December 12 / 15.50 Taunton

15.50

Good To Soft

Twixmas Meeting 30th December Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £5281
  • 2m 7f 198y
  • Class 5
  • 15 runners
RTV
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Twixmas Meeting 30th December Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 15 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Showers

4/1 (Won)

  • Win: £3.50
  • Place: £1.60

Form: 8-8301 C

Last run: 8 days

W: 11st 10lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Dual novice winner who secured his first handicap in comfortable fashion last week at Ludlow, where it was either the step up to 3m or new cheekpieces that triggered the improvement (perhaps both); goes again here before his new mark kicks in (due a 5lb rise).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

3

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

3m 2f 105y

Class 4

16:20 Newton Abbot

Despereaux

11st 9lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Five-time hurdle winner who ended last year with a brave success at Hereford (3m2f, good to soft); well held there in both runs this spring but he got involved in a battle up front last time; a player if he can get back near his best.

13/2

5th

3

6th Apr 2026

Good

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

15:20 Hereford

Despereaux

11st 10lb

J: James Best

T: Jane Williams

Steadily worked his way back to form this season, culminating in a narrow win over C&D (good to soft; 5lb higher today) in December under 7lb claimer; reverted to a lesser show 19 days ago but perhaps he needed that run after more than three months off.

3/1

5th

4

18th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 119y

Class 4

14:30 Hereford

Despereaux

11st 6lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: Jane Williams

Had been struggling but has steadily got himself back on track and prevailed narrowly over C&D in December on latest appearance; 6lb higher for this and connections claimed another 7lb last time through Isabelle Ryder, but he had dropped to a fair mark anyway.

2/1

9/2

  • Place: £1.80

Form: 55-211 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 4lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Has won her last two handicaps by 6l (2m4f) and 5l (3m; again on good), latterly making all at Market Rasen; essentially just 1lb higher than last time with Beau Morgan claiming 5lb so has to be on the shortlist.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

2

16th Aug 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:35 Perth

Happy Index

11st 13lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Record of 3-8 for this yard and her only real blip was last time at Bangor; record here rates a big positive and she could easily bounce back.

9/2

4th

2

4th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

17:56 Bangor-on-Dee

Happy Index

12st 0lb

J: Beau Morgan

T: Olly Murphy

3-7 for current stable since the autumn; lost out only by a neck when second at Perth (3m, good) last month and may yet have further improvement to come; must be considered.

2/1

1

8th Jun 2025

Good

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

17:42 Perth

Happy Index

12st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Olly Murphy

Justified favouritism at Perth (3m2f) last time, taking form figures for current yard to 211231 and record under Sean Bowen to 3-3; respected with further progress plausible.

9/4

10/1

  • Place: £6.30

Form: 606

Last run: 29 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Placed in points; beaten between 23l and 46l in three hurdles at about 2m but no surprise to see him raise his profile now sent handicapping over further; market could be useful.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

27th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

15:35 Taunton

Badbury Rings

12st 0lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Off the mark over hurdles at sixth attempt, coming from the rear and doing it very comfortably under confident Conor O'Farrell ride at Wincanton (3m, soft) 12 days ago; 9lb higher here but still commands respect.

6/4

2nd

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Badbury Rings

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Seen in a much more positive light last time when stepped up from 2m to 3m for handicap debut here (good; 25-1) and finishing 9l third of 15 from off the pace; has the same mark today and seemingly needs to find a bit more but this looks a weak race.

11/2

2nd

2

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Badbury Rings

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Seen in a much more positive light last time when stepped up from 2m to 3m for handicap debut here (good; 25-1) and finishing 9l third of 15 from off the pace; has the same mark today and seemingly needs to find a bit more but this looks a weak race.

11/2

Form: 92-122

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 6lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Has followed his Plumpton win with seconds over 2m5f and 3m, though was beaten 11l off this mark the last time; might be high in the weights but the cheekpieces are new.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

7th Oct 2025

Good

2m 7f 129y

Class 5

16:07 Huntingdon

The Dark Edge

12st 0lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Dual hurdle winner last season (2m4f/3m2f); fell on chasing debut in May but returned with good hurdle run last month and could still have a good future over fences; one to consider.

