January 20 / 13.40 Taunton

13.40

Good To Soft

Stables Business Park Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5624.26
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 12 runners
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Stables Business Park Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 12 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Cloudy

Form: 117-43

Last run: 40 days

W: 12st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
2-9 over hurdles for Gary Moore; signed off for him with two very respectable runs towards end of last year (2m4f/2m3f) and makes stable debut from workable mark; should cope with this drop back in trip; a possible.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

19th Apr 2026

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

17:25 Stratford

Kansas Du Berlais

11st 10lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Made the frame (albeit safely held) in two good-quality hunter chases (2m/2m1f) last May and dug deep to beat useful rival in small-field open point at Charing (3m, good to soft; subsequently disqualified) in January; turned over at short odds in latest point but still enters calculations.

11/1

3rd

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Kansas Du Berlais

11st 12lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Should have stamina to spare as a dual Fontwell winner at up to 2m3f; fared okay deep into this month's Cheltenham stable debut (2m) but still beaten over 15l, and have to hope that run was simply needed.

12/1

3rd

4

30th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 213y

Class 5

20:45 Stratford

Kansas Du Berlais

11st 12lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Christopher Mark Clarke

Should have stamina to spare as a dual Fontwell winner at up to 2m3f; fared okay deep into this month's Cheltenham stable debut (2m) but still beaten over 15l, and have to hope that run was simply needed.

12/1

Form: -86325

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 1lb

10 yo Mare

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Not quite able to recapture last season's career-best form this term but was placed on consecutive outings in the autumn (2m3f/1m7f) and her subsequent 3m defeat can be overlooked; suited by this C&D and versatile regarding ground; good chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

26th Mar 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

14:20 Taunton

No No Tonic

11st 13lb

J: Mr Sean O’Connor

T: Mark Gillard

prominent

14/1

5th

7

9th Feb 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

13:40 Kempton

No No Tonic

11st 5lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Mark Gillard

Veteran who has done her winning at Wincanton; form dipped there on Boxing Day, following two placed efforts; first run at Kempton and isn't the percentage call.

14/1

OUR TIP

Form: -31549

Last run: 36 days

W: 12st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 111

Form & Verdict
Has held his own in three good-quality Cheltenham races since maiden win at Huntingdon (2m3f, good to soft) in October, perhaps most notably when fourth in 17-runner handicap (2m, good to soft) on second occasion; in calmer waters here and respected; also declared 3.50 Haydock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

24th Mar 2025

Good

2m 5f 82y

Class 4

15:00 Wincanton

Mr Mackay

11st 8lb

J: Mr Toby McCain-Mitchell

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Pretty consistent over fences and hurdles on good/good to soft ground this season and has slipped to a good mark; campaigned mainly at around 2m but has won over an extended 2m3f; probably won't be far away.

5/2

5th

8

1st Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 128y

Class 4

17:07 Doncaster

Mr Mackay

11st 4lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Seemed in good form over fences before the turn of the year and reportedly suffered an overreach on his return to hurdling at Musselburgh; on a competitive mark.

12/1

5th

2

1st Feb 2025

Good To Soft

1m 7f 124y

Class 4

16:27 Musselburgh

Mr Mackay

11st 13lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Fair efforts in the autumn across first three chase starts, finishing second last time (2m, good) despite not jumping well; on a handy mark on last season's best hurdle form; could be a contender now back in this sphere.

8/1

Form: 32-342 D

Last run: 25 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Made the frame on all six hurdling starts, most recently when close second in Wincanton handicap (1m7f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; has to take a 3lb rise on the chin but there's a good chance she'll be right in the thick of things again here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

3

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 1f 109y

Class 3

14:40 Exeter

Georgi Girl

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Four wins (2m/2m5f) over hurdles, the last one off 2lb higher; 0-8 since switched to fences but ran well at Ludlow (2m4f, soft) most recently, pulling clear of the third; fighting chance.

9/4

2nd

4

18th Feb 2026

2m 4f 11y

Class 3

15:05 Ludlow

Georgi Girl

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Didn't run badly when fourth of nine at Windsor (2m4f, soft) last month and she continues to edge down the weights; however, she needs something extra today's if she's to break her chasing duck at the eighth attempt.

11/1

4th

5

16th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 4f 42y

Class 2

14:25 Windsor

Georgi Girl

11st 7lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Has slipped to 2lb below last winning hurdles mark but seems far from certain to take advantage, being a fairly exposed mare who has failed to show her form in two starts this season, taking chase record to 0-6; faces some progressive opponents.

16/1

Form: 10-357 CD

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 13lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Dual winner in novice company last season, latterly over C&D (good to soft); safely held on both starts since encouraging reappearance run in October but getting away from soft/heavy ground may aid his cause here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Despereaux

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Five-time hurdle winner who ended last year with a brave success at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft); well held there in both runs this spring but he got involved in a battle up front last time; a player if he can get back near his best.

13/2

5th

3

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

15:20 Hereford

Despereaux

11st 10lb

J: James Best

T: Jane Williams

Steadily worked his way back to form this season, culminating in a narrow win over C&D (good to soft; 5lb higher today) in December under 7lb claimer; reverted to a lesser show 19 days ago but perhaps he needed that run after more than three months off.

3/1

5th

4

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Despereaux

11st 6lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Had been struggling but has steadily got himself back on track and prevailed narrowly over C&D in December on latest appearance; 6lb higher for this and connections claimed another 7lb last time through Isabelle Ryder, but he had dropped to a fair mark anyway.

