December 30 / 15.45 Taunton

15.45

Good

2 For 1 Tickets On 9th January Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle (RE Initiative)

  • Prize money: £5119.24
  • 2m 3f 1y
  • Class 4
  • 16 runners
RTV
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2 For 1 Tickets On 9th January Conditional Jockeys’ Training Series Handicap Hurdle (RE Initiative)

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £4.50
  • Place: £2.00

Form: 65-003

Last run: 36 days

W: 10st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Not strikingly progressive but they were decent novices he was no match for over 2m here a month ago and handicaps should see him in a better light; tongue-tie also added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 191y

Class 4

17:00 Market Rasen

Fame And Fun

11st 7lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Has returned from a break in good order and gave an in-form rival a right fright at Worcester (2m7f, good); won't mind rain.

11/2

8

2nd Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

14:45 Worcester

Fame And Fun

10st 9lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Encouraging third after a three-month break at Stratford (2m7f, good) last month; looks the type to be at his best in the summer and holds sound claims.

5/1

6

17th Jun 2025

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

16:30 Stratford

Fame And Fun

11st 2lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mickey Bowen

Won modest chase at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy) in January and is also suited by much faster ground but has become very inconsistent in recent years; others in this line-up have much more appealing profiles.

12/1

4/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: -62132 BF

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 105

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 5yo heading in the right direction; clearcut winner over 2m at Worcester (soft; 7lb lower) and not far away in 2m4f handicaps on good; solid option.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

13:38 Newcastle

Couldbeaweapon

11st 12lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Has won his last two handicap chases, at Southwell (2m4f, good) and last time a conditional riders' event at Sedgefield by 17l (2m5f, good; clear leader fell four out); went up 10lb for that even though he wasn't sure to have won; can run off his old mark here; contender.

5/6

3

30th Oct 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 91y

Class 5

13:38 Newcastle

Couldbeaweapon

11st 12lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Has won his last two handicap chases, at Southwell (2m4f, good) and last time a conditional riders' event at Sedgefield by 17l (2m5f, good; clear leader fell four out); went up 10lb for that even though he wasn't sure to have won; can run off his old mark here; contender.

5/6

1st

2

19th Oct 2025

Good

2m 5f 28y

Class 5

14:30 Sedgefield

Couldbeaweapon

11st 4lb

J: Tom Midgley

T: Sam England

Pretty consistent and the front two were clear when off the mark over fences (1-14) at Southwell (2m4f, good) 17 days ago; has gone up 8lb but Tom Midgley takes away 3lb out of that with his claim.

13/8

OUR TIP

9/2

  • Place: £2.00

Form: -43241 CD

Last run: 28 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Had plenty of racing since winning this decisively off 8lb lower 12 months ago but he's consistent and won well again at Exeter last time (4lb lower); every chance he will be in the thick of it once more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th Oct 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

16:30 Ludlow

Karakoram

10st 6lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Third over 2m5f in May (good) took his record here to 31823; no trip or ground issues and mark never lower, but poor the last twice.

20/1

Form: 6-455

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m4f point on soft ground; hasn't set the world alight since sent over hurdles but he makes his handicap here in a first-time tongue-tie; warrants a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Worcester

Royal Sam

11st 2lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Michael Blake

prominent, disputed lead 3rd, prominent before 4th

14/1

Form: 122-5P

Last run: 45 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Has done well since joining Dan Skelton, winning from 6lb lower mark at Southwell (3m, good to soft) in January and twice runner-up afterwards; needs to bounce back from two lesser performances but that's feasible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

14:20 Hexham

Colonel Manderson

10st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: William Young Jnr

towards rear

66/1

9

11th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

14:20 Hexham

Colonel Manderson

10st 11lb

J: Conor Rabbitt

T: William Young Jnr

towards rear

66/1

10th

7

8th Nov 2024

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 5

15:55 Hexham

Colonel Manderson

11st 0lb

J: Derek Fox

T: William Young Jnr

Won a C&D handicap in September 2023; has been pulled up in four of his five starts since, including in a point; plenty to prove.

