December 12 / 12.35 Taunton

12.35

Good To Soft

Kings College Taunton Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
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Kings College Taunton Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

3/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.60
  • Place: £2.00

Form: -59211 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 8lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Bids for a hat-trick, having won 2m events at Uttoxeter and Ludlow (beat Badlands Boy) the last twice; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off a useful 5lb; shortlisted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

5

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

El Vigaro

11st 8lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Matt Sheppard

Bids for a hat-trick, having won 2m events at Uttoxeter and Ludlow (beat Badlands Boy) the last twice; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off a useful 5lb; shortlisted.

3/1

1st

5

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

El Vigaro

11st 8lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Matt Sheppard

Bids for a hat-trick, having won 2m events at Uttoxeter and Ludlow (beat Badlands Boy) the last twice; may improve further at this level and Ned Fox takes off a useful 5lb; shortlisted.

3/1

1st

4

25th Nov 2024

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 5

14:15 Ludlow

El Vigaro

11st 2lb

J: Stan Sheppard

T: Matt Sheppard

disputed lead early, prominent from 2nd, led narrowly 3rd, faced challenge 4 out, shaken up and went clear 2 out, ridden out run-in, reduced lead towards finish, always doing enough

7/4

9/1

  • Place: £1.90

Form: 6-13F4 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 5lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at Stratford (2m) in June; has performed creditably in both completed starts since, latest here (2m3f); solid contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

15th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:52 Ludlow

Getmetothemoon

10st 7lb

J: James Robottom

T: Anthony Honeyball

Stratford (2m, good) winner in October off 4lb lower and possibly bettered that when a close third at Wincanton (2m4f, soft) last month, before appearing to find the drop back to 2m a little sharp at Taunton last time; more likely needed again.

8/1

1st

4

18th Oct 2025

Good

2m 0f 70y

Class 4

15:05 Stratford

Getmetothemoon

10st 3lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Dual hurdle winner including over C&D (good); last success was off a similar mark at Plumpton in February but she's been disappointing in both runs since; hurdle record is now 2-14 and has something to prove after another break.

8/1

11/4

  • Place: £1.20

Form: 55845- BF

Last run: 290 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
0-5 over hurdles last term; however, has proved fairly useful on the Flat since, scoring three times, and faced a difficult task in the November Handicap most recently; very attractively treated back under this code and Freddie Mitchell's valuable 5lb claim is a bonus; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

4

(5)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 4f 5y

Class 5

17:03 Salisbury

Kotari

9st 6lb

J: David Egan

T: Gary & Josh Moore

His three wins were all on the Flat in 2024, including here on heavy ground over 1m2f; failed to build on his comeback run when well beaten over hurdles at Kempton 52 days ago and the hood returns on this switch back to the Flat; makes some appeal from a good mark.

3/1

25/1

Form: 52P7-7

Last run: 67 days

W: 10st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Made the frame several times for previous yard but looks exposed as a modest maiden; well held on debut for new stable; opposed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:17 Chepstow

Mini Yeats

10st 11lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Gave good account when fourth at Taunton (2m, good) in December, his second start for Tim Vaughan, but last month's Ffos Las run was a backward step and he's now 0-13 over hurdles; cheekpieces removed; tongue-tie added.

16/1

8th

22

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:58 Ffos Las

Mini Yeats

10st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Maiden but has hit the frame and was beaten under 5l at Taunton last time (2m, good) when shaping as though a stiffer stamina test was needed.

13/2

8th

22

11th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

14:58 Ffos Las

Mini Yeats

10st 5lb

J: Alan Johns

T: Tim Vaughan

Maiden but has hit the frame and was beaten under 5l at Taunton last time (2m, good) when shaping as though a stiffer stamina test was needed.

13/2

Form: 796

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 11lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Maiden on Flat in Ireland; has failed to land a blow in three hurdles starts for new yard but may do better now handicapping.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(3)

18th May 2026

Good

1m 6f 32y

Class 5

15:30 Carlisle

As Fast As Wind

9st 0lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Consistent over hurdles for current yard; successful in last two Flat turf attempts, latest at Musselburgh (12.5f, good) last month returned to this code; 1-1 over 1m6f and warrants respect.

