Racecards
13:30 Taunton
Thurlbear Novices' Hurdle (div 2) (Class 4)
- 11 Runners
- Distance: 2m 1f
- Going: Soft, Good to Soft in places
- Surface: Turf
- £5,500 added
- Form 033/1R
- Age 7
- Weight 11-10
- Official Rating 120
- Trainer M J Coombe
- Jockey Christian Williams
led, hit 4th, headed approaching 2 out, soon lost 2nd, no extra before last
- Form 9
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer G Brown
- Jockey James Davies
always behind, struggling 5th, tailed off
Fashion Week
56- Form 75
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer J D Frost
- Jockey Hadden Frost
held up in touch, making some steady headway when fell 6th
- Form 112
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer P F Nicholls
- Jockey Timmy Murphy
chased leaders, challenged 3 out, led approaching 2 out, soon clear, pushed out flat, easily
- Form 1-46
- Age 6
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer V R A Dartnall
- Jockey Jack Doyle
held up towards rear, struggling 5th, soon tailed off
- Form 431BP-P
- Age 8
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer Mrs Caroline Keevil
- Jockey Ian Popham
soon close up, 4th under pressure and no chance with front trio from 3 out, weakened and lost moderate 4th 2 out, tailed off
- Form 1850
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer D Pipe
- Jockey T Scudamore
held up in rear, headway to modest 4th 2 out, no chance with front trio, tailed off
- Form 4
- Age 5
- Weight 11-4
- Trainer P Hobbs & J White
- Jockey R Johnson
always front rank, pushed along after 3 out, chased winner 2 out, soon no chance
- Form 96
- Age 6
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer R G Hawker
- Jockey Nick Scholfield
towards rear, pushed along and struggling before 5th, soon tailed off and pulled up before 3 out
Park Run
22- Form 00
- Age 5
- Weight 10-11
- Trainer J L Spearing
- Jockey T Siddall
soon held up in mid-division, ridden and struggling approaching 3 out, tailed off
- Form 0667
- Age 4
- Weight 10-0
- Trainer N P Mulholland
- Jockey D C Costello
raced wide, always towards rear, strugglign 5th, tailed off
In depth
Verdict
Impossible to oppose GHIZAO who should have a nice hack round. Henry Hook and Rock Celtic are two to consider in the race for second. The selection proved himself to be a smart performer in bumpers and he won't be far from the top of the tree over hurdles either. There was plenty to like about his debut effort when running General Miller close in a quality contest at Cheltenham and he shouldn't be beaten here. Henry Hook has yet to shine over obstacles but he has been set a couple of stiff tasks and faces another one here. He may improve as he gains experience and may find his niche once handicapping. Rock Celtic made an encouraging debut over course and distance when a respectful distance behind the principal contenders; one would envisage a similar display. San Marino has ability but also a temperament judged by his latest visit to the track so he's hard to recommend as are the remainder as this should just prove to be a walk in the park for Ghizao.
Formwatch
San Marino (FR) 6-1 (10-12) Went left start, refused to race, in a race won by Chain Of Command (10-12) at Hereford 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) sft in Dec, 15 ran.
Chestnut Ben (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) Always in last trio, hit 4 out, soon struggling, tailed off, 9th of 10, well behind Quantitativeeasing (11-5) at Newbury 2m hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Fashion Week 33-1 (10-11) Held up, ridden approaching 2 out, one pace, 5th of 12, 21l behind Ocean Transit (10-7) at Taunton 2m 1f mdn hdl (4) gs in Nov.
Ghizao (GER) 10-11fav (10-12) Chased leader to 4 out, remained in 3rd, chased leader and hit 2 out, led soon after, hard driven and pressed last, stayed on until no extra and headed final 75 yards, 2nd of 8, 1l behind General Miller (10-12) at Cheltenham 2m 1f NH nov hdl 4-6yo (3) sft in Dec.
Henry Hook (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, keen hold, under pressure after 3 out, soon beaten, 6th of 7, 21l behind Master Of The Hall (11-0) at Sandown 2m nov hdl (3) hvy in Dec.
Max's Choice (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) (tt) led to 3; wknd 13; to & pu 2 out, in a race won by Major Matt (12-0) at Stafford Cross 3m ptp gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Rock Celtic (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway on outside approaching 2 out, chasing leader trio when blundered last, not quicken, 4th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Tito Bustillo (11-8) at Taunton 2m 1f nh nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Galloise (IRE) 150-1 (10-5) Held up mid-division, weakened 3 out, 6th of 17, 35l behind Dolly Penrose (10-10) at Exeter 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (4) sft in Dec.
Park Run 250-1 (10-10) Chased leader to 4 out, ridden next, soon weakened, tailed off, 13th of 14, well behind Asturienne (11-2) at Taunton 2m 3f mrs nov hdl (3) sft in Dec.
Lady Of Ashcott 33-1 (10-5) Chased winner until 3 out, soon weakened, last of 7, well behind Rougham (10-12) at Wincanton 2m 3yo nov hdl (4) hvy in Dec.