2/1

1

21st Sep 2025

Good To Firm

3m 0f 217y

Class 5

14:20 Plumpton

The Dark Edge

12st 0lb

J: Daire McConville

T: Charlie Longsdon

Not seen since falling on chase debut in May but ended last season in good form, most notably when winning at Warwick (3m2f, good); also has a Plumpton win on his CV; major player if fully tuned up after break.

11/4

3

17th May 2025

Good

3m 0f 30y

Class 5

16:05 Bangor-on-Dee

The Dark Edge

11st 11lb

J: Lilly Pinchin

T: Charlie Longsdon

Ended last season in very good form over hurdles, winning at Warwick (3m2f, good) before clear second at Huntingdon (3m1f, good); contender if he jumps soundly on this chasing debut.

5/1

Form: 440244

Last run: 6 days

W: 11st 11lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard and probably needs further than the 2m2f he ran over at Exeter last time (stays 3m); needs considering.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Brownstone

11st 11lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard and probably needs further than the 2m2f he ran over at Exeter last time (stays 3m); needs considering.

20/1

5th

2

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Brownstone

11st 11lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Won two handicaps in Ireland; building some momentum for his new yard and probably needs further than the 2m2f he ran over at Exeter last time (stays 3m); needs considering.

20/1

4th

1

6th Dec 2024

Soft

2m 2f 111y

Class 5

12:25 Exeter

Brownstone

12st 0lb

J: Freddie Gordon

T: Grace Harris

Runner-up at Leicester (2m4f, good) last month on second stable start and again ran well when fourth at Ludlow (3m, good to soft) seven days later; won on soft ground in Ireland; could have a part to play.

7/1

OUR TIP

Form: 27-250 D

Last run: 27 days

W: 11st 10lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Consistent last season in winning three times; current wellbeing an issue, as although Cheltenham last time was tough his previous Chepstow run was no better.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

27th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

15:00 Fontwell

Wot You Wearing

10st 2lb

J: Miss Kayla Ruddy

T: Fergal O’Brien

He was looking when regressive even before pulling up in his first two runs for this yard but ran better at Taunton (2m3f, good; ridden by Kayla Ruddy), where he was no match for the front two but did come from well off the pace; possibilities; 1lb wrong.

5/1

3rd

8

9th Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

17:10 Taunton

Wot You Wearing

10st 5lb

J: Miss Kayla Ruddy

T: Fergal O’Brien

Out of sorts at the end of last term for Robert Stephens and he's been pulled up in handicaps (around 3m2f) at Fontwell and Warwick for his current yard this year; it's easy to look elsewhere.

20/1

6

20th Feb 2026

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:05 Warwick

Wot You Wearing

10st 5lb

J: Miss Kayla Ruddy

T: Fergal O’Brien

Three-time hurdle winner but the latest was back in November 2023 and it's been a long time since he posed a serious threat; pulled up when a 3-1 shot for last month's stable and seasonal debut at Fontwell.

12/1

Form: 776583

Last run: 17 days

W: 11st 7lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Maiden in Ireland; contesting her first handicap on stable debut at Ludlow (2m5f, good to soft) but questionable what she achieved in finishing a remote third; others safer.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

12th Feb 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

14:15 Taunton

Broomfield Gale

11st 12lb

J: Robbie David

T: Daisy Hitchins

Won at Stratford (2m6f) last May and back on the scoresheet with a stylish success over 2m here five weeks ago; still looks feasibly treated off 6lb higher but those wins were achieved on good and she'll face contrasting conditions afternoon.

11/2

Form: 532-55

Last run: 22 days

W: 11st 2lb

5 yo Filly

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Hasn't progressed any further since finishing second on her handicap debut, going down by 6l in this new headgear combination last time at Ffos Las; others appeal more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

7

18th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 122y

Class 4

16:15 Newton Abbot

Elusiveness

10st 12lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

3-3 since swapping cheekpieces for blinkers, the latest win gained at Haydock (3m, good) in April; subsequent six-month break may have checked her momentum but today's drop back in trip should not be a problem.

