January 17 / 14.05 Taunton

14.05

Good To Soft

Stag Environmental Polaris Dealer Devon / Somerset Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

  • Prize money: £4752.9
  • 2m 7f 198y
  • Class 5
  • 13 runners
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Stag Environmental Polaris Dealer Devon / Somerset Novices’ Handicap Hurdle

Runners: 13 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

7/1 (Won)

  • Win: £9.30
  • Place: £2.80

Form: 5F37

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 9lb

6 yo Mare

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Point winner (3m); hasn't been an instant hit under rules but Sean Bowen is booked for this handicap debut and yard's winner of this last year had a similar profile.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

4

24th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 4

20:07 Chepstow

Kilworth

11st 3lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Her worst performance in Irish points had been recorded on soft, so perhaps February's Plumpton failure on similar ground ought not to have surprised; nicely progressive in staying handicaps otherwise with wins at Taunton and Ascot, though the 7lb rise since the latter asks a stiff question.

11/4

1st

6

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 123y

Class 4

16:15 Ascot

Kilworth

11st 6lb

J: Ben Jones

T: Emma Lavelle

Showed improved form and a willing attitude to get off the mark over hurdles on handicap debut at Taunton (good to soft) in January, keeping on stoutly over an extended 3m; ran poorly when favourite at Plumpton (extended 2m4f, soft) five weeks ago, but considered on the former effort.

7/1

1

23rd Feb 2026

Soft

2m 4f 116y

Class 5

16:45 Plumpton

Kilworth

12st 0lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Emma Lavelle

Showed improved form and a willing attitude to get off the mark over hurdles on handicap debut at Taunton (good to soft) last month, keeping on stoutly over 3m; 3lb rise looks manageable, but the drop back to 2m4f is a slight concern as she appeared to need every yard of the longer trip; leading player all the same with Harry Cobden back in the saddle.

5/2

10/1

  • Place: £3.20

Form: 653/93

Last run: 44 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 98

Form & Verdict
Third and beaten 10l on his handicap debut at Wincanton (3m, good to soft) and has been dropped 1lb; may need more but that's feasible given he's so lightly raced.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

11

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 137y

Class 4

14:55 Exeter

Snapdance

10st 13lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

0-9 but he's run well in defeat in handicaps on his last three starts (3m/2m5f, good to soft); his latest second at Taunton has been franked by the winner and he could be firmly involved.

13/2

2nd

6

26th Feb 2026

Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 4

15:26 Taunton

Snapdance

11st 4lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

A maiden after two bumpers and six hurdles races; second over C&D last month, when he didn't give up his lead lightly, and not disgraced when third back down to 2m5f at Kempton on latest start; more to prove on worse than good to soft; otherwise he has clear each-way claims.

3/1

3rd

11

2nd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 4

15:42 Kempton

Snapdance

11st 4lb

J: Harry Kimber

T: Robert Walford

Looks sure to find a race judged on a good show at Taunton (3m, good to soft) recently, where he didn't give up his lead lightly, but this sharper test in a race which may take more winning could test him.

13/2

16/1

  • Place: £2.50

Form: 646324

Last run: 40 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 76

Form & Verdict
Longstanding maiden but bang there in two 2m5f handicaps at Fontwell (good to soft; in cheekpieces) before struggling there last time on heavy (first-time visor); can be given another chance; 2lb wrong but a 3lb claimer takes over.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

12

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Nowyouvebinandunit

10st 2lb

J: Bradley Harris

T: Neil Mulholland

Longstanding maiden but bang there in two 2m5f handicaps at Fontwell (good to soft; in cheekpieces) before struggling there last time on heavy (first-time visor); can be given another chance; 2lb wrong but a 3lb claimer takes over.

16/1

12

23rd Oct 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

16:50 Fontwell

Nowyouvebinandunit

10st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-15 over hurdles but was creditable second at Stratford (2m6f, good to soft) in March and caught the eye making headway from the rear on consecutive 2m7f starts in June/July; 1lb wrong here but could have a say.

8/1

6th

13

16th Jul 2025

Good

2m 7f 70y

Class 5

17:10 Uttoxeter

Nowyouvebinandunit

10st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

0-14 over hurdles but hasn't been with Neil Mulholland all that long and caught the eye making smooth headway from the rear at Bangor (2m7f, good; finished fourth) last month; could have a say.

