PNicholls

It was a big day for the stable at Taunton - and thankfully the big guns delivered. All eyes were on Dildar on his hurdling debut, and I was delighted with the win. I had made no secret of the fact that he had been pleasing me at home - impressing as much in his homework as all my highly-rated, top juveniles - so some people may have been expecting a lot more from him than a narrow win. But the track is where they have to deliver, and I was thrilled with the victory. Yes, the level of form wouldn't be anywhere near that of Pearl Swan (officially rated 146), Ranjaan and Hinterland (141), but you only have to look at how the first two improved from their debuts to see the potential. He jumped a bit novice-y in sticky ground but he showed his Flat speed to take the race and the...

[u]13:20 Taunton[/u] [b]Dualla Lord[/b] Won all four of his 2011 points and looked set to carry on the winning theme in a 3m novice hurdle at Chepstow, only for a last flight mistake to cost him dear and see him beaten a length. But the form of that race has worked out well (the winner has won since and the 24 length third won a chase at Ffos Las last week). We pitched him at the deep end against Grands Crus over fences last time, but that run didn't tell us much as unfortunately he fell at the ninth. Has been off since then as he sustained a nasty cut to his face when falling, and we send him back over hurdles to get his confidence back. He's a horse with a future and hopefully he can put in a good show here. He's probably the form horse going into the race but he does face some interesting...

[b]12.40 Taunton - Black Thunder[/b] Won a Newton Abbot bumper by nine lengths in May and delighted me when second to Tetlami at Sandown earlier in the month, and the first and third both franked the form when winning at Kempton on Boxing Day. Has come on for that run, jumped great at home on Thursday morning and looks to hold a good form chance here, with the prospect of further improvement to come. However, this is a very hot race for Taunton with the likes of Mister Dillon, Moorland Sunset and a couple of smart bumper horses in opposition. [b]13.45 Taunton - Salubrious[/b] The Johnson and Stewart Families bought him after he won a Stratford bumper by 21 lengths for Pam Sly. Was disappointing when only seventh on his debut for us in a Cheltenham bumper in November but he came...

[u]13:10 Ludlow [/u] [i]Twist Pistol [/i] Won over 2m2f at Pau last January but it is fair to say that he's been a touch disappointing in two starts for us, but the reason was readily apparent at Sandown last time. He pulled far too hard there and was soon a spent force. He definitely has the raw ability to win off a mark of 119 - and it was a touch disappointing to see him left on the same mark over hurdles and fences after being beaten 35 lengths at Sandown - but it all depends if we can get him to settle. If he does, then we are in business on a track that should suit him. And he certainly has the size and scope of a chaser, and has schooled well in preparation for this, too. Ryan takes 3lb off. [u]14:00 Huntingdon [/u] [i]The Nightingale [/i] Took his chance in the King George...

[u]13:35, Newbury[/u] [b]Rock of Deauville[/b] Regular readers of this column will know how frustrating I have found Rock Of Deauville. He would put 140-rated horses to shame at home but off marks of 116 and 114 this season (he now races off 112 here), he has found nothing when the chips were down. So now Harry gets the chance to see what he can do. And at least "Morning Glory" as he is known here - that is Rock, not Harry - did actually deliver on the track last time as Becky Furber put him in front bang on the line when winning a charity race at Cheltenham at the Paddy Power meeting. You will not see a more cooler or better executed ride, as I told her to put his head in front on the line. That is what I call riding to instructions. Over to you, Harry - more of the same please. And...