April 24 / 16.42 Taunton

16.42

Good

Taunton Racecourse Business Club Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4955.32
  • 2m 3f 1y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Taunton Racecourse Business Club Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

9/4 (Won)

Form: 51-185

Last run: 13 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 119

Form & Verdict
3-3 at Wincanton (two bumpers/novice); effective on soft ground but won't mind returning to a drier surface after two rather underwhelming efforts at Cheltenham and here; strong form claims if back to anything like his best.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

12th Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 4

15:50 Ffos Las

Meatloaf

11st 11lb

J: Miss Olive Nicholls

T: Paul Nicholls

Placed off 1lb lower at Wincanton (2m4f, soft) in January and is also suited by faster ground but weakened tamely on latest outing and has basically become a shade disappointing; sports first-time cheekpieces.

12/1

6th

2

13th Mar 2026

Good

2m 4f 181y

Class 4

16:20 Doncaster

Meatloaf

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Won twice in his novice season (2m/2m3f, good to soft/good); yet to win a handicap but fair third at Wincanton last time (2m4f, soft); suited by drier ground.

4/1

3rd

2

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 179y

Class 4

14:27 Wincanton

Meatloaf

11st 10lb

J: Freddie Keighley

T: Paul Nicholls

Not in top form in two handicaps (at about 2m) since returning from lengthy absence and wind surgery; this could be more his trip but he has questions to answer now.

10/1

Form: 152

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
1m6f winner on the Flat; useful form when winning a Ludlow novice on stable debut (2m, good to soft) but below that level since, with his latest second at Sedgefield remote (following wind surgery); now on a recovery mission.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Recoup

11st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Fergal O’Brien

1m6f winner on the Flat; useful form when winning a Ludlow novice on stable debut (2m, good to soft) but below that level since, with his latest second at Sedgefield remote (following wind surgery); now on a recovery mission.

100/30

2nd

2

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Recoup

11st 12lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Fergal O’Brien

1m6f winner on the Flat; useful form when winning a Ludlow novice on stable debut (2m, good to soft) but below that level since, with his latest second at Sedgefield remote (following wind surgery); now on a recovery mission.

100/30

2nd

1

12th Mar 2024

Soft

2m 0f 178y

Class 4

13:50 Sedgefield

Recoup

11st 12lb

J: Connor Brace

T: Fergal O’Brien

prominent, pushed along 3 out, outpaced 2 out, ridden approaching last, weakened final 110yds, just held second, no match for winner

13/8

Form: 173148

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 114

Form & Verdict
Point/bumper winner; his novice victory at Plumpton (2m4f, soft) is a standout so far over hurdles, though it was always going to be tough in the EBF Final last time at Sandown; same owners despite moving yards.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

6th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:10 Plumpton

Walks Like The Man

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Made virtually all to score over C&D (soft) in February, his third start over fences, and was very creditable third in higher-grade company at Sandown (2m4f, good) last month; ought to be a very tough nut to crack.

Evs

2nd

1

6th Apr 2025

Good

2m 3f 164y

Class 4

14:10 Plumpton

Walks Like The Man

12st 0lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Made virtually all to score over C&D (soft) in February, his third start over fences, and was very creditable third in higher-grade company at Sandown (2m4f, good) last month; ought to be a very tough nut to crack.

Evs

Form: P

Last run: 67 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £25,000 after winning what wasn't a strong Irish point (soft); went off 33-1 for hurdle debut at Wincanton (1m7f, heavy) and didn't show a lot.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

20th Jul 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:32 Newton Abbot

Backinaction

11st 7lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Irish point winner; a bumpy road in Britain but he went close over C&D in June and came well clear at Stratford (2m6f, good to firm) last weekend; probably not straightforward and he has hung away from the whip but likely has an easier task under a penalty than when reassessed.

5/4

4

13th Jul 2025

Good To Firm

2m 6f 125y

Class 5

15:17 Stratford

Backinaction

11st 3lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Very hit and miss and ran moderately last time at Newton Abbot (3m2f), but did finish runner-up there the time before so there's a big run in him.

