April 24 / 20.10 Taunton

20.10

Good

C & D Southwest Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 5
  • 16 runners
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C & D Southwest Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £24.20
  • Place: £4.50

Form: 78P

Last run: 87 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Beaten 25l+ in his three qualifying runs; in a good yard and handicaps should see him in a better light; the market can guide.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

29th Jun 2025

Soft

2m 1f 61y

Class 5

17:40 Cartmel

Jolyjump

11st 10lb

J: Nathan Moscrop

T: R Mike Smith

Winning hurdler/chaser for the Moores and still fairly treated on his runner-up efforts at Southwell (2m, good to soft) and Plumpton (2m1f, good) in the spring; picked up for £16,000 last month and shortlisted on stable debut, especially if market positive.

6/1

4th

7

13th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:30 Worcester

Jolyjump

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

1-7 over fences and not the easiest to predict; still ran well last time at Plumpton (2m1f, good; first-time cheekpieces) where his jumping got ragged late on; hard to rule out.

3/1

4th

7

13th May 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 4

14:30 Worcester

Jolyjump

10st 12lb

J: Caoilin Quinn

T: Gary & Josh Moore

1-7 over fences and not the easiest to predict; still ran well last time at Plumpton (2m1f, good; first-time cheekpieces) where his jumping got ragged late on; hard to rule out.

3/1

10/1

  • Place: £2.00

Form: 145-52 D

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Unbeaten in two bumpers on good ground; hasn't really got anything together so far over hurdles and when second last time he was beaten 45l by the odds-on favourite (2m2f handicap, heavy; first-time tongue-tie); well handicapped on those bumper exploits.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Earth Cry

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

The winner of two bumpers and three hurdles; likes good ground; jumped well on recent chase debut at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft) and was beaten just over 3l; that was after 202 days away, so there is good reason to believe he can improve again.

7/2

6th

4

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 10y

Class 3

18:30 Uttoxeter

Earth Cry

11st 10lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

The winner of two bumpers and three hurdles; likes good ground; jumped well on recent chase debut at Ffos Las (3m, good to soft) and was beaten just over 3l; that was after 202 days away, so there is good reason to believe he can improve again.

7/2

3rd

2

17th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 4

17:12 Ffos Las

Earth Cry

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

held up in rear, smooth headway after 14th, hit 4 out, went second after 3 out, kept on run-in

3/1

8/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: 385733 D

Last run: 5 days

W: 12st 0lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 104

Form & Verdict
Only 3-63 and has never won away from Ffos Las; made the frame five days ago at Fontwell but probably no more than place claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:35 Newton Abbot

John Betjeman

11st 13lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Mark Gillard

Four-time hurdle winner on slow ground, including over C&D (raced prominently in first-time visor) in April; below par at Ffos Las (2m, good) latest, after a 5lb rise; each-way claims if he can bounce back.

11/2

9th

3

4th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

16:35 Newton Abbot

John Betjeman

11st 13lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Mark Gillard

Four-time hurdle winner on slow ground, including over C&D (raced prominently in first-time visor) in April; below par at Ffos Las (2m, good) latest, after a 5lb rise; each-way claims if he can bounce back.

11/2

8th

2

6th May 2025

Good

1m 7f 182y

Class 5

17:00 Ffos Las

John Betjeman

11st 10lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Mark Gillard

pressed leader, chased clear leader after 2nd

7/1

OUR TIP

6/1

  • Place: £1.30

Form: -54353

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Given his Flat ability he's become disappointing over hurdles and he's now 0-10; was placed here a month ago but was some 9l off the winner.
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: 1-23F0 CD

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 101

Form & Verdict
Won this 12 months ago (good to soft) and he followed up two weeks later, again here (soft); didn't show a lot back from a break at Newbury but could leave that running behind and he's on a perfectly good mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

9

16th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 4

19:00 Hereford

Phoenix Risen

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Fine on all ground; in a good run of form since the blinkers went on four starts back and this might not be quite so demanding as the Exeter race he contested last time; in the mix.

7/1

5th

9

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

15:10 Exeter

Phoenix Risen

11st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Only blinkered this season and the aids are working well, registering a fourth hurdle win under a positive ride at Wincanton (2m, heavy); 5lb rise sees him on a career-high mark but he has to be considered; good to soft is fine.

5/1

1st

5

3rd Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

15:15 Taunton

Phoenix Risen

10st 11lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

Two good runs in blinkers this season, latterly when clear second of 13 at Wincanton (1m7f, soft; unraced on heavy) in December; nudged back up to his career-high mark since but still commands respect.

5/2

Form: -11PPP D

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 13lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Won three hurdles (2m-2m1f, good-soft) and a Flat race last spring when with a different trainer; pulled up in both runs for this yard, the latest here when 150-1.
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

12/1

Form: 444

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 2lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Flat winner who ran okay at Bath two weeks ago over 1m2f; respectable fourth here last month in his final qualifying run and his previous races were won by top notchers; Cobden a notable booking for handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

14th May 2026

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

18:10 Fontwell

Taritino

11st 7lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Joe Tickle

Looked as good as ever when winning readily by 7l at favourite track Taunton (2m3f, good) three weeks ago and is now 3-19 over hurdles; 7lb higher here but still respected in current mood.

