Taunton Race 1 - Happy Birthday David Griffin Maiden Hurdle (Gbb Race)
BABYKEN (8) was a talented horse in France and came to the stable of Paul Nicholls with a big reputation however needed the run at Fontwell. Managed to build on that last time finishing second here last month. Stable are in fine form and could take plenty of beating. MARHABA PRINCE (4) ran well on hurdle debut. Produced a solid second at Sedgefield when last seen two months ago. Plenty was expected on that occasion and hard to fault. WAY OF STARS (10) proved a solid debutante for David Pipe at Exeter. Hood is now applied and will have a role to play. WESTERN CROSS (5) indicated enough ability in three starts to think a race of this nature is within his grasp Something for the Multiples: FOLLOW THE PLAN (7)
Jockey: Freddie Keighley
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up today. Last outing made ground from midfield; finished fifth of 14 starters at Exeter on January 9 over 3300m, 30 len behind Johnny's Jury with 73.5kg at $19. At only start last preparation came from midfield; finished fourth of 9 runners at Ffos Las on October 28 over 3200m, slow track; 4.5 len behind Barrow Hill Lad carrying 67kg at $1.90. Worth including.
Last Starts 34 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/14 | 09/01/2026 | 73 | MHDLE HUNT 4U | $18,150.00 | Exeter | 3319m | Good Soft | Liam Harrison | 73.5kg | 4:17.86 | 6-4-5 | 0 |
| 30.3L | $19.00 |
| 4/9 | 28/10/2025 | 248 | APP HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,170.00 | Ffos Las | 3218m | Soft | Freddie Keighley | 67kg | 3:47.24 | 5-3-4 | 0 |
| 4.5L | $1.91 |
| 3/6 | 22/02/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 46 | $31,370.00 | Kempton Park | 3218m | Good Soft | Charlie Deutsch | 66kg | 3:59.80 | 5-3-3 | 0 |
| 3.5L | $12.00 |
Jockey: R P Mclernon
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Last start made ground from midfield; finished sixth of 10 runners at Wincanton on January 15 over 3000m, on slow going 30 len behind Gaelic Pride carrying 73.5kg at $23. Before that finished sixth of 12 runners at Hereford on December 10 over 3250m, 26 len behind Soomaroy carrying 71.5kg at $251. Not sure he is up to this.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/10 | 15/01/2026 | 36 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Soft | Kevin Brogan | 73.5kg | 3:52.39 | 5-6-6 | 0 |
| 30.5L | $23.00 |
| 6/12 | 10/12/2025 | 45 | MHDLE 4U | $14,210.00 | Hereford | 3266m | Good Soft | Kevin Brogan | 71.5kg | 4:01.25 | 8-6-6 | 0 |
| 26.0L | $251.00 |
| 0/12 | 26/10/2025 | - | MHDLE 4U | $14,210.00 | Fontwell Park | 3567m | Good Soft | Richie Mclernon | 71kg | 4:26.30 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $29.00 |
Jockey: Brendan Powell
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; only had one start last when he was made ground from midfield; finished tenth of 11 runners at this track on November 27 over 3300m, 68 len behind Canty's Cove with 71kg at $6. Not too keen on his chances here.
Last Starts 77 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10/11 | 27/11/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 45 | $9,070.00 | Taunton | 3319m | Good Firm | Brendan Powell | 71kg | 3:53.44 | 6-10-10 | 0 |
| 68.0L | $6.00 |
Jockey: Sean Houlihan
Weight: 73kgs
Stats
Comments
Freshened for 31 days. Last outing finished third of 14 starters at Hereford on January 12 over 3200m, 4 len behind Loaded And Locked carrying 71kg at $67. Run before ran on from midfield; finished ninth of 14 starters at Hereford on November 25 over 3200m, 15 len behind Smile John Boy carrying 71kg at $10. Key chance based on the latest effort.