50/1

Form: 78P-34

Last run: 9 days

W: 10st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Very useful Flat form for Andre Fabre; now 0-9 over hurdles and, after shaping better in first-time cheekpieces when third to Karakoram at Exeter (2m2f; good to soft), he took another backward step at Hereford on soft ground that shouldn't have bothered him; not the easiest to call.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

6th Feb 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

16:50 Taunton

Gyllen

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Kayley Woollacott

in touch with leaders

3/1

1st

12

26th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 173y

Class 4

16:10 Sandown

Gyllen

10st 13lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Kayley Woollacott

Good enough to win a Group 2 on the Flat in France when owned by Godolphin; went 0-12 over hurdles for two previous yards but he's come good for this one with back-to-back Taunton wins (2m3f, good; 3m/good to soft); raised 20lb for those but something has clicked and deeper ground here will be no hardship.

6/1

1st

5

14th Dec 2023

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Gyllen

11st 7lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Kayley Woollacott

Made just a fairly encouraging seasonal/stable debut in October but displayed big jolt of improvement to win easily by 13l here (2m3f, good) a fortnight ago; hiked up 13lb for that and has stamina to prove over new trip today but ought to handle the slower ground and commands respect.

7/2

Form: 556392

Last run: 88 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Seemed to need good ground in Ireland and his maiden efforts (2m4f-2m) were not without promise; bought for 30,000euros; would be interesting should market vibes bode well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

6

10th Nov 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 48y

Class 5

14:45 Hexham

Ferdinand Star

11st 10lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Declan Carroll

led, briefly headed 3rd, headed 3 out, lost second before 2 out

20/1

4

2nd Mar 2023

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

13:40 Taunton

Ferdinand Star

11st 13lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: David Pipe

ran in snatches, prominent, dropped to rear before 6th, pulled up before 3 out

33/1

10th

10

16th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

1m 7f 216y

Class 4

13:15 Sandown

Ferdinand Star

10st 12lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: David Pipe

Had placed form in Irish maiden hurdles but it's been a sticky start for his current yard with no shows in 2m3f and 2m4f handicaps; dropping back in distance could work but he needs to find overall improvement.

40/1

20/1

Form: 39-208

Last run: 24 days

W: 10st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Runner-up at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good; hooded) in May off a similar mark but well beneath that form in two subsequent runs, with and without the hood; different headgear this time and that may help matters.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

13

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

15:45 Taunton

Muy Bien

10st 13lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Harry Fry

Runner-up at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good; hooded) in May off a similar mark but well beneath that form in two subsequent runs, with and without the hood; different headgear this time and that may help matters.

20/1

8th

7

6th Dec 2022

Good To Soft

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

15:35 Fontwell

Muy Bien

11st 7lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

Yet to win (0-6 hurdles) but he did manage to finish runner-up at Newton Abbot (2m2f, good) in May; found disappointingly little when 12th of 13 at Uttoxeter (2m4f) after 170 days off; risky.

8/1

12th

5

28th Oct 2022

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:15 Uttoxeter

Muy Bien

11st 9lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Harry Fry

held up in rear, mistake 7th, headway when not fluent 3 out, soon ridden and found nothing, behind 2 out

5/1

Form: /457P-

Last run: 331 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Showed promise in bumpers and ran okay at Ascot in his first hurdle race (all on good ground); subsequent backward steps - including a handicap debut - have come on soft; one to bear in mind back under drier conditions.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

6

2nd Apr 2023

Good To Soft

2m 7f 118y

Class 4

16:10 Ascot

Ailes DAmour

11st 6lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Ian Williams

Below best two starts ago but off the mark at Doncaster previously (3m2f, good) and he didn't do much wrong at Sedgefield last week (3m3f, soft) when chasing home one who has recaptured form of late; fair claims if fitting cheekpieces helps.

