Racing

Taunton Place 6 preview | 30th December

12.45 – Alne Park Stud Juvenile Hurdle – 2m

BLUEKING D’OROUX was highly-tried on stable debut in a Grade Two at Cheltenham and while he folded tamely under pressure, he is clearly well thought of by his connections. With that run under his belt and loads of improvement to come, he is worth another chance to prove his capabilities and land the opener here.

Selections: BLUEKING D’OROUX

 

13.15 – Rob Snook 70th Birthday Novices’ Hurdle – 2m3f

TIMEFORATUNE has done a lot wrong in all his starts over hurdles but hasn’t been disgraced the last two times since opening his account at Exeter and given he sets the standard, Paul Nicholls’ charge has to be recognised as the one to beat. If more straightforward here, he should be too good for these.

Selections: TIMEFORATUNE

 

13.45 – League Of Friends Of Musgrove Park Novices’ Handicap Chase – 2m7f

MAHON POINT won in good style on his hurdles debut at Chepstow in January and returned with a good second last month behind a useful prospect. He makes his handicap chase debut off a nice mark and could be competitive, while KAYF HERNANDO bolted up over C&D last month and a repeat effort should see him tough to beat.

Selections: MAHON POINT, KAYF HERNANDO

 

14.15 – Byerley Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle

SHE’S A SAINT returned a wide-margin winner on her hurdles debut and has been solid in defeat in her two starts since. Her latest second in a Listed event is the best form on offer and could be hard to beat. LUTINEBELLA displayed good form in bumpers and was off the mark over hurdles at Exeter last month. She is the main danger to the former.

Selections: SHE’S A SAINT, LUTINEBELLA

 

14.45 – Farewell Doctor John Heathcock Handicap Hurdle – 2m7f

FOUNTAINS CHIEF won his first three starts over hurdles before seemingly failing to handle the softer ground when third last time whilst a bad mistake at a certain stage didn’t help his chances either. He could bounce back here, while THE CHANGING MAN goes for a fourth win in a row and is the one to beat.

Selections: FOUNTAINS CHIEF, THE CHANGING MAN

 

15.15 – Claire Hitch 50th Birthday Handicap Chase – 3m2f

KINGSMILL GIN was in the process of running well until unseating her rider at Wincanton last month but she did win this by six lengths last year off only a pound lower mark and has to be considered a major player in her quest to win this race again.

Selections: KINGSMILL GIN