December 12 / 13.35 Taunton

13.35

Good To Soft

Jetset Holidays Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

  • Prize money: £4955.32
  • 2m 0f 104y
  • Class 4
  • 13 runners
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Jetset Holidays Novices’ Hurdle (Novices’ Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (GBB Race)

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

13/8 (Won)

  • Win: £1.58
  • Place: £1.10

Form: 1 C

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Progressive sort over middle distances on Flat in Germany, winning four times; untidy at the last two flights but scored easily at this course (2m3f, good to firm) four weeks ago on hurdles debut and looks a promising recruit; respected under 7lb penalty.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

9th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 0y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Alexei

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Acts on any ground; good strike-rate includes wins in the Greatwood and Kingwell this season; ties in with Brighterdaysahead and The New Lion on Champion Hurdle running where a late blunder cost him ground when challenging for the places; has form at up to 2m3f; remains a progressive sort.

8/1

4th

1

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 0f 87y

Class 1

16:00 Cheltenham

Alexei

11st 10lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Acts on any ground; impressive in major handicap over C&D in November; made harder work of justifying favouritism in the Kingwell (1m7f Grade 2) at Wincanton most recently, wandering under pressure to boot, and this is a stiffer assignment, but he's a broadly progressive contender who is 5-9 over hurdles and may rate higher still; possibilities in a year where some big names have dropped out.

16/1

1st

2

14th Feb 2026

Heavy

1m 7f 50y

Class 1

13:35 Wincanton

Alexei

11st 8lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Upwardly mobile 6yo who completed a double in the Greatwood at Cheltenham (2m, soft) in November and was creditable third under topweight in another valuable handicap at Ascot (1m7f, good to soft) in December; now steps up into a Grade 2 event but he sets the standard on his latest form and is open to more progress; leading contender.

4/6

8/1

  • Place: £1.40

Form: 52 BF

Last run: 46 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Fairly useful on Flat for previous yard; respectable second in big field at Wincanton (1m7f, good) on the latest of two attempts over hurdles; now goes in tongue-tie; should be capable of better still under this code and is one for the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

12:10 Exeter

Tuxedo Junction

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

in touch with leaders

7/2

2nd

6

19th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 161y

Class 4

12:10 Exeter

Tuxedo Junction

11st 4lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

in touch with leaders

7/2

3rd

11

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Tuxedo Junction

11st 0lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Fairly useful on Flat for previous yard; respectable second in big field at Wincanton (1m7f, good) on the latest of two attempts over hurdles; now goes in tongue-tie; should be capable of better still under this code and is one for the shortlist.

8/1

Form: 2-2 BF

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 110

Form & Verdict
Successful in big-field Flat contest on sole French start; runner-up in 2m events over hurdles at this course (soft) and Chepstow (good to soft) since joining Paul Nicholls, both times beaten favourite but hardly disgraced; one of the main form contenders.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

27th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:56 Newton Abbot

Byzantium

11st 11lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Paul Nicholls

Two hurdle wins last June and latest was over C&D (good); no joy in just three runs since but he was in lead when he ran out and crashed through the rails before the second-last at Wincanton (3m, good) last month; has possibilities if he can maintain his focus this time and he's well handicapped on his best form.

7/4

3

12th Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 150y

Class 4

14:20 Wincanton

Byzantium

11st 2lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Paul Nicholls

All three wins on good ground; won a 2m3f handicap at Warwick pretty easily and followed up back in novice company; well held since but he was returning from a lengthy break when pulling way too hard to Ludlow last month (2m5f); will need to settle if he's to stay this far but Harry Cobden takes over.

6/4

4th

6

19th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 55y

Class 4

16:20 Ludlow

Byzantium

11st 7lb

J: Jay Tidball

T: Paul Nicholls

Came good with comfortable handicap win at Warwick (2m3f) in June and easily followed up in modest novice event at Newton Abbot (2m5f) three weeks later; didn't shape too badly when fourth at Ascot (about 2m3f, also good) on his November comeback but absent since; can race freely but this drying ground should suit and he's respected.

