0-8 over hurdles; runner-up at Ludlow in April on only attempt at 3m and didn't shape too badly on this month's Sandown return (2m4f); bit to prove but not without some hope.

14/1

Non-runners

Go Chique, Fountains Chief

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £22.80
Straight Forecast £18.55
Tricast £159.77
Trifecta £157.20

Selections

The Times:

Apple Rock

RP Ratings:

The Changing Man

TOPSPEED:

Moonamacaroona

SPOTLIGHT:

Iberio

LAMBOURN:

Go Chique

Telegraph:

Presenting Jeremy

POSTDATA:

Time To Tinker

WEST COUNTRY:

The Changing Man

Daily Mirror:

The Changing Man

Daily Record:

The Changing Man

The Star:

Moonamacaroona

The Guardian:

Apple Rock

Daily Mail:

Apple Rock

D Express:

Apple Rock

The Sun:

Apple Rock