TimeformBlog

[b]Dukes Art[/b] was fair on the Flat up to 1m for James Toller and some promise when sixth on hurdles debut here over 17f in December. Not so good both starts since, and this trip not sure to suit now handicapping. [b]Woodlark Island[/b] is a winning hurdler/chaser who took advantage of a reduced mark with headgear back on (well backed) at Wincanton earlier this month. Remains on a good mark despite a 7 lb rise. [b]Jackers[/b] had been off 19 months but well backed when landing 2½m handicap hurdle at Hereford in November. Most disappointing since (including over fences) so hard to be positive about at present. [b]Millers Reef[/b] showed ability in couple of bumpers (tongue tied) for Colin Bowe in Ireland. Yet to show much in 3 hurdles starts, but bred to excel over obstacles ...

[b]Dee Ee William[/b]s was a smart performer at his best, but reportedly finished distressed after the County Hurdle in March, so some training performance were he to give weight all round on return to action. [b]Sire de Grugy[/b] had a fine first season over hurdles, winning 3 times, including Kempton Grade 2. Better than ever second start back when fourth to Zarkandar at Newbury on Friday and obvious chance off 2 lb lower. [b]Higgy's Ragazzo[/b] took another step forward when chasing home stable-companion Lifestyle in 2m Kempton handicap over Christmas. Soft ground possibly against him last time, and still unexposed as a hurdler. [b]Edgardo Sol[/b] is a former French jumper who was soon on track for this stable, landing 2m handicap chase then hurdle in late autumn. Nothing wrong...

[b]13:40[/b] - Now, a 16-runner Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle is not normally a situation in which I would encourage a banker, but it will be extremely disappointing if That's Some Milan cannot make the frame here. A former point-winner, the selection should be suited by the step up to three miles today and is open to further improvement on his handicap debut. [b]14:10[/b] - Next up is the novice hurdle and Dildar, who showed fair form on the Flat in France, is likely to go off a short-priced favourite here but he must be included given his connections and the fact he receives weight all round. This is Dildar's hurdling debut, however, so we will also side with Constant Contact who shaped well in a very strong event at Newbury last month and is entitled to improve for that experience. [b]14:40[/b]...

[b]Grey Gold[/b] was a Hereford novice hurdle winner last season who took form to new level when making winning reappearance in 17f Bangor handicap in November. This tougher off 9 lb higher but could have more to give. [b]Monetary Fund[/b] is a fairly useful hurdler who largely performed with credit in some competitive handicaps for Nicky Henderson last term. Returns to track with his new yard in form and no shock if he goes close. [b]Pantxoa[/b] has still not got many miles on the clock and returned with a pair of good placed efforts in competitive 2m handicap hurdles. Excuses can be made for latest run and no surprise if he bounces back. [b]Pascha Bere[/b] is a useful hurdler who made a pleasing return to action when fourth to Featherbed Lane at Ascot. Excuses for both runs since...

We begin with the most valuable race of the day, the limited handicap chase for novices at Taunton, in which [b]Rangitoto[/b] (14:10) holds strong claims of remaining unbeaten over fences. Paul Nicholls' former point winner has done little wrong since joining the trainer and, having impressed when winning an 18-runner handicap hurdle at Chepstow in November on his seasonal return, he confirmed the impression that he's going to progress into a smart chaser when following up on his fencing debut at Wincanton (beat next-time-out winner Webberys Dream) on Boxing Day. With question marks over most of his five rivals, Rangitoto looks a good bet to confirm himself a most exciting prospect this afternoon. The second bet of the day comes at the same track an hour later when [b]Carrickmines[/b]...

[b]Vino Griego[/b] is not straightforward but ran a blinder third start back in 3m listed handicap chase at Ascot, going strongly before mistake 2 out. Off same mark here but taking on some unexposed sorts. [b]Balzaccio[/b] is a winning hurdler who mopped up a couple of soft chases in October (both 2½m). Struggled back in handicap last time, though, and needs to improve for step up in trip now. [b]Rangitoto[/b] was a progressive hurdler who was always going to make his mark over fences and duly delivered at first time of asking in 21f Wincanton novice last month. Exciting chasing prospect. [b]Time For Spring[/b] is an Irish point winner who won over hurdles and made successful start over fences at Carlisle (2½m) in October. Back to form at Ludlow last time and 5 lb rise not too...

[b]Timeform take a look at a competitive conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle at Taunton...[/b] [b]The Jigsaw Man[/b] made all to win listed hurdle at Sandown in April. Largely creditable efforts mixing hurdles/fences during the summer, but pulled up over hurdles when last seen in July and has a bit to prove. [b]Street Entertainer[/b] was much improved when winning twice this spring. Good third in valuable handicap at Market Rasen in July and possibly found race coming too soon at Galway later that month. Interesting back from break. [b]Prince Taime[/b] developed into a very useful hurdler in 2009 for Philip Hobbs. Nothing like so good over fences despite winning at Southwell when last seen in April 2010, and well-being to prove for new stable. [b]Tasheba[/b] was a useful ...

Timeform take a look at a tight little novices' handicap chase at Taunton on Tuesday... [b]Doeslessthanme[/b] got off the mark over fences on debut for this yard at Fontwell in October. Let down by jumping since, making several errors when second to Super Formen here last time, and blinkers reapplied now. [b]Golan Guy[/b] is a hold-up performer who made a successful chase debut at Downpatrick in September for Tony Martin. Reportedly lame when below best over hurdles last time, and bit to prove starting out for new yard now. [b]Oldrik[/b] is a useful handicap hurdler who made a winning return to this sphere when taking a 5-runner handicap over 19f here 12 days ago. Raised 6 lb for that, but ought to be competitive again. [b]Tiger O'Toole[/b] developed into useful handicap hurdler...

Two of today's SmartPlays come from Ludlow, and first up from the Shropshire venue is [b]The Chazer[/b] (13:10) trained by Richard Lee. A winner over hurdles at Newbury last season, The Chazer had the misfortune to come up against this year's Champion Hurdle runner-up and current ante-post Arkle favourite Peddlers Cross on his chase debut at Bangor last month. Although flattered to get so close to the facile winner, (beaten four-and-a-half lengths) it was a promising introduction to fencing from The Chazer and the handicapper may have been a tad generous by leaving his official rating unchanged on a mark of 121. Placed in points earlier in his career the six-year-old looks the type to make a better chaser, and can start proving that point this afternoon. Alan King has his team in tremendous...