9/1

Form: 282142 BF

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at Exeter in November (2m5f, good to soft) and very nearly went in again over C&D 18 days ago (good); raised 5lb for that near miss and wouldn't want the ground to soften up too much.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

17th Apr 2026

Good To Firm

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

18:10 Exeter

Square Du Roule

11st 11lb

J: Bryan Carver

T: Nigel Hawke

C&D winner last November (good to soft; held up), when 15lb lower; also held up when showing marginal improvement to score at Wincanton (3m, good) latest; up another 6lb but looks a leading player.

11/8

1st

6

1st Apr 2026

Good

3m 0f 150y

Class 5

15:50 Wincanton

Square Du Roule

11st 6lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: Nigel Hawke

Made the breakthrough at Exeter (2m5f, good to soft) in November and he had a near-miss at Taunton (3m, good) the following month; looks interesting on that form but he was laboured at Exeter last month and that took his hurdling record to 1-18.

8/1

8th

9

17th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 25y

Class 5

14:20 Exeter

Square Du Roule

11st 5lb

J: James Davies

T: Nigel Hawke

Came good here (2m5f, good to soft) in November, his 14th hurdling start, and has performed well over 3m at Taunton on all three starts since; ought to be right in the thick of things again.

7/1

Form: /53-22 BF

Last run: 225 days

W: 10st 11lb

7 yo Filly

OR: 87

Form & Verdict
Absent since June but was running well back then and her Bangor conqueror was well handicapped; 3lb higher here but firmly in the mix.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

5

12th Jun 2026

Good

2m 7f 16y

Class 5

18:16 Market Rasen

Newmill Getaway

11st 5lb

J: Fern O’Brien

T: Fergal O’Brien

Still seeking her first hurdles win (0-13) but she has been placed in over half of those attempts, including when returning from a two-month break at Bangor (2m7f, good; third, beaten over 4l) latest; trainer/jockey combination won this last year with Casting Aspersions.

7/2

3rd

5

23rd May 2026

Good

2m 7f 32y

Class 5

16:45 Bangor-on-Dee

Newmill Getaway

11st 5lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Bumper winner who is 0-12 over hurdles but she has a solid record in handicaps for current yard and was runner-up at Taunton (3m, good) in March; should go well again off an unchanged mark and she's in the mix.

5/1

2nd

4

24th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:45 Taunton

Newmill Getaway

11st 6lb

J: Jack Hogan

T: Fergal O’Brien

Bumper winner who is 0-11 over hurdles but last four starts (including three minor honours) suggest she will be on the premises.

100/30

OUR TIP

Form: 54-922

Last run: 20 days

W: 11st 12lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
Solid chance with her runner-up in 2m4f soft-ground handicaps the last twice, provided she stays; did win a 3m point.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

4

21st Apr 2026

Soft

2m 7f 191y

Class 5

17:12 Ffos Las

Smile Back

11st 9lb

J: Harry Bannister

T: Richard Phillips

Placed in three of her four handicaps but was beaten about 19l when weakening third at Carlisle (3m1f, soft) in February and is not making any progress; hood left off here; stablemate Hidden Target appeals more.

14/1

3rd

4

16th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 5

16:40 Carlisle

Smile Back

11st 11lb

J: Finn Lambert

T: Richard Phillips

Course bumper winner (soft) who was runner-up at Leicester (2m4f, soft) towards the end of last year in her first two handicaps; only sixth when upped in trip at Taunton (3m, good to soft) last month but she could better that latest run when back on soft ground, on which she's shown her best form.

7/1

Form: P-864

Last run: 36 days

W: 11st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 95

Form & Verdict
Beaten 29l on switch to handicaps at Doncaster but that was over 2m3f and he did win a 3m Irish point on soft ground; entitled to show more with his stamina now stretched out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

3

14th May 2026

Good

2m 5f 164y

Class 5

19:10 Fontwell

Tell The Tale

11st 6lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Safely held in first two handicaps (2m3f/3m, good to soft) and absent since January but remains unexposed (particularly on good ground) and is worth a glance in the betting.

