Lots I like today:
12.40 Taunton - Paul Nicholls
Black Thunder split Tetlami and Knight Pass on his last run, and both of those went on to win at Kempton on Boxing Day. By far the best form in the race but around EVS is pretty skinny. Any Nicky Henderson novice hurdler warrants respect and Mister Dillon is looking for a four-timer and Jeremiah McGrath's claim negates the penalty. He is currently rated 118 which gives him something to find with Black Thunder.
1.45 Taunton - Nicky Henderson and Tony McCoy irresistable at the moment and
Zama Zama can add to the haul. A bit keen on hurdles debut he won very cosily second time up for the champ and should be up to winning this today. The Hobbs horse looks the danger on paper - highly tried and soundly beaten on his 2 starts to date.
2.20 Taunton - Paul Nicholls has taken over training of former smart flat stayer
Ted Spread and he was certainly not disgraced behind the very smart Broadbackbob and Cinders And Ashes on debut. He will certainly have come on for that and can get off the mark here. It will be no penalty kick however, with Battlecat (2nd to Prospect Wells), ALan King's Grumeti and David Pipe's War Singer (well supported on debut in a hot contest and ran well for a long time) sure to provide a stif challenge.
2.00 Haydock - Even off top weight
Tamarinbleu has a favourites chance here and David Pipe's charge really deserves to get his head in front. He has won first time up in the past, and the testing conditions will not inconvenience him having won previously on heavy going and also having proven stamina beyond this trip. The rest of the field don't look to be in the same parish.
These 4 in a Canadian with the nap