11/4

1st

1

(1)

29th Apr 2026

Good

1m 4f 104y

Class 6

14:40 Musselburgh

As Fast As Wind

9st 9lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Tristan Davidson

Won over 1m6f at Salisbury (good to soft) for Daisy Hitchins last summer; has been running creditably in defeat over hurdles since joining Tristan Davidson, including placed twice here; leading claims back on the Flat in a race where her rivals have something to prove.

6/4

3rd

6

11th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 190y

Class 4

15:25 Newcastle

As Fast As Wind

10st 11lb

J: Harry Reed

T: Tristan Davidson

Ready Kempton winner (2m novices' handicap, good) for Daisy Hitchins last October; consistent for Tristan Davidson (366233), giving her best when a close third in the Sea Pigeon Series Final at Musselburgh (2m1f, good to soft) recently; 2lb higher but bang there with repeat.

2/1

OUR TIP

Form: 4447-

Last run: 232 days

W: 11st 12lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Has something to find on hurdles efforts; however, good chance off current mark provided best Flat form, which includes a 2024 hat-trick, is transferred back to this sphere.
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: 1-424 D

Last run: 24 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Won bumper on debut; 0-14 on Flat and 0-3 in this sphere since but could go well off this mark on handicap hurdle debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

9

(6)

22nd May 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 6

14:08 Bath

Basilette

9st 1lb

J: George Downing

T: Seamus Mullins

Bumper/hurdles winner who's had another crack at the Flat on last two outings and scored here (11.5f, firm) nine days ago, leading over 1f out for a 5l win in six-runner race; penalty leaves her 3lb well-in compared to future handicaps and she's one for the shortlist.

9/2

1st

5

(3)

13th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 137y

Class 6

19:12 Bath

Basilette

9st 4lb

J: George Downing

T: Seamus Mullins

Bumper/hurdles winner; only a modest third at Salisbury (1m6f) on reappearance and belated return to the Flat but gives the impression she may do better back down in distance with the outing under her belt.

13/2

3rd

7

3rd May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 6f 44y

Class 6

16:55 Salisbury

Basilette

8st 7lb

J: Gina Mangan

T: Seamus Mullins

Won two low-grade handicap hurdles in October; has fitness to prove after six-month absence and this is her first Flat start since September 2024 but she still enters calculations off a career-low mark.

6/1

Form: 344-00

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 1lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Ended last season in a consistent vein of form but has posted two duck eggs this term; doesn't look set to shed maiden tag.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Worcester

Basman Palace

11st 1lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.

13/2

6th

5

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:35 Worcester

Basman Palace

11st 1lb

J: Micheal Nolan

T: Carroll Gray

Off the mark at the 13th attempt under rules at Wincanton (2m4f, good) in March, but finished a well-held fourth of seven at Taunton (3m, good to firm) last month; return to this trip should suit and one for the shortlist.

13/2

4th

6

9th Apr 2025

Good To Firm

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:25 Taunton

Basman Palace

10st 7lb

J: James Davies

T: Carroll Gray

in rear but in touch with leaders, some headway after 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, weakened approaching last

6/4

50/1

Form: 9965-U

Last run: 112 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 88

Form & Verdict
Slipped and unseated rider mid-race when last seen; has weak claims on the rest of his form; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

20th Jul 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

16:07 Newton Abbot

Zufal

10st 8lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Jimmy Frost

0-11 over hurdles; did not achieve a great deal when remote third over C&D (good) last month and needs combination of refitted tongue-tie and first-time cheekpieces to generate improvement.

33/1

3rd

6

24th Jun 2025

Good

2m 2f 110y

Class 5

19:27 Newton Abbot

Zufal

10st 11lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Jimmy Frost

Well beaten here on both outings this year (2m5f/2m1f) and has now been unplaced all ten hurdling starts; difficult to enthuse over.

33/1

4

13th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

20:25 Newton Abbot

Zufal

11st 1lb

J: Ellis Collier

T: Jimmy Frost

Yet to be placed from ten starts under rules and was pulled up here (21.5f, good) when last seen in April; hard to fancy.

