February 07 / 14.00 Taunton

14.00

Good To Soft

Rowcliffes Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4792.48
  • 2m 3f 1y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
RTV
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Rowcliffes Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

OUR TIP

11/8 (Won)

  • Win: £2.38
  • Place: £1.20

Form: 52-441 C

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Promising fourth at Ascot (2m3f, good to soft) on second hurdle start and built on that with comfortable win here (2m, good) in December; should be fine now back up in trip and he has strong claims under a 7lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

29th Apr 2023

Good

1m 7f 216y

Class 2

13:05 Sandown

Holetown Hero

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

Dual winner at Taunton (2m/2m3f, good/good to soft) during the winter and probably posted personal-best effort when close second to short-odds favourite at Newton Abbot (2m1f, soft; front pair well clear) this month; benefits from Freddie Gingell's useful 7lb claim on today's handicap debut; enters calculations.

16/1

2nd

1

8th Apr 2023

Heavy

2m 0f 167y

Class 4

13:40 Newton Abbot

Holetown Hero

12st 0lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

led, awkward jump 2nd

7/4

2nd

1

11th Feb 2023

Good

2m 0f 69y

Class 3

16:10 Newbury

Holetown Hero

11st 12lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

Comfortable win at Taunton (2m, good) in December and he followed up in clearcut style over 2m3f there (good to soft; made all) on Tuesday; only four days to get over that latest run and defying the double penalty should ask a big question but he's been on a roll and needs plenty of respect.

3/1

6/1

  • Place: £1.60

Form: 21-35 BF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Point (3m, good to yielding) and bumper (2m, good) winner who is yet to transfer that promise to hurdles (two attempts) but he's had wind surgery since his last run in December and that may do the trick; retains potential for leading stable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 88y

Class 3

13:30 Doncaster

Bold Reaction

11st 7lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Charles & Adam Pogson

took keen hold, led, soon went clear, jumped slightly left 5th

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £10.10

Form: 3-P7

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Pulled up/tailed off on first two hurdle starts (2m4f/2m, soft/heavy) and lots to prove here, but the return to better ground may help as he was a promising third on good going in his sole bumper; not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th Oct 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 4

14:57 Uttoxeter

Mikhailovich

11st 10lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Came from poor position to win by 7l on chasing debut at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) in June 2024 and returned from long absence with good second over hurdles at Worcester (2m7f, good) in August, where he travelled much more sweetly; it's hard to tell what mood he'll be in here but he could still have significant potential over fences.

7/2

1

20th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

17:55 Worcester

Mikhailovich

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Won a handicap over hurdles and won going away on chase debut at Market Rasen (2m5f, good) 14 months ago; on a competitive mark but likely best watched on this return to hurdling after his absence.

8/1

1st

5

14th Jun 2024

Good

2m 5f 89y

Class 4

18:25 Market Rasen

Mikhailovich

11st 8lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Kim Bailey

Easy Huntingdon winner (2m3f, Class 5 handicap hurdle) last October and placed off a higher mark here next time; however, his last two efforts have been below-par, pulling-up at Taunton two months ago; switches to fences with enough to prove at present.

14/1

Form: 40-420

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 120

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in a hot maiden at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but he's back in calmer waters here and this useful Flat performer holds leading form claims judged on his second at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) in December; could bounce back with a big effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

24th May 2023

Good

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

16:50 Warwick

Future Investment

11st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Alan King

Very useful on the Flat but 0-7 over hurdles; just a respectable fourth in Newbury novice (2m4f, soft) on latest outing in March and will need to do better to pose a threat on today's handicap hurdle debut.

3/1

4th

8

24th Mar 2023

Good To Soft

2m 4f 118y

Class 4

13:30 Newbury

Future Investment

11st 5lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Alan King

The form of his second at Chepstow in December (2m3f, good to soft) makes for good reading in this company but it's been rather underwhelming in the meantime, with him never dangerous at all when a well-held fourth at Taunton latterly (2m3f); going further should help, as may this galloping track; solid chance if at his best.

7/1

4th

4

7th Feb 2023

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

14:00 Taunton

Future Investment

11st 2lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Alan King

Tailed off in a hot maiden at Cheltenham on New Year's Day but he's back in calmer waters here and this useful Flat performer holds leading form claims judged on his second at Chepstow (2m3f, good to soft) in December; could bounce back with a big effort.

5/2

Form: 9-64

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Took a step in the right direction when fourth over C&D (soft) last month but was still soundly beaten and others are preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Bertie Wooster

11st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Only 1-24, the win coming over this far as a hurdler nearly two years ago; however, twice runner-up over fences this season (2m7f) and capable of going well.

13/2

3rd

1

20th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 166y

Class 5

14:40 Plumpton

Bertie Wooster

12st 0lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

0-6 and generally disappointing during first season over fences, signing off with a poor performance in April; returns from six-month break on a good mark, though, and last month's wind op could quite plausibly aid a return to form; cheekpieces (worn for last three runs) discarded.

5/2

8/1

Form: 323-56

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Displayed good form when placed in bumpers and it's still very early days over hurdles; things may click in this discipline at some point but he hasn't really shone in his first two attempts and improvement is needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 4

14:15 Fontwell

Nollyador

11st 6lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Emma Lavelle

led, headed 7th, lost position 10th, not fluent and weakened 12th, pulled up before 3 out

4/1

5

11th Apr 2025

Good

2m 5f 135y

Class 4

14:15 Fontwell

Nollyador

11st 6lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Emma Lavelle

Comfortably justified favouritism over hurdles at Hereford (2m6f, good to soft) in February and was reported to have made a respiratory noise when disappointing at Market Rasen last month; 5lb rise has now kicked in but he's still lightly raced for his age and should have a future at this new discipline.