5/1

1st

4

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

16:25 Haydock

Elusiveness

11st 7lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

prominent, went second 2 out, challenging approaching last, ridden and led narrowly last, kept on

3/1

1st

4

19th Apr 2025

Good

3m 0f 58y

Class 4

16:25 Haydock

Elusiveness

11st 7lb

J: Lorcan Williams

T: Jeremy Scott

prominent, went second 2 out, challenging approaching last, ridden and led narrowly last, kept on

3/1

Form: 45-143 D BF

Last run: 28 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Chasing for his last three races; won from out of the weights at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft) and following defeat when well-in perhaps came too soon; ran better to be third over 2m7f here four weeks ago despite a 10lb rise kicking in; capable hurdler and not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

18th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

14:54 Newton Abbot

Lock Out

12st 0lb

J: Rian Corcoran

T: David Pipe

Inconsistent last season and absent since tame effort in March but won when fresh a year ago, at Chepstow (2m7f, good to soft), and begins his new campaign from a good mark.

3/1

5th

3

20th Mar 2025

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

14:55 Chepstow

Lock Out

11st 6lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: David Pipe

midfield

11/2

2nd

2

6th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 30y

Class 5

14:20 Wincanton

Lock Out

11st 13lb

J: Ben Bromley

T: David Pipe

in touch with leaders, lost position 6th

3/1

Form: 22-44F D

Last run: 15 days

W: 11st 9lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Not beaten far on stable debut at Hexham in June though was only fourth of six; tailed off next time and then fell mid-race on his return to fences two weeks ago; turns 11 soon and wouldn't be the obvious answer to this.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

7

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:48 Cartmel

No Rematch

10st 12lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Arrested decline when third in first-time blinkers at Perth (3m, good) last month but this 12yo remains without a win since 2023 and it's hard to tell whether the new headgear will continue to have a positive effect.

11/1

3rd

8

22nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 207y

Class 5

16:40 Perth

No Rematch

10st 10lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Second of four on stable debut here last May (3m2f, good); hasn't run quite as well since but is now on a career-low mark; blinkers replace cheekpieces.

25/1

7th

11

26th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 131y

Class 5

16:50 Chepstow

No Rematch

10st 11lb

J: Miss Imogen Mathias

T: Samuel Drinkwater

Returned from layoff with quite encouraging C&D fourth (albeit well held in the end) on soft ground last month but is getting long in the tooth and today's faster ground is probably not in his favour; headgear refitted.

33/1

Form: 5-45PP

Last run: 39 days

W: 11st 7lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Signs of progress in his novices but has pulled up in both handicaps, at 2m5f (tongue-tie) and 2m3f (cheekpieces); hard to be at all confident about him.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7

23rd Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 0y

Class 5

15:12 Warwick

Just Four Fame

10st 13lb

J: Ciaran Gethings

T: David Dennis

0-10 over hurdles; went down fighting when second here (3m2f, good) last March but we haven't seen him since and this drop back in trip may not be ideal.

10/1

2nd

7

27th Mar 2025

Good

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

14:57 Warwick

Just Four Fame

10st 9lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: David Dennis

Continues to fall in the weights but he's had a few chances now in handicaps and is not progressing.

20/1

8th

8

21st Feb 2025

Soft

3m 2f 0y

Class 5

13:40 Warwick

Just Four Fame

10st 4lb

J: Elizabeth Gale

T: David Dennis

prominent, lost ground before 4 out, weakened before 2 out

25/1

Form: 03P-95

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 9lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Poor in his first two handicaps but this winning pointer ran better over C&D two weeks ago with this headgear combination given a go; that's something to build on and he could get involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Chauffeur Driven

11st 5lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Pulled up on chase debut latest; has placed form over hurdles but his best runs have come with give underfoot.

10/1

7th

3

13th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:05 Worcester

Chauffeur Driven

11st 5lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

Pulled up on chase debut latest; has placed form over hurdles but his best runs have come with give underfoot.

