Date: Tuesday 3rd February 2026
Race: 4.15 Taunton – Novices Handicap Chase (Class 5)
Conditions: Heavy, 2m 2½f
It’s going to be a proper slog at Taunton this afternoon. With the ground officially Heavy and rails adjustments adding extra yardage, this isn’t a day for fragile speed horses. In these Class 5 novice events, you want a horse that jumps soundly, handles the mud, and isn’t carrying a piano on its back.
Here is the verdict.
The Selection: Palawan Du Mazet (100/30)
This is the bet of the race. The 7-year-old ticks every box required for a test like this.
Course Form: He is a Course Winner here. Two starts back (December), he won a similar contest over 18f on Soft ground. He knows the fences and likes the track.
Forgive the Last Run: Ignore his 5th place last time out. That was on Good ground, which simply isn’t his game. The return to Heavy is a massive positive.
The Weight Swing: This is the clincher. He carries a featherweight 10st 4lbs. The top weight, Jaitroplaclasse, has to lump 12st. On Heavy ground, giving away nearly two stone (24lbs) to a proven course winner is a monumental ask.
Verdict: He’s well-handicapped, race-fit, and conditions are perfect.
The Danger: Jaitroplaclasse (7/2)
If you look purely at the ratings, he wins. The HRB figures have him rated 241.9, miles clear of the field. He’s the class act and has been consistent (3rd at Ludlow and Sedgefield recently). However, carrying 12-0 in a bog is the great leveller. He is the one to beat, but at the prices, I’d rather be on the light weight.
The Solid Each-Way: Nedzor (11/2)
If you want a safe run for your money, Nedzor is the play. Ignore his last run over hurdles; his chase form is solid. He finished 2nd in back-to-back chases at Uttoxeter and Ffos Las on soft ground. Crucially, he holds a commanding Head-to-Head advantage over Falco Des Pins, having beaten him by 15 lengths in November. He jumps, he stays, and he should hit the frame.
Swerve: Falco Des Pins (11/2)
Don’t get sucked in by the Venetia Williams connection. Yes, the yard loves heavy ground, but this horse’s form figures read P8886. He looks regressive. Unless there is a massive market move suggesting a revival, leave him alone.
Summary:
Win: Palawan Du Mazet (Nap)
Forecast: Palawan Du Mazet to beat Jaitroplaclasse