10/1

7th

8

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Tell The Tale

11st 5lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Beaten 29l on switch to handicaps at Doncaster but that was over 2m3f and he did win a 3m Irish point on soft ground; entitled to show more with his stamina now stretched out.

8/1

6

22nd Mar 2025

Good

2m 4f 189y

Class 3

16:10 Kelso

Tell The Tale

11st 2lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Improved in Irish points last year, dead-heating for first in November; that form looks modest but he's joined an in-form yard and must be considered on rules debut, especially if the market speaks in his favour.

7/1

Form: 367-38

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 9lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
No improvement when remote third in farcical race on seasonal/handicap debut at Plumpton (2m4f, good) and then finished tailed off at Wincanton; in a top yard but the positives stop there.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

19th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:40 Newton Abbot

Its A Breeze

12st 1lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

0-9 as a hurdler but only his fourth run over fences when making light work of The Gypsy Davey over C&D (add 23yds) six days ago; penalised accordingly but Paddy Hanlon's claim takes care of 5lb of that.

6/4

1st

4

13th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 4

16:12 Newton Abbot

Its A Breeze

11st 0lb

J: Freddie Gingell

T: Paul Nicholls

13-race maiden, including three runs over fences, but showed more when travelling well for a long way last time, failing to stay 3m2f; needs to build on that and the drop back in trip is a plus; usually claimer ridden but not today.

5/2

4th

3

3rd Jun 2026

Good

3m 1f 170y

Class 5

15:30 Newton Abbot

Its A Breeze

11st 6lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Paul Nicholls

Maiden who is one of the lesser lights at his major yard and has failed to complete in two starts since switched to fences; on a positive note, reproduction of best hurdles form would give him place claims.

11/2

Form: 895730

Last run: 43 days

W: 11st 13lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 103

Form & Verdict
Seven-race maiden in Ireland; 40-1 and tailed off on British debut in a 2m2f Exeter handicap; plenty to prove, including stamina.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2

19th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

15:23 Stratford

Lion Of The Desert

11st 7lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Improving 6yo who kept on resolutely to score over C&D (good to firm) 19 days ago and has now won three times since the spring; another 5lb higher now but a likely contender again.

13/8

1st

6

30th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 4

19:18 Stratford

Lion Of The Desert

11st 4lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Recorded back-to-back wins at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) in the spring and has continued in good form off higher marks since, most recently going down by a head over C&D last month; nudged up another 3lb but remains hard to ignore in current form.

4/1

2nd

4

30th May 2026

Good To Firm

2m 6f 7y

Class 5

20:50 Stratford

Lion Of The Desert

11st 11lb

J: Joe Anderson

T: Grace Harris

Ex-Irish; recorded back-to-back wins at Ffos Las (2m4f, good) recently; maintained his good level of form when third of five back there ten days ago; must come into this if he can replicate his form here.

9/2

14/1

Form: 954

Last run: 18 days

W: 11st 12lb

5 yo Gelding

OR: 102

Form & Verdict
1m4f winner for previous yard; some promise in 2m/2m3f novices here but wouldn't be a guaranteed stayer over this far on handicap debut.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

12th Apr 2026

Good

1m 7f 50y

Class 5

17:00 Wincanton

Ribba Hill

12st 0lb

J: Tom Bellamy

T: Syd Hosie

Flat winner who is 0-6 over hurdles but had his favoured good ground when second over 2m4f here three weeks ago and the well-backed winner followed up in easy fashion at Ludlow; drops in trip but has a big shout off 1lb higher provided the rain stays away.

7/2

2nd

4

23rd Mar 2026

Good

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

17:32 Wincanton

Ribba Hill

11st 11lb

J: Miss Anna Johnston

T: Syd Hosie

Fair Flat racer who showed some hurdling promise on good ground towards the end of last year; well beaten in both subsequent handicaps (good to soft/heavy) but may well fare better now back on a sound surface.

25/1

1

29th Jan 2026

Heavy

2m 3f 179y

Class 5

15:03 Wincanton

Ribba Hill

12st 0lb

J: Paddy Hanlon

T: Syd Hosie

1m4f winner for previous yard; some promise in novice hurdles at Taunton (2m/2m3f) last month and he may have had stamina issues when upped to 3m on recent handicap debut; still early days in this sphere but he needs improvement back in trip and he's untried on heavy ground.

