2:00 Taunton Tips

Crest of Stars was a beaten favourite last time but still ran to form despite sketchy jumping. Effective at 2m, the tongue strap works well, and he remains open to improvement if he sharpens up his technique.

In the absence of Paul Nicholls' juvenile favourite, the other juvenile, Explode, looks the likely winner. He went off too fast at Newbury last time and faded before the finish, but Taunton could suit him better, and the opposition has now been depleted.

Ran a lot better on his second start over hurdles when finishing an eye-catching 5th over two miles at Ludlow last time. He was spotted making really good late headway then. Whilst a longer trip would probably suit him more, he can’t be totally discounted with a similar effort.

Lydeard Girl is a genuine contender with real staying power who brings decent form to this hurdle. She rallied gamely when sixth LTO despite greenness. This Frontiersman mare is dropping back to a more suitable 2m today on good ground that she handles well.

Odds-on favourite a non-runner and new favourite looking a dodgy jumper on debut. There could be value elsewhere. Ian Williams' runner, with the stable enjoying a decent run of form, could be the one at 40/1 getting plenty of weight off the field.

Anthracite has been dropped a total of 12 lb since the last three starts due to below-par performance. A weak maiden of this type can bring out a better-than-expected result from a rather poor performer after such a huge drop in the weights. A perfect opportunity to lose the maiden tag.