14:55 Taunton – Racing TV Club Day Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle (Qualifier)

At first glance, Anno Power looks the clear standout in this mares’ novice hurdle. She impressed when cutting through the field to win on her hurdling debut at Sandown, and the P in her Timeform rating suggests she’s capable of even better. The market has latched onto that, making her a firm favourite at 8/11. Given her trainer Harry Fry’s excellent record with improving mares and Jonathan Burke’s strong strike rate when riding hurdling favourites (44%), it’s hard to argue against her credentials.

However, Tour Ovalie shouldn’t be dismissed lightly. She’s a consistent performer, dropping back in class after competing in stronger races. Evan Williams’ mare handles softer conditions well and will likely sit prominently in a race that looks set to be run at a very steady pace. With a pace forecast marked as very weak, this could put those held up, like Anno Power, at a slight disadvantage if the leaders dictate terms comfortably up front.

But here’s where the market might have overlooked a potential value angle: Barrabool. At 11/1, Harry Derham’s runner might surprise a few. This mare has shown promise in her recent outings and looks well-suited to a slowly-run race where front-runners could steal an edge. Derham’s 24% strike rate with hurdlers over similar trips suggests he’s adept at placing his horses in the right spots. With Paul O’Brien in the saddle and the race conditions likely to suit, Barrabool offers some solid each-way value that the market hasn’t fully factored in.

Verdict: Anno Power remains the one to beat on form and potential, but in a race where the pace could play a decisive role, Barrabool looks a cracking each-way option at double-figure odds.