13/2

4

4th Jul 2025

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

16:53 Newton Abbot

Backinaction

11st 8lb

J: Adam Wedge

T: Evan Williams

Low-mileage 7yo; made inauspicious start to chasing career last summer but returned from layoff with creditable second over C&D (good) last month and has scope to build on that performance; must be considered.

3/1

Form: 614131

Last run: 181 days

W: 11st 5lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Better known as a chaser these days, with three of his four wins in that discipline gained last year; returns to hurdling over a trip short of his best and looks vulnerable.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

18th Jun 2024

Good

2m 6f 125y

Class 4

16:35 Stratford

Dans Chosen

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Won three chases last year from 2m4f to 2m5f when the ground was no slower than good to soft; latest return to chasing at Ffos Las was underwhelming, even allowing for the trip of 2m3f.

7/1

7th

1

30th May 2024

Good

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

15:00 Ffos Las

Dans Chosen

11st 12lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Won three chases over slightly longer trips last year when the ground was no slower than good to soft; current mark won't be easy but this race is a better fit than the novice hurdle he contested last time.

11/2

5th

7

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Dans Chosen

11st 5lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Philip Hobbs & Johnson White

Better known as a chaser these days, with three of his four wins in that discipline gained last year; returns to hurdling over a trip short of his best and looks vulnerable.

8/1

Form: 23-50

Last run: 38 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Not far away in two bumpers but only fifth of seven in a weaker race than this on his hurdling debut and was then tailed off at Huntingdon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

6

8th Jul 2024

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 5

16:20 Worcester

Dasher

11st 10lb

J: Jamie Brace

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Beaten under 6l when fifth (just behind Mattie Ross) on handicap debut at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good to soft) in May and is 5lb lower here but needs to bounce back from a poor performance over 2m4f last month.

16/1

2

19th Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:50 Worcester

Dasher

11st 13lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

Mark looked about right ahead of last month's Uttoxeter handicap debut (good to soft), from which the most immediate conclusion to draw was that 2m7f is too far at this stage; remains of interest dropped 1lb and 3f.

6/1

5th

1

18th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Dasher

12st 0lb

J: James Turner

T: Nigel Twiston-Davies

midfield but in touch with leaders

3/1

Form: 58

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Bought for £65,000 after finishing second in his final Irish point; 121 days between his two runs in Ascot maidens in which he was beaten 17l and 32l; clearly has to raise his game.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

1

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 104y

Class 5

18:40 Fontwell

Ballyfinn

12st 7lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Made the breakthrough on his fifth start over fences when scoring here (3m2f, good) last Wednesday; back down in trip under 7lb penalty but not fully exposed and looks a key player.

2/1

1st

2

6th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 5

18:42 Fontwell

Ballyfinn

12st 0lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Lengthy breaks are a feature in his profile; beaten at least 10l in all four runs over fences (2m5f-3m1f) and brought up the rear last time at Plumpton; unconvincing.

8/1

4th

1

5th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 157y

Class 5

14:20 Plumpton

Ballyfinn

12st 0lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Lightly raced and lengthy breaks are a feature in his profile; beaten at least 10l in all three runs over fences (2m5f-3m1f) and he needs to find a bit from somewhere to defy this sort of mark, for all that it's dropped.

11/2

100/1

Form: 76

Last run: 10 days

W: 10st 2lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Limited Flat maiden and has been tailed off in her two runs over hurdles, latterly in the new hood.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

8th Jul 2025

Good

1m 7f 214y

Class 5

20:00 Uttoxeter

Sindri

10st 6lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Kevin Bishop

14-race maiden with a Flat background and ran poorly in two handicap hurdles for Tim Vaughan; what he'll make of chasing is anyone's guess but wouldn't be hopeful.

33/1

12

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Ffos Las

Sindri

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Tim Vaughan

Modest maiden on Flat and after four starts over hurdles; latest was her seasonal and handicap hurdle debut (50-1) for new yard and she was beaten 30l.

50/1

12

10th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

15:35 Ffos Las

Sindri

10st 5lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Tim Vaughan

Modest maiden on Flat and after four starts over hurdles; latest was her seasonal and handicap hurdle debut (50-1) for new yard and she was beaten 30l.