6/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 10st 7lb

4 yo Filly

OR:

Form & Verdict
Absent since well beaten in AW Flat event over two years ago (sole run for the Kublers); best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

21st Feb 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:48 Chepstow

Dont Tell Rosie

11st 8lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

0-9 over hurdles but returned to form with creditable third over C&D (soft; usual hood removed) last month and has obvious claims if in the right mood again.

9/2

3rd

9

27th Jan 2026

Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

13:00 Chepstow

Dont Tell Rosie

11st 4lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

Was running well in handicaps at about this trip early in 2025 but she hasn't got to grips with this season so far and was well back at Warwick after Christmas; now goes without regular hood.

16/1

Form: 643-

Last run: 245 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
0-3 in bumpers last term but finished a solid third, one place behind a dual subsequent scorer, at this venue (soft) on final occasion; possibilities, provided he builds on that effort.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5

7th Oct 2025

Good

3m 1f 10y

Class 5

16:37 Huntingdon

Chedingtons Guest

11st 4lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Keiran Burke

Close third in a bumper in April 2024; showed nothing more than minor promise in three novice/maiden hurdles (2m-2m3f) but moves up in trip for this handicap debut and is a possible improver.

10/1

1

7th Sep 2025

Good

2m 3f 29y

Class 4

14:42 Fontwell

Chedingtons Guest

11st 4lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Keiran Burke

Displayed improvement when close third in soft-ground Taunton bumper in April 2024 but both hurdle runs there (2m/2m3f) towards end of last year were very underwhelming; back from 251-day break here; tongue-tie on.

14/1

7th

4

30th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 4

12:45 Taunton

Chedingtons Guest

11st 0lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Keiran Burke

Close third in what has turned out to be a fairly good course bumper in April (soft ground) but never really looked dangerous when sixth here (2m, good) on recent hurdling debut; needs that recent run to have brought him on.

20/1

Form: 3620-6

Last run: 70 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR:

Form & Verdict
Irish point winner who has something to find on rules form; chance depends on whether she improves for the application of tongue-tie on this second hurdles attempt.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

9

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 3f 83y

Class 4

17:42 Ffos Las

Calli Black

10st 2lb

J: James Davies

T: David Weston

Won readily at Worcester (2m4f, good) last spring and is still lightly raced over fences but her subsequent three runs (latest was over hurdles) were disappointing and she's 2lb wrong on first outing since December.

25/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Record of 2-8 on Flat for Hughie Morrison, best form when scoring on debut (registered his other win in a seller); sold for 4,000gns since last run; not sure what to expect on hurdles debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

27th Feb 2025

Soft

1m 7f 169y

Class 4

14:35 Ludlow

Clever Relation

11st 0lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Two Flat wins, the latest in a seller at Goodwood last August, but well beaten at triple-figure odds this winter on both hurdle starts.

66/1

8th

5

9th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 0f 11y

Class 4

13:20 Chepstow

Clever Relation

11st 2lb

J: Sean Houlihan

T: Sheila Lewis

Won a Flat seller for Hughie Morrison last summer (1m3f, good to soft; RPR 71) but was safely held in Taunton novice hurdle (2m, good) for new stable in December.

33/1

Form: P25-60

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Went close in one of his bumper starts but has failed to beat a rival in both attempts over hurdles, latest here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

16

20th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 0f 57y

Class 4

16:42 Newbury

Staff Sergeant Len

10st 10lb

J: Kevin Brogan

T: Neil Mulholland

Held every chance when unseating late on in a chase at Wincanton on Boxing Day (2m4f); again let down by his jumping at Ludlow; sold for £19,500 since; likely best watched after a change of yard, especially back over hurdles with stamina to prove.

