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

1st

5

12th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 4

16:45 Stratford

Getmetothemoon

10st 5lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Anthony Honeyball

Two of her three wins have been here and the other was at Plumpton, another sharp left-handed track; on a handy mark and her record when fresh is eye-catching; considered.

9/1

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

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

5th

8

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good

1m 6f 0y

Class 5

17:00 Bath

Kotari

8st 13lb

J: Rhys Clutterbuck

T: Gary & Josh Moore

Hasn't won since recording a three-timer in 2024; last of six on return to action at Salisbury (1m4f, good) last month when favourite; has dropped to a career-low mark and first-time visor goes on; may be worth another chance.

13/2

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

1st

2

(2)

27th Jun 2026

Good

1m 4f 63y

Class 5

17:50 Chester

Taritino

10st 0lb

J: Taylor Fisher

T: Joe Tickle

Has won five on the Flat at up to 1m6f; off the mark for this Flat season when winning at Salisbury by 4.5l 13 days ago; up 6lb but a contender.

6/1

1st

7

(2)

14th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 5y

Class 4

17:32 Salisbury

Taritino

8st 13lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Joe Tickle

Has won twice over hurdles this year and only went down by a head on his return to Flat action last week at Bath (1m6f, good); effective over this shorter trip and looks a good bet to give his running, which can't be said for all of these.

4/1

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

1

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

17:08 Stratford

Basilette

12st 5lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Runs this track well and posted career-best hurdling performance when scoring over C&D (good to firm) a week ago; 7lb penalty gives her a big weight to carry today but, nevertheless, she has strong claims.

15/8

1st

3

12th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 2f 148y

Class 5

17:20 Stratford

Basilette

11st 11lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Ran creditably switched back to hurdles from the Flat last time, taking Stratford record to 1423214; seems weighted to the hilt but holds a solid chance kept to this venue and back up in trip; 1-1 over C&D.

11/2

4th

1

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 0f 70y

Class 5

16:40 Stratford

Basilette

12st 0lb

J: Daniel Sansom

T: Seamus Mullins

Completed a double over hurdles at Fakenham (2m, good soft) last October and she's done well back on the Flat this spring including a win on firm ground at Bath (11.6f); her last hurdle win was off 6lb lower but that was a comfortable success and she's in the mix back in this sphere.

9/1

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

8th

7

6th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

Class 4

17:25 Worcester

Impecunious

11st 12lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: I Chanin

Two wins for Chris Down last year, latest at Newton Abbot (3m2f, good) off 3lb lower; well-held fourth of seven on stable/seasonal debut at Worcester (2m5f) but ran well for a long way; worth considering with that run behind him.

7/1

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

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

3rd

4

12th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

2m 2f 110y

Class 4

19:00 Newton Abbot

Siam Park

11st 7lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: Joe Tizzard

4-9 over fences but yet to win in 11 starts over hurdles, although he went close under Rian Corcoran when runner-up at Worcester (2m, good) two weeks ago; up 2lb for that effort but still 3lb lower than his chase mark and another bold bid can be expected.

7/2

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

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