2/1

Abandoned

Form: /22-54

Last run: 55 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful Flat-racer; 0-7 over hurdles but didn't run badly when a weakening fourth at Exeter (2m2f, good to soft) ln November and is another 4lb lower here; could have a say.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

6

20th Jul 2024

Good

2m 1f 46y

Class 3

16:00 Cartmel

Winterwatch

11st 4lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Harry Fry

Triple Flat winner who is 1-13 over hurdles; that jumps win was by 11l in a Newton Abbot handicap (2m2f, good) in May but he's 9lb higher here and was held back in a novice at Stratford (2-1) last month; others are more persuasive.

12/1

3rd

1

1st Jun 2024

Good To Soft

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

17:23 Stratford

Winterwatch

11st 8lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Harry Fry

Took 12 goes to get off the mark over hurdles but it was very easy under Megan Bevan in a 2m2f handicap at Newton Abbot 12 days ago when in first-time cheekpieces; that was on good ground but he can deal with it softer; strong form claims even with the penalty.

7/4

Form: 47-6

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won on the Flat in France in 2022 and was a close fourth on hurdling debut there last spring; belied 100-1 odds when very respectable sixth (albeit behind Tregele) in C&D novice on last month's British debut but needs to build on that performance today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

24th Feb 2024

Heavy

2m 0f 11y

Class 3

13:58 Chepstow

Not Now Kanne

10st 10lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

held up in rear

4/1

0

9

29th Jan 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 53y

Class 3

15:00 Hereford

Not Now Kanne

10st 7lb

J: Ben Poste

T: Harriet Dickin

Flat winner at 1m7f (heavy) in France as 3yo and showed ability over hurdles there, too; would have needed his latest run on debut for new yard in December and of more interest now handicapping.

25/1

Abandoned

Form: 54-33

Last run: 37 days

W: 11st 10lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Unexposed 6yo who was placed on both hurdling starts, more recently when third over C&D (good to soft) last month; should have some improvement to come in handicaps; high on the list.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

8

28th Jul 2024

Good

2m 3f 207y

Class 4

16:25 Uttoxeter

Tregele

11st 5lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Kim Bailey

Beginning to look exposed after six hurdle starts but ran a big race before weakening into third in Bangor handicap (2m7f, good) in May and has a good chance at the weights here; had wind op in June; tongue-tie added.

10/11

3rd

1

28th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

18:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Tregele

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Pulled up at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in March but back on song when running well for a long way at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) this month; remains relatively unexposed and has potential over this longer trip.

7/1

3rd

1

28th May 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

18:55 Bangor-on-Dee

Tregele

12st 0lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey

Pulled up at Plumpton (2m4f, good) in March but back on song when running well for a long way at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) this month; remains relatively unexposed and has potential over this longer trip.

7/1

Abandoned

Form: F51-75 D

Last run: 51 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 106

Form & Verdict
Won 16-runner claiming hurdle on heavy ground in France in December 2022 but was safely held in two British handicaps in November (2m5f/2m3f) and is not the most obvious answer here; cheekpieces refitted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

4th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

15:35 Newton Abbot

Chabadatika

11st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Charlton

2m1f and 2m3f hurdle winner; well beaten second at Taunton (3m, good to firm) in April but fared better here (2m5f, good) latest; not ruled out but she does have a bit to prove over his trip.

5/1

3

4th Jun 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 5

15:35 Newton Abbot

Chabadatika

11st 10lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Anthony Charlton

2m1f and 2m3f hurdle winner; well beaten second at Taunton (3m, good to firm) in April but fared better here (2m5f, good) latest; not ruled out but she does have a bit to prove over his trip.

5/1

Form: 746-61 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Delivered on promise shown in novice hurdles when narrow winner of handicap debut at Plumpton (2m, good to soft) last month; needs to take another step forward in this stronger race but that's possible; also declared for 12.55 Haydock.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

21st May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Warwick

Commanding View

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Reverted to hurdling with pretty good effort at Exeter (2m, good) last month and is back down to a workable mark now but needs to rebound from a below-par run at Bangor four weeks ago.

8/1

7

21st May 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:15 Warwick

Commanding View

10st 10lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Reverted to hurdling with pretty good effort at Exeter (2m, good) last month and is back down to a workable mark now but needs to rebound from a below-par run at Bangor four weeks ago.

8/1

6th

9

24th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 0f 145y

Class 4

19:10 Bangor-on-Dee

Commanding View

11st 3lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Won a good-ground handicap here last May (2lb lower) and had those conditions when not beaten far in a small field last time at Exeter; shouldn't be far away.

8/1

Form: 8/43-

Last run: 452 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Smart on the Flat in his prime; made low-key start to hurdling career in 2022 but was placed in Bangor novice (2m, good to soft) on latest outing 452 days ago and remains unexposed in this sphere; had wind op in November; interesting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

1

(1)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

King Ottokar

10st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield, dropped to rear and struggling from over 2f out

20/1

10th

1

(1)

17th Jan 2025

Standard

1m 4f 14y

Class 4

17:00 Southwell (AW)

King Ottokar

10st 2lb

J: Benoit De La Sayette

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield, dropped to rear and struggling from over 2f out

20/1

7th

11

18th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 113y

Class 4

15:40 Leicester

King Ottokar

11st 4lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

midfield

7/2

Form: 84-U24

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
0-6 over hurdles but went close over C&D (good to soft) last month, after a break, and didn't run badly when fourth (albeit behind Georgi Girl) at Wincanton (1m7f, good to soft) on Boxing Day; can't be ruled out.
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

Verdict

King Ottokar, a smart Flat-racer a few years ago, makes his handicap debut from a lowly mark and could be very dangerous but we haven’t seen him since October 2022 and preference is for NO NO TONIC, who is now 2lb lower than when second to a progressive rival at Wincanton two starts ago and drops back to a more suitable trip after attempting 3m last time. Good cases can also be made for Georgi Girl, Tregele and Mr Mackay in a competitive race.[Chris Wilson]