Last Starts 31 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/14 | 12/01/2026 | 48 | HDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Hereford | 3218m | Good Soft | Sean Houlihan | 71kg | 4:01.34 | 13-6-3 | 0 |
| 4.0L | $67.00 |
| 9/14 | 25/11/2025 | 41 | HUNT FLAT 45 | $8,170.00 | Hereford | 3218m | Good | Sean Houlihan | 71kg | 3:49.17 | 7-6-9 | 0 |
| 15.3L | $10.00 |
| 2/8 | 15/10/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT MDN 45 | $8,170.00 | Worcester | 3218m | Good | Micheal Nolan | 70.5kg | 3:58.84 | 3-2-2 | 0 |
| 1.0L | $4.33 |
Jockey: James Davies
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today. Resuming ran last at Exeter on December 5 over 3300m, 98 len behind Gentleman Toboot with 66.5kg at $301. Second run from a spell settled back and ran on when finished seventh of 10 starters at Wincanton on January 15 over 3000m, on slow going 31 len behind Gaelic Pride with 70.5kg at $201. Looks to be making up the numbers.
Last Starts 28 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/10 | 15/01/2026 | 41 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Wincanton | 3017m | Soft | James Davies | 70.5kg | 3:52.39 | 9-7-7 | 0 |
| 31.5L | $201.00 |
| 16/16 | 05/12/2025 | 285 | HDLE HUNT 46 | $12,700.00 | Exeter | 3319m | Good Soft | James Davies | 66.5kg | 4:08.32 | 12-15-16 | 0 |
| 98.8L | $301.00 |
| 6/7 | 23/02/2025 | - | HUNT FLAT 4 | $13,280.00 | Hereford | 3266m | Soft | Lorcan Murtagh | 67.5kg | 4:13.72 | 7-6-6 | 0 |
| 31.8L | $34.00 |
Jockey: Rian Corcoran
Weight: 70kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a break; only had one start last when she was finished third of 8 runners at Ballycrystal P2p on December 7 over 4828m, slow track; 5.5 len behind Lola De Magny with 57.5kg. Returns in tougher company and happy enough to watch this time.
Last Starts 67 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 07/12/2025 | - | P2P MDN M 4 | $0.00 | Ballycrystal P2p | 4828m | Soft | R Sugrue | 57.5kg | - | - | 0 |
| 5.5L | $1.00 |
Jockey: H Cobden
Weight: 67.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Last run held ground to the line finished second of 9 runners at this track on January 8 over 3300m, 17 len behind Onlyforfrankie with 67.5kg at $4.50. At only start last preparation pulled up at Fontwell Park on October 26 over 3560m. Fitter for run. Can pose a serious challenge.
Last Starts 35 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/9 | 08/01/2026 | 74 | MHDLE 4U | $18,150.00 | Taunton | 3319m | Good | Harry Cobden | 67.5kg | 4:09.72 | 4-2-2 | 0 |
| 17.0L | $4.50 |
| 0/5 | 26/10/2025 | 151 | JHDLE 3 | $14,210.00 | Fontwell Park | 3567m | Good Soft | Harry Cobden | 70kg | 4:26.73 | - | 0 |
| 99.0L | $4.50 |
| 2/8 | 28/05/2025 | 25 | CL2 3 | $39,080.00 | Strasbourg | 2350m | Good Soft | Theo Bachelot | 57kg | 2:34.47 | 1-1-2 | 7 |
| 3.5L | $5.80 |
| 1/9 | 03/05/2025 | - | MDN CF 3 | $37,300.00 | Le Mans | 3200m | Good Soft | Theo Bachelot | 56kg | 3:29.50 | 4-5-1 | 1 |
| 2.0L | $8.60 |
Jockey: Tom Broughton
Weight: 67.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third race start today. At debut, finished fourth of 14 starters at Fairyhouse on November 4 over 3419m, 20 len behind Minella Yoga with 70kg at $9.50. Second-up finished fourth of 15 starters at Leopardstown on December 29 over 3621m, 6 len behind Lynches Knock carrying 70kg at $15. Gets a chance to win. Ready to find some form.
