13:30 Taunton

Tuesday 7 January 2020

All13:0013:3014:0014:3015:0015:3016:00

Hippychick Supports Love Musgrove Maiden Hurdle (Div 1)

Off time: 13:30 | Winning time: 4m 14.04s

Astrologist³³⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: R Johnson| T: O Murphy

12/1

A maiden after five starts on the Flat. His last outing came back in February when he was third of six on the AW at Chelmsford (1m2f). Has to be respected on his opening hurdles start for this yard.

Form:

Buzz¹⁰³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: N de Boinville| T: N J Henderson

1/2

Was fairly useful of the Flat where he prevailed four times. He finished third of seven on his latest appearance at Newmarket (1m4f). Has joined a leading yard ahead of hurdles debut. Leading contender.

Form:

Horatio Star²⁶

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: P J Brennan| T: C Gordon

20/1

Was a winner on the Flat at Bath (1m6f) back in July. Has had two attempts over hurdles where he has been well beaten on both occasions, including latest over this C&D where he was 10th of 12. Needs to improve.

Form: 70

Mr Minerals^t³

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: M G Nolan| T: Alexandra Dunn

200/1

Came home last of 12 runners on his hurdles debut over this C&D. Was back on the Flat on his latest outing where he was 13th of 14 at Kempton (1m4f) on the AW. Much more is needed on his second hurdles run.

Form: 0

Passing Shadow³¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Lily Pinchin⁽⁷⁾| T: D Killahena & G McPherson

100/1

Has finished down the field in two bumper appearances so far in his career. His latest outing came at Catterick (1m7½f) where he was seventh of 12. Set for his run over hurdles now. Best to watch.

Form: 87-

Percy Pops^h³²

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: T Scudamore| T: N P Mulholland

25/1

Failed to shine in his two runs to date under Rules. He was sixth of 12 on his debut in a bumper at Chepstow (2m). Could then only come home eighth of 18 on his hurdles debut at Exeter (2m1f). Others are preferred.

Form: 0/68

Stormy Flight⁶⁴

Age: 6| Weight: 11-5| J: Matt Griffiths| T: J Scott

5/1

Showed a lot of promise on his debut on the track when he was second of 12 in a bumper at Wincanton (1m7½f). Has been well held on his two hurdles appearances, including latest at Hereford (2m3½f). Down in trip now which may help.

Form: 2-56

The Honeydipper^t²²

Age: 5| Weight: 11-5| J: Ben Hicks⁽⁷⁾| T: Jamie Snowden

100/1

Has failed to hit the frame in four starts. Was pulled up on his hurdles debut at Sedgefield (2m1f), while last time out he was fourth of five at Plumpton (2m4½f). Is down in distance but others appal more.

Form: 59P4

Ioweu⁹²

Age: 7| Weight: 10-12| J: Paul O'Brien⁽³⁾| T: B Barr

200/1

Yet to shine in three outings in bumpers. Her latest effort came at Stratford over the extended 2m distance where she was eighth of 11 runners after going off at 100/1. Set for her opening start over hurdles. Has to improve.

Form: 7/58

Chez Hans⁸

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Harry Cobden| T: P F Nicholls

11/2

A winner on the Flat in France. Has had two appearances over hurdles in the UK so far without success. He finished seventh of 12 last time out over this C&D. Remains open to improvement so he is not one to ignore.

Form: 47

Galahad Quest⁶⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Sam Twiston-Davies| T: Nick Williams| BF

8/1

Was fancied to go well on his debut at Warwick (2m) as he went off as the 13/8 favourite but he was a long way off the winner in fourth place of five. Likely to be better this time around. Worth consideration.

Form: 4

Forecasts

Buzz (1/2), Stormy Flight (5/1), Chez Hans (11/2), Galahad Quest (8/1), Astrologist (12/1), Horatio Star (20/1), Percy Pops (25/1), Passing Shadow (100/1), The Honeydipper (100/1), Mr Minerals (200/1), Ioweu (200/1)

BUZZ makes a lot of appeal on his first run over hurdles for this leading yard. He was successful on four occasions on the Flat and he can add to his tally on his opening National Hunt appearance. Astrologist didn't quite have the success he would have been expected to have on the Flat given his profile but a much better run may come over hurdles, while Chez Hans should produce more than he has so far in the UK to finish in the frame in this maiden hurdle.