9/1

2nd

2

23rd Mar 2023

Soft

3m 3f 9y

Class 5

16:00 Sedgefield

Ailes DAmour

11st 13lb

J: William Kennedy

T: Ian Williams

Disappointing last time but could well bounce back; showed he stays well at Warwick (3m2f, good) on penultimate start, opening his account, and remains unexposed beyond 3m.

4/1

4th

4

3rd Mar 2023

Good

3m 0f 84y

Class 4

16:50 Doncaster

Ailes DAmour

11st 0lb

J: Charlie Todd

T: Ian Williams

Having dropped down the weights he attracted market support and returned to form to win a conditionals'/amateurs' handicap at Warwick (3m2f, good) last week; had something to spare and escapes a penalty; strong claims.

7/4

12/1

Form: P86007

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Ran well the once in Ireland but was essentially disappointing; still has low mileage but he made a forgettable start for this yard in a Market Rasen handicap.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

27th Mar 2026

Good

3m 0f 45y

Class 4

14:50 Wetherby

Ithaka

11st 10lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Ryan Potter

Pulled up in both starts since opening his chase account in Hereford contest; still seeking first success above Class 5; cheekpieces added.

14/1

4

15th Mar 2026

Soft

2m 7f 136y

Class 4

15:20 Chepstow

Ithaka

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

Perhaps found out by the 3m6f trip at Exeter and heavy ground wasn't ideal when best efforts have been on good to soft or good; again reservations on that score here, but he was running well prior to last time.

10/1

8

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 6f 153y

Class 3

15:45 Exeter

Ithaka

10st 2lb

J: Freddie Mitchell

T: Ryan Potter

4l winner under Freddie Mitchell at Hereford (extended 3m1f) in January on latest outing but 8lb higher today, including 3lb out of the handicap; also not proven on worse than good to soft (had two attempts on soft) and this sort of trip is something new to him.

9/1

Form: 612-54 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Record of 1-15 for Philip Hobbs and sold out of that yard for £4,000 after a disappointing final run; at 40-1, he was beaten a distance at Uttoxeter on his first start for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

15th May 2023

Soft

2m 4f 88y

Class 5

17:45 Southwell

Forever Des Long

11st 3lb

J: David Noonan

T: Claire Dyson

Very well handicapped on some of last year's hurdling form for Philip Hobbs but hasn't shown a great deal for current stable (five runs) and has quite a bit to prove on today's chasing debut.

33/1

8th

4

28th Apr 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

20:00 Southwell

Forever Des Long

11st 8lb

J: Lee Edwards

T: Claire Dyson

Very well handicapped on some of last year's form for Philip Hobbs but hasn't shown a great deal for current stable (four runs) and is not the most obvious answer here.

33/1

8th

2

13th Apr 2023

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

16:55 Taunton

Forever Des Long

11st 12lb

J: David Noonan

T: Claire Dyson

Defied a higher mark when with previous stable; holds poor claims on form for current yard, however, and first-time tongue-tie needs to prompt a major turnaround.

25/1

Form: 1421/P C

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 0lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
2lb higher when winning a 3m handicap here just over two years ago but wasn't seen again until this November when pulled up over C&D; something to prove after that.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

15:45 Taunton

Nobel Joshua

12st 0lb

J: Thomasina Eyston

T: David Pipe

2lb higher when winning a 3m handicap here just over two years ago but wasn't seen again until this November when pulled up over C&D; something to prove after that.

16/1

11

24th Nov 2022

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 3

14:50 Taunton

Nobel Joshua

10st 13lb

J: Tom Scudamore

T: David Pipe

Off since winning the 3m novice handicap on this card two years ago; drops in trip on his belated return but he races off that successful mark and the stable is in form so it'll be interesting to see if there's any strength behind him in the betting.

11/1

Form: 4114-

Last run: 494 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Won a couple of juvenile hurdles (good and good to firm) but he's been absent 494 days and doesn't look on that good a mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

3

24th Aug 2023

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 5

18:15 Fontwell

Scrappy Jack

10st 13lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Continues to operate below the level of his two 2021 Newton Abbot juvenile hurdle wins, mistakes confining him to the rear-division throughout his recent chasing debut (2m4f, good); 5lb drop is not persuasive.

