Taunton host the second fixture of the season this Thursday, or for those of you reading this article in the paper, today.  Gates open at 10.15 with the first of seven races at 12.15. 

There has been plenty of rain around since the last meeting, however the ground has held up well and this has been rewarded with a strong entry of 83 runners across the card.

Tickets are available on the website www.tauntonracecourse.co.uk or you can simply turn up and pay on the gate.

For those of you looking to use the courtesy coach service, it will depart from outside platform 5 of Taunton Railway Station 90 minutes before the first race time and return half an hour after the start of the last. 

Proceedings commence with the Trucksmith Loloader Novices’ Hurdle.  It’s not easy finding a winner here but Outside Adesa produced a career best at Taunton last December and could be competitive for the Tim Vaughan stable.

Next up is the Taunton Racecourse Business Club Hurdle and Jukebox Annie (pictured) comes back for more, having won at the track 2 weeks ago.  However, Tripoli Flyer could take some beating..

Time for the Trucksmith Tipper Handicap Hurdle, Hecouldbetheone is ultra consistent and should take a place.

Onto the first Chase of the day and the Stables Business Park Novices’ Handicap Chase, a strong field with 2 last time out winners.  Moodofthemoment is going for a hat-trick and looks outstanding for in-form trainer Matt Sheppard who is 5 wins from 7 runners in the last 7 days.

Next up is the Trucksmith Dropside Handicap Hurdle, Zhang Fei goes well for Fern O’Brien and looks a solid option here.

Race 6 and the Mike Trickey and Geoff White Memorial with 14 going to post.  Paddy The Caddy will be a popular win, but has it all to do under top weight with Song Of Earth the danger.

The day concludes with the Festive Fixture December 12 Flat Race and 6 of the 9 runners are having their first day at school, Doctor Blue is bred to do well in this type of event so could be the answer.

Looking back it was a great weekend of racing here in the UK, however for those of you looking for a horse to follow, search out the recording of the John Durkan Memorial at Punchestown on Sunday, it was some race and I’ll tell you now the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner was in the field, I’ll leave it to you to decide who it was.