4/1

6th

9

4th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 4f 139y

Class 4

16:05 Market Rasen

Nollyador

11st 4lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

It looked more testing than the official good to soft when he comfortably justified favouritism at Hereford nine days ago (2m5f, good to soft); escapes a penalty but he was ridden by a 10lb claimer that day; this looks a deeper race.

5/2

Form: 37

Last run: 42 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Showed some ability in British point and also on his bumper debut at Exeter, but he's since been well beaten at Chepstow; others make greater appeal than this hurdling newcomer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

0

15

24th Jan 2024

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:20 Chepstow

Hes My Shadow

10st 13lb

J: Liam Harrison

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Free-goer who ran big race from the front when fourth in C&D (soft) novice last March; safely held in both subsequent handicaps and has fitness to prove after 235-day absence but still worth a second look.

20/1

4th

2

3rd Jun 2023

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

20:55 Stratford

Hes My Shadow

11st 6lb

J: Toby Wynne

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Free-going front-runner perhaps not seen to best effect over Chepstow's 2m3f the last twice (soft/good to soft), the latest his handicap debut; return to this trip looks a positive and interesting to see what effect the hood has.

6/1

10

9th May 2023

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:48 Ffos Las

Hes My Shadow

11st 7lb

J: Mitchell Bastyan

T: Robbie Llewellyn

Enthusiastic front-runner who hasn't got home over 2m3f at Chepstow the last twice (soft/good to soft) including on handicap debut last time; return to this trip looks a positive and interesting to see what effect the hood has.

12/1

Form: 7

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Two-time Flat winner, the latest last June when posting an RPR of 74; down the field at 14-1 on last month's hurdle debut here (2m, soft) and considerable improvement is required to threaten today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

(3)

19th May 2026

Good

1m 3f 133y

Class 5

14:10 Lingfield

Kings Castle

9st 6lb

J: Taryn Langley

T: David Simcock

Won at Ffos Las (1m2f, good to soft) and Sandown (1m2f, good) last summer, but he wasn't able to build on those victories in three subsequent starts; absent since October but has place claims on this reappearance.

7/1

Form: 45

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Hasn't been devoid of ability on his first two hurdle starts but has been soundly beaten each time and he has plenty to find here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

11th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

17:10 Taunton

Talimar Pearl

11st 13lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Runner-up twice over hurdles last spring (2m1f/2m3f) and also at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy) in December, after a break; contender if judged on those exploits but not at best on either start this year and now 0-9.

10/1

5th

3

14th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

16:20 Fontwell

Talimar Pearl

11st 9lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

took keen hold

12/1

7th

4

4th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 147y

Class 5

12:58 Hereford

Talimar Pearl

11st 9lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Joe Tizzard

Runner-up in his last three handicaps and was beaten by an improver on his comeback run at Fontwell (2m5f, heavy); up just 1lb and entitled to be sharper all round this time.

6/1

Form: 8-25

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair second of seven over C&D (good) on hurdle debut in November and an each-way case can be made on that form; however, he has to jump better than when well beaten over C&D (good) last time.
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:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Second foal; dam unplaced in bumper, related to winners; makes belated debut at the age of eight and is probably best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

1st Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

14:50 Leicester

Getaway Tothe Wood

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Robinson

Poor claims on hurdles form; 7lb out of the weights on handicap/chase debut; needs to show huge improvement.

66/1

10

1st Dec 2024

Soft

2m 4f 25y

Class 5

14:50 Leicester

Getaway Tothe Wood

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Robinson

Poor claims on hurdles form; 7lb out of the weights on handicap/chase debut; needs to show huge improvement.

66/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fair second of six in British maiden point (3m, good to soft) on debut in November, and fell at the sixth fence next time; a watching brief is advised on this first rules outing.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

5th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 5

15:10 Wincanton

Katopop

10st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

didn't always jump with fluency, raced lazily at times, took keen hold, midfield, struggling 15th, pulled up before 5 out

50/1

10

5th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

3m 2f 162y

Class 5

15:10 Wincanton

Katopop

10st 9lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Anthony Charlton

Runner-up in a point two years ago but very lightly raced since and pulled up in both handicaps, over fences and hurdles; huge turnaround needed with first-time blinkers added to refitted tongue-tie.

50/1

7

17th Nov 2024

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:50 Fontwell

Katopop

11st 4lb

J: James Best

T: Anthony Charlton

Had wind surgery and with a new trainer, but he showed nothing over hurdles and was pulled up on chase/handicap debut when last seen.

12/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £6.50
Straight Forecast £6.21
Trifecta £221.20

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Holetown Hero

RP Ratings:

Future Investment

LAMBOURN:

Bold Reaction

WEST COUNTRY:

Holetown Hero

Telegraph:

Holetown Hero

The Guardian:

Holetown Hero

Daily Mail:

Holetown Hero

Daily Mirror:

Holetown Hero

The Sun:

Holetown Hero

The Star:

Holetown Hero

D Express:

Bold Reaction

TOPSPEED:

Future Investment

POSTDATA:

Future Investment

The Times:

Future Investment

Daily Record:

Future Investment