Seven runners, soft ground, and a track that rewards clean jumping and track position. This won’t be a cavalry charge; it’ll be about who travels, who holds a handy pitch, and who keeps it together when they turn for home.
The shape of it
Taunton can turn these mid-distance chases into a rhythm test. If you’re prominent and fluent, you control the race. If you’re scruffy at your fences, you’re cooked — especially on soft where mistakes cost twice.
The one to beat: Fat Faced Columbo (7/4)
He’s the obvious favourite and, on the evidence, a fair one. He’s lightly raced over fences and improving fast: two wins from three chase starts, and both wins came at the right sort of trip. He’s already won at Taunton over 2m7f, then backed it up at Chepstow on soft over a similar distance.
He can race handily, he stays, and he’s got the best recent profile in the field. The only small concern is the note about him hanging left — not ideal round a right-hander — but in this company he’s still the most solid proposition.
The danger: Move With The Beat (4/1)
He’s the “if he behaves” horse. He was right in the mix at Taunton on 30 December when falling at the last while challenging, so the ability to win this sort of race is there. The problem is the record: a refusal sits on the page, and you don’t want to be taking short odds about a horse with that sort of volatility in a soft-ground chase.
If he jumps and consents, he’s the one most likely to make the favourite work.
The respected but risky one: Wheresmemoneygone (5/2)
Ben Pauling and Ben Jones are in form and the stats back that up, but the horse hasn’t run for 168 days. His best chase efforts came over 3m+ on good ground in the summer. This is shorter, softer, and likely more tactical. He could be fit enough and class enough — but you’re guessing.
The rest
Sherborne is consistent but carries 12st on soft, and at ten he’s not getting any help from the handicapper. Jongleur D’Etoiles has ability but his recent chase story is errors and incidents. Asian Spice is hard to trust after recent jumping issues, and Charlies Jetaway looks up against it on class and experience.
Verdict
This looks set up for the horse with the best blend of current form, course evidence, and a straightforward running style.
Selection: FAT FACED COLUMBO
Improving, proven at Taunton, stays the trip, and should be able to put himself in the right place early. If he jumps cleanly, he’s the percentage call.
Main threat: Move With The Beat (only if he behaves)
Next best: Wheresmemoneygone (fit or not, that’s the question?)