Last Starts 45 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/15 | 29/12/2025 | 55 | HDLE 3 | $20,890.00 | Leopardstown | 3621m | GY | Brian Hayes | 70kg | 4:32.80 | - | 0 |
| 6.8L | $15.00 |
| 4/14 | 04/11/2025 | - | HDLE 3 | $19,080.00 | Fairyhouse | 3419m | SH | Donagh Meyler | 70kg | 4:41.30 | - | 0 |
| 20.0L | $9.50 |
Jockey: Jack Tudor
Weight: 67.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Racing second-up today. Freshened for 56 days. Fresh up after three months finished third in a small field at Exeter on December 18 over 3300m, in the wet; 7 len behind Klycot with 71kg at $5. Previously second-up eased back early on finished fourth in a small field at Haydock Park on September 26 over 2800m, 3.5 len behind Sing Us A Song carrying 57kg at $17. Rates a player.
Last Starts 56 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4 | 18/12/2025 | 83 | JHDLE MDN 3 | $16,330.00 | Exeter | 3319m | Heavy | Jack Tudor | 71kg | 4:45.30 | 1-3-3 | 0 |
| 7.5L | $5.00 |
| 4/6 | 26/09/2025 | 20 | HCP 3 | $45,370.00 | Haydock Park | 2816m | Good Soft | Alfie Redman | 57kg | 3:10.80 | 6-5-4 | 6 |
| 3.3L | $17.00 |
| 7/10 | 06/09/2025 | 63 | HCP 3 | $184,500.00 | Haydock Park | 2817m | Good | Tom Marquand | 56kg | 2:59.99 | 8-6-7 | 8 |
| 7.5L | $17.00 |
| 4/10 | 05/07/2025 | 15 | HCP 3 | $184,500.00 | Haydock Park | 2817m | Good | P J McDonald | 58kg | 3:08.32 | 4-5-4 | 6 |
| 2.0L | $8.00 |
| 1/7 | 20/06/2025 | 13 | OPEN MDN 3U | $27,220.00 | Goodwood | 2816m | Good Firm | Jason Watson | 57.5kg | 3:03.20 | 5-1-1 | 4 |
| 7.0L | $1.83 |
| 4/10 | 07/06/2025 | 30 | HCP 3 | $92,250.00 | Doncaster | 2921m | Good | Callum Hutchinson | 57.5kg | 3:08.00 | 2-3-4 | 7 |
| 2.0L | $8.00 |
| 2/7 | 08/05/2025 | 32 | HCP 3 | $45,370.00 | Chester | 2514m | Good | Oisin Murphy | 61kg | 2:44.41 | 5-4-2 | 2 |
| 1.0L | $3.75 |
| 3/7 | 06/04/2025 | 181 | HCP 3 | $40,590.00 | Southwell | 2428m | Neutral | Oisin Murphy | 61kg | 2:37.50 | 4-4-3 | 1 |
| 3.0L | $3.00 |
| 3/7 | 07/10/2024 | 24 | NOV 2 | $72,600.00 | Pontefract | 2011m | Soft | Daniel Tudhope | 60.5kg | 2:18.67 | 4-4-3 | 7 |
| 11.3L | $5.00 |
| 4/12 | 13/09/2024 | 19 | NOV 2 | $16,340.00 | Salisbury | 1609m | Good Soft | David Probert | 58kg | 1:44.09 | 4-4-4 | 7 |
| 8.3L | $6.00 |
| 2/7 | 25/08/2024 | - | MDN 2 | $36,300.00 | Goodwood | 1609m | Good Soft | Oisin Murphy | 59.5kg | 1:45.18 | 6-5-2 | 8 |
| 0.3L | $3.00 |