50/1

100/1

Form: 0P

Last run: 125 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Plenty of Flat racing in France and won a 1m3f soft-ground handicap at Windsor last year for David Pipe; nowhere in two hurdles for this yard.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:16 Taunton

Talap

10st 5lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Gordon Edwards

0-9 over hurdles but he has won in other disciplines and his 8l second of ten to Cooler Than Me over C&D (heavy; 100-1) last time was easily his most competitive show as a handicap hurdler; considered for a place.

8/1

2nd

10

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:15 Taunton

Talap

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Gordon Edwards

0-8 over hurdles and beaten 14l or more in all four handicaps; hard to make a case for.

66/1

10th

13

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

13:52 Wincanton

Talap

10st 2lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Gordon Edwards

0-7 over hurdles; ran well for a long way when eighth from out of the weights over C&D (good to soft) on Boxing Day and is effectively 10lb lower today but his overall profile remains unconvincing.

25/1

OUR TIP

Form: -2122P

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 118

Form & Verdict
Two bumper wins; a win and three seconds over hurdles before suffering his first blip when never going in the strong EBF Final at Sandown in March; the balance of his form makes him a strong contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

1

25th May 2026

Good

3m 1f 83y

Class 2

15:23 Cartmel

Roger Pol

12st 0lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Won three 2m7f handicaps (all on good) in early part of last season; made low-key return behind Tranquil Sea last month but that race was competitive and, with that run behind him, he may yet have more improvement to come.

11/1

7th

4

19th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 2

15:27 Plumpton

Roger Pol

11st 8lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Absent since an October double (2m7f Class 3) that took his hurdles record to 4-12; returns to action off a stiffer mark in deeper waters and looks by no means certain to bag the hat-trick.

12/1

3

11th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 63y

Class 3

16:20 Hexham

Roger Pol

11st 12lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Jamie Snowden

Has quickly struck up a good partnership with Isabelle Ryder and he came from well back to win easily at Uttoxeter (2m7f, good) last Sunday; if he's in the same sort of form he'll be in the mix again under a 7lb penalty.

5/4

Form: 00

Last run: 162 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Tailed off in his two bumpers and can be readily dismissed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Inspector Maigret

11st 5lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Harriet Brown

Tailed off in his two bumpers and can be readily dismissed.

100/1

9

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Inspector Maigret

11st 5lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Harriet Brown

Tailed off in his two bumpers and can be readily dismissed.

100/1

14th

4

14th Nov 2023

Standard To Slow

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

12:10 Lingfield

Inspector Maigret

11st 2lb

J: Shane Quinlan

T: Harriet Brown

100-1 for bumper debut at Hereford in October when back-pedalling from a long way out; early days.

150/1

Form: 6907

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
No worthwhile form in two bumpers and the same again over hurdles; modest handicaps are on the horizon.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Telenn DAnnain

11st 5lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Christian Williams

No worthwhile form in two bumpers and the same again over hurdles; modest handicaps are on the horizon.

100/1

11

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

16:42 Taunton

Telenn DAnnain

11st 5lb

J: Jordan Nailor

T: Christian Williams

No worthwhile form in two bumpers and the same again over hurdles; modest handicaps are on the horizon.

100/1

7th

7

4th Apr 2024

Soft

1m 7f 182y

Class 4

15:35 Southwell

Telenn DAnnain

11st 4lb

J: Nick Scholfield

T: Christian Williams

took keen hold, held up in rear

100/1

Form: 6

Last run: 133 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Weakened out of it to be beaten a distance in her only bumper when 100-1.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Straight Forecast £15.34

Selections

RP RATINGS:

Recoup

SPOTLIGHT:

Roger Pol

WEST COUNTRY:

Meatloaf

The Guardian:

Ballyfinn

Telegraph:

Meatloaf

The Sun:

Meatloaf

POSTDATA:

Recoup

The Times:

Recoup

Daily Mail:

Recoup

Daily Record:

Recoup

TOPSPEED:

Roger Pol

LAMBOURN:

Roger Pol

Daily Mirror:

Roger Pol

The Star:

Roger Pol

D Express:

Ballyfinn