10/1

8

6th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 177y

Class 5

15:30 Ffos Las

Chauffeur Driven

11st 3lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: David Pipe

0-12 over hurdles; ran well when second in first-time visor at Exeter (2m5f, heavy) two starts ago but is far too inconsistent to rely upon heavily, and drying ground may not be ideal for him on this chasing debut.

12/1

Form: 31-166

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 89

Form & Verdict
Won two in a row at Stratford (3m2f/2m6f) in the spring but nothing like so good in two runs since returning from a break.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

10

25th May 2026

Good

2m 6f 31y

Class 5

14:13 Cartmel

R Bernard

10st 6lb

J: Charlie Deutsch

T: Mel Rowley

Won twice at Stratford (3m2f/2m6f) in spring 2024 and well handicapped on those efforts but lost his way afterwards and has been absent since well-held fourth at Stratford 13 months ago; had wind op last month.

10/1

4th

5

13th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

14:50 Stratford

R Bernard

11st 9lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Mel Rowley

Won this race a year ago (good to soft), his second start for Mel Rowley, and followed up off today's mark here (2m6f, good) in May; looked out of sorts in the winter when last seen but is still of some interest on return to this track.

3/1

5

13th Apr 2025

Good

3m 2f 83y

Class 5

14:50 Stratford

R Bernard

11st 9lb

J: Tabitha Worsley

T: Mel Rowley

Won this race a year ago (good to soft), his second start for Mel Rowley, and followed up off today's mark here (2m6f, good) in May; looked out of sorts in the winter when last seen but is still of some interest on return to this track.

3/1

Form: 11603/ CD

Last run: 1038 days

W: 11st 11lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Had a productive spell in 2021 (including wins at 2m3f/3m on good) and the following February finished third of 17 in a 2m3f handicap here (good to soft); on a competitive mark but has been off an awful long time.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

16:20 Taunton

Kendelu

11st 9lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

prominent

33/1

6

18th Jan 2025

Good To Soft

2m 3f 1y

Class 5

16:20 Taunton

Kendelu

11st 9lb

J: Lorcan Murtagh

T: Nigel Hawke

prominent

33/1

14th

1

12th Dec 2024

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

15:50 Taunton

Kendelu

11st 11lb

J: Miss Megan Bevan

T: Nigel Hawke

Had a productive spell in 2021 (including wins at 2m3f/3m on good) and the following February finished third of 17 in a 2m3f handicap here (good to soft); on a competitive mark but has been off an awful long time.

25/1

Form: -65341 C

Last run: 14 days

W: 11st 7lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 94

Form & Verdict
Has run well in all three handicaps and battled on to edge home in the latest here over 2m3f (good to soft; second run in tongue-tie); has a lot further to go this afternoon and stamina could be an issue.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

5

3rd Jun 2026

Good

2m 0f 167y

Class 5

17:00 Newton Abbot

Ugo Bingo

11st 7lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has slipped to his last winning mark but he's proving difficult to win with and was well held at Wincanton in April last time; cheekpieces return and, while he copes with most ground, he's likely to be playing for minor honours at best.

13/2

7th

4

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

17:00 Wincanton

Ugo Bingo

11st 11lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Has slipped to a good mark but didn't really find any improvement (based on early-season form) for this new headgear combination when a wilting fourth here last month; needs to find extra.

4/1

4th

3

5th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

15:07 Wincanton

Ugo Bingo

11st 13lb

J: Brendan Powell

T: Joe Tizzard

Needs to rebound quickly from heavy defeat here (2m5f, heavy) a fortnight ago but made the frame over C&D (good to soft/soft) on consecutive outings beforehand and has slipped to a good mark; player if back on song in first-time blinkers.

7/1

Non-runners

Gata Ban

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £13.90
Straight Forecast £12.57
Tricast £213.53
Trifecta £285.00

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Despereaux

The Guardian:

Happy Index

D Express:

Badbury Rings

The Times:

Ugo Bingo

Daily Mirror:

Lock Out

Telegraph:

Gata Ban

RP RATINGS:

Despereaux

POSTDATA:

Despereaux

Daily Mail:

Despereaux

The Sun:

Happy Index

The Star:

Happy Index

Daily Record:

Happy Index