14/1

7th

3

1st Aug 2023

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

18:00 Worcester

Scrappy Jack

11st 4lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

Both wins in 2m1f hurdles at Newton Abbot in the summer of 2021 but his form since returning from 16 months off last December has been very ordinary; has much to prove now chasing.

28/1

8th

4

14th Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:40 Newton Abbot

Scrappy Jack

11st 9lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Bill Turner

held up in rear, ridden after 3 out, no telling impression

16/1

Form: 215-P5 D

Last run: 192 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Only 4lb higher than when making all at Fontwell (2m3f, good; by 8l) in September but his subsequent efforts read nothing like as well; bit to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

16th Jul 2023

Good

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

14:15 Stratford

Jakamani

11st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Mark Bradstock

disputed lead, weakened 2 out

20/1

2

2nd Jul 2023

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

17:00 Uttoxeter

Jakamani

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Mark Bradstock

Lightly raced 9yo; absent for just over a year but he's nicely treated and the booking of Harry Cobden is another plus on return to action; sole win (2m3f, good) came off this mark; market support should be heeded.

16/1

9

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

15:45 Taunton

Jakamani

11st 6lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Mark Bradstock

Only 4lb higher than when making all at Fontwell (2m3f, good; by 8l) in September but his subsequent efforts read nothing like as well; bit to prove.

20/1

Form: 88P-40 C

Last run: 52 days

W: 11st 2lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Multiple winner down the years but far from consistent in either code in recent times; tailed off the last twice (hurdling/AW).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

30th Dec 2022

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

15:45 Taunton

Borak

11st 2lb

J: Bradley Roberts

T: Deborah Faulkner

Multiple winner down the years but far from consistent in either code in recent times; tailed off the last twice (hurdling/AW).

40/1

1

22nd Dec 2022

Good To Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

15:40 Ffos Las

Borak

12st 0lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Deborah Faulkner

Multiple winner down the years but far from consistent in either code in recent times and he's worth taking on under a big weight.

25/1

12th

10

(6)

14th Nov 2022

Standard

1m 5f 219y

Class 6

20:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Borak

9st 5lb

J: Aidan Keeley

T: Deborah Faulkner

slowly away and lost many lengths start, always towards rear

40/1

Form: 764-09

Last run: 123 days

W: 10st 13lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Overall strike-rate of 3-45 when trained in Ireland but he's 0-11 as a hurdler and yet to be placed; last seen struggling on the AW.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

3rd Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:03 Huntingdon

Pak Army

10st 10lb

J: Mr Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

raced in second, led after 3 out, headed after 2 out, kept on but no match for winner

4/1

2nd

5

3rd Nov 2024

Good

1m 7f 171y

Class 4

14:03 Huntingdon

Pak Army

10st 10lb

J: Mr Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

raced in second, led after 3 out, headed after 2 out, kept on but no match for winner

4/1

1

10th Oct 2024

Good

2m 0f 161y

Class 5

16:08 Exeter

Pak Army

12st 0lb

J: Mr Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Returned to form with emphatic Flat win in May and has been placed over hurdles twice since; just a respectable fourth at Newton Abbot (2m1f, good) last month but is 2lb lower here and can cope if the ground softens.

12/1

Non-runners

Jakamani

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £20.30
Straight Forecast £13.66
Tricast £47.94
Trifecta £48.40

Selections

RP Ratings:

Couldbeaweapon

SPOTLIGHT:

Fame And Fun

Daily Mail:

Karakoram

Telegraph:

Ferdinand Star

POSTDATA:

Muy Bien

WEST COUNTRY:

Couldbeaweapon

Daily Mirror:

Couldbeaweapon

The Star:

Couldbeaweapon

Daily Record:

Couldbeaweapon

The Times:

Fame And Fun

The Guardian:

Fame And Fun

The Sun:

Fame And Fun

D Express:

Karakoram