25/1

Form: 6-

Last run: 235 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Only a modest sixth in spring bumper at Wincanton; in good hands and may improve this term but others have stronger claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

11th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:25 Plumpton

Steel Dancer

10st 11lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

midfield, bad mistake 1st, soon lost ground, in rear and struggling before 10th, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

9

11th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:25 Plumpton

Steel Dancer

10st 11lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

midfield, bad mistake 1st, soon lost ground, in rear and struggling before 10th, pulled up before 3 out

12/1

6

3rd Apr 2025

Good

2m 4f 114y

Class 5

16:50 Plumpton

Steel Dancer

11st 3lb

J: Ben Godfrey

T: Anthony Honeyball

Very little to latch on to so far, in a bumper and three qualifying events; handicaps should offer more scope, especially if fitting a tongue-tie helps.

7/1

Form: 94-R7

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Midfield (never on terms) over C&D two weeks ago on second hurdles start; needs improvement and may be more interesting in handicaps shortly.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 100y

Class 5

16:40 Chepstow

DGesteevo

10st 2lb

J: Chad Bament

T: Jeremy Scott

No form claims after eight hurdle races, five in handicaps; tongue tied on latest and tried cheekpieces before that; 1lb out of the weights

25/1

9th

13

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Warwick

DGesteevo

10st 8lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Jeremy Scott

0-7 over hurdles, having been pulled up on last three appearances, and needs first time tongue-tie to make a big difference; cheekpieces (worn for last two races); removed.

25/1

Form: 12-5 D

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 0lb

5 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Made the running when showing good form in bumpers, winning at Kempton then clear second at Ayr; didn't lead when only fifth at Kempton (2m) on the switch to hurdles; tactics aside, he should be capable of better in this sphere.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

7

24th Feb 2024

Soft

2m 0f 0y

Class 3

16:45 Kempton

Thistle Be The One

11st 4lb

J: Gavin Sheehan

T: Keiran Burke

Made frame in two points in first half of 2023 but was last of the finishers each time; new trainer has modest strike-rate in bumpers.

25/1

Form: 76

Last run: 25 days

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR:

Form & Verdict
Flat winner for previous stable; form for current yard, including twice over hurdles at Fontwell, leaves a lot to be desired.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

18th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Torre Del Oro

11st 7lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Useful on the Flat at his best; safely held on first two hurdling starts (2m3f/2m1f) and was tailed off when unseating rider on latest outing but makes his handicap hurdle debut in a low-grade race and may yet transfer some of that Flat ability to this code.

9/1

10

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Torre Del Oro

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Flat winner for previous stable; form for current yard, including twice over hurdles at Fontwell, leaves a lot to be desired.

50/1

10

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Torre Del Oro

11st 0lb

J: Rex Dingle

T: Chris Gordon

Flat winner for previous stable; form for current yard, including twice over hurdles at Fontwell, leaves a lot to be desired.

50/1

Form:

Last run:

W: 11st 0lb

4 yo Gelding

OR:

Form & Verdict
Modest form at best in three AW contests on Flat; best watched on stable/hurdles debut, unless the betting suggests otherwise.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Youm Jameel

11st 0lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Modest form at best in three AW contests on Flat; best watched on stable/hurdles debut, unless the betting suggests otherwise.

66/1

12

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 0f 104y

Class 4

13:35 Taunton

Youm Jameel

11st 0lb

J: Conor Ring

T: Evan Williams

Modest form at best in three AW contests on Flat; best watched on stable/hurdles debut, unless the betting suggests otherwise.

66/1

6th

7

(5)

15th Mar 2024

Standard

1m 1f 104y

Class 4

18:30 Wolverhampton (AW)

Youm Jameel

9st 4lb

J: Trevor Whelan

T: Harry Charlton

midfield

14/1

Non-runners

Pigeon House

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £8.40
Straight Forecast £7.97
Trifecta £32.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Alexei

RP RATINGS:

Byzantium

TOPSPEED:

Alexei

WEST COUNTRY:

Alexei

The Times:

Alexei

Telegraph:

Alexei

The Guardian:

Alexei

Daily Mail:

Alexei

D Express:

Alexei

Daily Mirror:

Alexei

The Sun:

Alexei

The Star:

Alexei

POSTDATA:

Byzantium

Daily Record:

Byzantium