5/1

1st

8

22nd Apr 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

18:00 Taunton

Taritino

10st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Joe Tickle

Landed a 'hands and heels' event over C&D in March and respectable efforts in two subsequent starts, latterly when second off this mark at Exeter (about 2m2f, also good; Green Sky tailed off) on Friday; on the premises again if this doesn't come too soon.

5/1

Form: -P56PF

Last run: 48 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 92

Form & Verdict
Won off 7lb higher last year when beating John Betjeman at Wincanton (good to soft), after which he was well beaten in this race; hasn't rediscovered his touch this campaign following wind surgery.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

7

16th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 5

17:20 Uttoxeter

Universal Secret

11st 4lb

J: Dylan Johnston

T: Helen Nelmes

In excellent form over fences since undergoing a second breathing operation, scoring at Wincanton (2m4f) in February before a clear second of seven over that C&D last month; up 2lb but that form is working out well so he's a big player.

5/2

2nd

6

1st Apr 2026

Good

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

16:20 Wincanton

Universal Secret

10st 6lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Helen Nelmes

Pulled up in his first two starts this season but he returned after another wind operation with a win over C&D (good to soft; tongue-tie added; Hatos second) in February; up 6lb but he remains feasibly treated and has claims if he can back up that last run.

100/30

1st

6

25th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 35y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Universal Secret

10st 6lb

J: Kielan Woods

T: Helen Nelmes

Went close here (about 2m, good to soft) in December 2024 but he's 0-9 over fences and his two runs this term have been troubling; has his first start following wind surgery, with a tongue-tie joining the cheekpieces of latest start; needs a revival.

25/1

Form: 47017 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Useful Flat horse in Ireland; easily his best run over hurdles was the handicap success at Huntingdon (2m, soft) when beating a small field comfortably off 7lb lower; never threatened two weeks ago but remains of interest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

20:42 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

11st 9lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Ended last season in excellent form, winning twice here (2m/2m2f) on good ground, and is probably still on a workable mark; big chance.

6/5

1st

11

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 2f 140y

Class 5

15:20 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Readily gained a first victory in over two years when capitalising on a reduced mark in 2m handicap here nine days ago; carries a 7lb penalty but can go well again.

6/1

1st

7

5th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 125y

Class 5

16:33 Market Rasen

Ruler Legend

10st 8lb

J: Danny McMenamin

T: Gary Hanmer

Soundly beaten on first two starts for Gary Hanmer but his fifth of 11 at Carlisle (2m1f, good to soft) a fortnight ago was much more encouraging; could have a say if able to build on that recent effort.

5/1

Form: 6105-9 D

Last run: 337 days

W: 11st 0lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Back to her last winning mark (November 2020); however, well held in three runs last year and she's been a long-time absent.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

7

26th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Eventful

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Dual hurdles winner over 2m on soft/good in 2022 but has lost her way, including at Taunton last month on her return from another lengthy absence; others look stronger.

14/1

5th

7

26th May 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

17:35 Fontwell

Eventful

10st 11lb

J: Tom Cannon

T: Jim & Suzi Best

Dual hurdles winner over 2m on soft/good in 2022 but has lost her way, including at Taunton last month on her return from another lengthy absence; others look stronger.

14/1

Form: F4325

Last run: 35 days

W: 11st 1lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Some ability in defeat on the Flat; similar sort of form in his first three completed runs over hurdles before running no race last time at Haydock; handled soft on the Flat but now gets the chance to show what he can do on very different ground (soft or heavy so far over hurdles) and it coincides with his handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:40 Uttoxeter

Glorious LIon

11st 8lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Looked quite promising in juvenile hurdles for Harry Derham in early 2024 but absent since disappointing handicap debut in April of that year; changed hands for 1,200gns this May; probably best watched on stable debut.

33/1

3

31st Oct 2025

Good

1m 7f 168y

Class 5

15:40 Uttoxeter

Glorious LIon

11st 8lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah-Jayne Davies

Looked quite promising in juvenile hurdles for Harry Derham in early 2024 but absent since disappointing handicap debut in April of that year; changed hands for 1,200gns this May; probably best watched on stable debut.

33/1

11th

14

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

20:10 Taunton

Glorious LIon

11st 1lb

J: Paul O’Brien

T: Harry Derham

Some ability in defeat on the Flat; similar sort of form in his first three completed runs over hurdles before running no race last time at Haydock; handled soft on the Flat but now gets the chance to show what he can do on very different ground (soft or heavy so far over hurdles) and it coincides with his handicap debut.