25/1

Form: 9-7478

Last run: 38 days

W: 10st 9lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Formerly with Emmet Mullins; 0-4 for current yard and hasn't been that involved in those races, all handicaps at up to 2m3f; this longer trip may help with her pointing background.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Jewel Of Windsor

10st 9lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Neil Mulholland

Formerly with Emmet Mullins; 0-4 for current yard and hasn't been that involved in those races, all handicaps at up to 2m3f; this longer trip may help with her pointing background.

16/1

7th

6

18th Jun 2025

Good

2m 0f 0y

Class 5

17:40 Worcester

Jewel Of Windsor

11st 4lb

J: Conor O’Farrell

T: Neil Mulholland

Unexposed 6yo who showed significant ability in points/bumpers when based in Ireland; safely held in two handicap hurdles for new stable last month (2m/2m1f) but may still have potential; watch the betting.

33/1

4th

4

25th May 2025

Good

2m 1f 162y

Class 5

16:08 Fontwell

Jewel Of Windsor

11st 3lb

J: Robert Dunne

T: Neil Mulholland

Unexposed 6yo who showed significant ability in points/bumpers when based in Ireland; safely held when 40-1 for recent stable/handicap debut but that was her first run since September and it wil be interesting to see whether she's stronger in the betting today.

8/1

Form: 986/P-

Last run: 615 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 72

Form & Verdict
Pulled up on handicap debut in May 2024 when a 100-1 chance; off since and he's 6lb wrong.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

6th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 3f 48y

Class 5

14:10 Exeter

Brucie Bonus

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Robinson

Pulled up in his two handicaps over hurdles on either side of a long absence; out of the weights for this switch to fences.

100/1

13

17th Jan 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 198y

Class 5

14:05 Taunton

Brucie Bonus

10st 2lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Robinson

Pulled up on handicap debut in May 2024 when a 100-1 chance; off since and he's 6lb wrong.

100/1

9

12th May 2024

Good

2m 7f 174y

Class 5

17:13 Ludlow

Brucie Bonus

10st 9lb

J: James Best

T: Sarah Robinson

Arguably his first worthwhile form was at Taunton (2m3f, soft) on latest start when beaten 56l but behind two classy principals; cheekpieces go on for this handicap debut over a markedly longer trip.

20/1

Form: PP-5P4

Last run: 67 days

W: 10st 2lb

9 yo Mare

OR: 71

Form & Verdict
Dual point winner who is 0-13 under rules; 80-1 when pulled up in latest handicap; 7lb out of the weights.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8

19th Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 216y

Class 5

15:40 Newton Abbot

Emberscombe

10st 2lb

J: Miss Aimee Jones

T: Joe Tickle

Record of 4-8 in points but 16 defeats under rules include eight chases; ran no race last time and she's 2lb wrong.

20/1

6th

10

1st Jul 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

13:50 Worcester

Emberscombe

10st 2lb

J: Miss Aimee Jones

T: Joe Tickle

Better known as a pointer, adding two more in the spring, and her challenge didn't last long over C&D three weeks ago; up against it from out of the weights.

33/1

4th

10

11th Jun 2026

Good

2m 4f 0y

Class 5

17:08 Worcester

Emberscombe

10st 5lb

J: Miss Aimee Jones

T: Joe Tickle

Won two four-runner points this spring but has poor record under rules (0-14) and makes only limited appeal here.

33/1

Non-runners

Avada Kedavra

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £71.10
Straight Forecast £78.65
Tricast £408.85
Trifecta £496.60

Selections

Telegraph:

Newmill Getaway

Daily Mirror:

Smile Back

SPOTLIGHT:

Kilworth

Daily Mail:

Ribba Hill

D Express:

Tell The Tale

POSTDATA:

Snapdance

The Times:

Square Du Roule

RP RATINGS:

Avada Kedavra

The Star:

Smile Back

The Guardian:

Newmill Getaway

The Sun:

Newmill Getaway

Daily Record:

Newmill Getaway