20/1

Form: 755P/6

Last run: 34 days

W: 11st 5lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Seemed to need the run at Fontwell (handicap debut; back from long absence) last month, shaping better than bare result; well treated on bumper form; not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

9

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

Card Dealer

11st 5lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Seemed to need the run at Fontwell (handicap debut; back from long absence) last month, shaping better than bare result; well treated on bumper form; not ruled out.

8/1

10th

9

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

Card Dealer

11st 5lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Seemed to need the run at Fontwell (handicap debut; back from long absence) last month, shaping better than bare result; well treated on bumper form; not ruled out.

8/1

6th

2

8th Nov 2024

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

15:45 Fontwell

Card Dealer

11st 11lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Chris Gordon

Promise in points/bumpers; makes his handicap hurdle debut at a low level but he's been absent for 982 days which is an obvious negative; had a wind op during his layoff.

10/1

Form: P9-602

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 4lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Nine-race maiden who ran well in first-time cheekpieces at Ludlow most recently, finishing 1l second to El Vigaro; may build on that effort; possibilities in the retained headgear.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

31st Jan 2025

Soft

1m 7f 145y

Class 5

14:35 Catterick

Badlands Boy

11st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Maiden who showed patchy form over hurdles and was well beaten last time, but he was a good second at Ludlow (2m, good to soft) two starts ago in first-time cheekpieces (retained since) and his trainer's horses often make better chasers; this 6yo is not ruled out.

12/1

6th

2

31st Jan 2025

Soft

1m 7f 145y

Class 5

14:35 Catterick

Badlands Boy

11st 8lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

towards rear but in touch with leaders, weakened after 2 out, hit last

12/1

11th

10

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 5

12:35 Taunton

Badlands Boy

11st 4lb

J: Theo Gillard

T: Donald McCain

Nine-race maiden who ran well in first-time cheekpieces at Ludlow most recently, finishing 1l second to El Vigaro; may build on that effort; possibilities in the retained headgear.

10/1

Form: 5-2375

Last run: 34 days

W: 12st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Placed twice in May; has failed to progress in two handicaps since returning from a layoff; needs to raise his game to defy top weight.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

3

9th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 5y

Class 4

19:07 Warwick

Impecunious

11st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: I Chanin

Won twice when trained by Chris Down last year; resumes following 293 days off for new trainer; betting will be best guide to his chance.

8/1

1st

5

20th Jul 2025

Good

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:42 Newton Abbot

Impecunious

11st 9lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Chris Down

Off the mark at Chepstow (2m3f, good) in April and consistent at up to 2m7f since; unraced beyond that trip but there are some strong stayers on the dam's side of his pedigree so there's a chance he'll improve for the new distance.

3/1

Form: 368-F9

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 11lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Never figured in C&D novice race last time, taking record to 0-7; however, looks interesting off reduced mark back in a handicap, with improvement still possible at this level.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

2

28th May 2026

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 4

16:30 Worcester

Siam Park

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Joe Tizzard

4-9 over fences but has departed mid-race in his last two chases and now reverts to hurdling off a 5lb lower mark; 0-10 in this discipline but he has been placed and could go well.

4/1

3

13th May 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

18:30 Newton Abbot

Siam Park

11st 4lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

He's 4-8 over fences and fell in two of the defeats, including last time when he was still travelling nicely four from home; likely to be bang there if avoiding the mistakes.

11/4

2

14th Apr 2026

Good

2m 0f 75y

Class 4

15:42 Newton Abbot

Siam Park

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Four-time chase winner, most recently at Plumpton (2m1f, good) in November before falling in a Sandown Class 3 in January; returned from a break with two solid placed efforts in March over hurdles, latest when a close second at Taunton (2m3f, good) 21 days ago; switches back to fences in a very small field and should go well.

11/4

Non-runners

Mill Street

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £36.00
Straight Forecast £39.73
Tricast £68.49
Trifecta £98.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Kotari

POSTDATA:

Mill Street

D Express:

Taritino

The Star:

El Vigaro

RP RATINGS:

Getmetothemoon

WEST COUNTRY:

Mill Street

Daily Mail:

Mill Street

Daily Record:

Mill Street

The Times:

Kotari

Telegraph:

Kotari

The Guardian:

Kotari

The Sun:

Kotari

Daily Mirror:

Taritino