5/1

Form: 852269 D

Last run: 150 days

W: 11st 13lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Had a break and wind surgery since two heavy defeats in November (soft/good to soft); doesn't need top of the ground but had finished second under those conditions previously and he's on a competitive mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

7

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

13:15 Stratford

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Isabelle Ryder

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

Has been chasing, not beaten far when third at Worcester (2m, good) in September but rather disappointing over the same C&D last time; has four wins to his name over hurdles; not ruled out.

6/1

5th

11

26th Sep 2025

Good

2m 0f 110y

Class 5

13:37 Worcester

Gerard Mentor

10st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Kim Bailey & Mat Nicholls

C&D winner just over a year ago and signs of a revival with two better runs returned here of late, including when not far behind Rocks Up Late and Alshadhian last month; player if reproducing those efforts on better terms.

7/1

Form: 1-108P D

Last run: 90 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Won two minor hurdles some 176 days apart last year (soft/good); down 8lb for three fairly comprehensive failures in handicaps.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

3

24th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

20:00 Hereford

Eagle Of The Glen

11st 10lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Won twice in novice company for Stuart Edmunds last year but became very disappointing for that stable during the winter and posed no threat when reappearing for new trainer last month; has a lot to prove.

33/1

9th

3

24th May 2024

Good

2m 0f 53y

Class 5

20:00 Hereford

Eagle Of The Glen

11st 10lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Won twice in novice company for Stuart Edmunds last year but became very disappointing for that stable during the winter and posed no threat when reappearing for new trainer last month; has a lot to prove.

33/1

13th

6

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

20:10 Taunton

Eagle Of The Glen

11st 10lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Won two minor hurdles some 176 days apart last year (soft/good); down 8lb for three fairly comprehensive failures in handicaps.

33/1

Form: 128P00 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 10st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Back-to-back wins at Uttoxeter last summer (heavy/good to soft), the latest off 2lb higher; however, last year did not end well and was no better back from a break two weeks ago.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

24th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 207y

Class 5

16:18 Uttoxeter

Rock On Tommy

10st 6lb

J: Lewis Stones

T: Olly Murphy

Seems to reserve his best for Uttoxeter and he gained his fourth course success over this trip in May (good ground; handles heavy); however, he was disappointing here just before Christmas and needs a revival.

9/2

6th

8

7th Oct 2025

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

15:07 Huntingdon

Rock On Tommy

10st 11lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Five hurdle wins, the latest a hard-fought success at favourite track Uttoxeter (2m4f, good) in May; didn't run badly last month, after a break, but is not one to rely upon heavily.

11/2

Form: 00-55P

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced; wasn't disgraced in two handicap hurdles in Ireland during the second half of last year and his nothing run on British debut was in a heavy-ground maiden; tongue-tie joins the hood tried for the first time then; enough to prove.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

1st Jul 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:25 Worcester

Always Force It

10st 3lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Harriet Brown

0-12 and well beaten on both starts over fences; the hood (worn three times) returns with first-time cheekpieces; others are more persuasive.

50/1

6th

6

12th Jun 2024

Good

3m 1f 210y

Class 4

16:13 Fontwell

Always Force It

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Harriet Brown

fractious at the post, held up in rear, brief headway 13th, outpaced and lost ground quickly 3 out, lost touch 2 out, tailed off

50/1

9th

12

1st Jun 2024

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

12:40 Worcester

Always Force It

10st 11lb

J: James Best

T: Harriet Brown

held up in rear but in touch with leaders

50/1

Form: 23/0FP

Last run: 76 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Best form was in Ireland back in 2020; hasn't offered much at all since returning from a long absence.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

10

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

20:10 Taunton

Knot On Time

11st 3lb

J: David Noonan

T: Adrian Wintle

Best form was in Ireland back in 2020; hasn't offered much at all since returning from a long absence.

33/1

16th

10

24th Apr 2024

Good

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

20:10 Taunton

Knot On Time

11st 3lb

J: David Noonan

T: Adrian Wintle

Best form was in Ireland back in 2020; hasn't offered much at all since returning from a long absence.

33/1

4

8th Feb 2024

Good

2m 3f 137y

Class 5

16:00 Huntingdon

Knot On Time

11st 12lb

J: James Bowen

T: Adrian Wintle

Well handicapped on Irish form but that was in 2020; absent 1124 days before this season; soundly beaten on reappearance and off the pace when falling three out at Hereford ten weeks ago, so has a fair bit to prove.

25/1

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £254.00
Straight Forecast £134.37
Tricast £524.16
Trifecta £625.40

Selections

The Times:

Phoenix Risen

Telegraph:

Taritino

SPOTLIGHT:

Glorious Lion

Daily Mail:

Winterwatch

RP RATINGS:

John Betjeman

The Sun:

Earth Cry

WEST COUNTRY:

Gerard Mentor

TOPSPEED:

Rock On Tommy

D Express:

Taritino

POSTDATA:

Glorious Lion

Daily Mirror:

Phoenix Risen

The Star:

Phoenix Risen

Daily Record:

Winterwatch

The Guardian:

John Betjeman