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Taunton – Thursday February 26thTHE BOSS ROCHE – Irish Point-to-Point and chase winner, the latter being off a mark of 80 in May 2007 at Killarney (2m1f). Moderate placed for since and finished a onepaced ten-length second on his GB debut in a four-runner Confined at Wadebridge last month. Entitled to come on for the run, but probably still tilting at windmills in this company, especially off his massive penalty.

TWENTY DEGREES – Presumably the Racing Post Spotlight rider has never seen this horse actually run, otherwise they would have mentioned what an utter rogue he is. Possesses plenty of talent, as he showed when nailing Thisthatandtother at Fakenham last year, and when second on firm over this course/distance, but increasingly unco-operative since (coinciding with his return to this trainer) and did not go a yard when ridden in spurs on his Pointing comeback. Usually wears blinkers, but not today, and although he has the class to win, he probably won’t.

CAISLEAN NA DEIRGE – Disappointing sort for Evan Williams, whose sole chasing success came off a mark of 87 at Ludlow in October 2007 (good/firm). Never really looked like winning after that and was back-pedalling from halfway in a good Open at Larkhill on his debut for this yard. Entitled to come on for the run and goes well for an amateur, but needs a personal best to score and would prefer better ground.

BILTONS NAP – Progressed into a useful novice Pointer in the 2005 season, but disappeared for a long time after finishing tailed off behind Neptune Collonges (!) in a Chepstow novice hurdle later that year. Pulled up on his comeback at the same track in March ‘08, and has staged a bit of a mini-revival this year in Points, although it is probably unwise to read too much into his second to Kingscliff on his most recent start. However, may still have been in need of the run that day, and with conditions to suit here, cannot be totally ruled out.

GRASP – Dual winning hurdler at up to 2m3f (rated in the 120s at his peak, but ended up in sellers), but only raced once over fences under Rules (ran adequately). Has run well in both his Pointing outings (especially when 4L second on his first start), but this trip around here on soft ground is going to put a lot of pressure on his suspect stamina. Stable in good form.

IMPERIAL SUN – Looked a fair prospect when winning a Punchestown chase on New Year’s Eve 2006, but went into a downwards spiral after crossing the Irish Sea, and missed 2008. Returned in a Mens Open at Buckfastleigh a couple of weeks ago, and ran well to finish 8L third behind useful performers Whizzaar and Southwestern. Entitled to come on for that run and seems suited by a test of stamina, so wouldn’t be without a chance in this company.

JOIZEL – Not the most consistent under Rules, but did manage to win over this course and distance in April 2006 (66/1), but failed to build on that success and went missing after pulling up at Newton Abbot a year later. Will surely need this run, but it is encouraging that he has run many of his best races on this track.

NOBODY TELLS ME – Dual hurdle winner as a youngster for David Pipe, but despite going close on several occasions (including here) has never managed to win over the bigger obstacles. Solid effort behind the classy Turthen at Milborne St Andrew last time puts him right into the frame in this company, and although he may not be good enough to win he has decent frame claims.

THIRTYTWO RED – Arrives here off the back of a course and distance fall, in which he was running a personal best when coming down three out when right in the mix. Big chance on that form if he is none the worse for that tumble, but hasn’t been the most consistent animal in the past (was generally disappointing last season). Trip and ground will suit.

KIAMA – Classy mare who is to all intents and purposes a stablemate of Nobody Tells Me, and won five of her seven starts in 2008, including an easy win at Exeter. Lost nothing in defeat when third to Robbers Glen in the Champion Novices’ at Newton Abbot, which seemed to set her in good stead for a successful 2009 campaign. However, after a fall first time out, she was a disappointing third at Larkhill last time out when she appeared to lack confidence. Very tough and game at her best, and if back in peak form she will be very hard to beat.

FIVE O VENTURE – Irish Maiden winner in 2007, but has been disappointingly mediocre since, and can hardly be fancied on his first start since finishing tailed off at Limerick over Christmas.

HOLLY WALK – Has produced several creditable efforts in Hunter Chases but has never really looked like winning one. Dead-heated for first place at Wadebridge on her comeback, showing herself to be in good form, but the form is weak for the grade, and was starting to struggle when a bad blunder put her out of contention last week at Warwick. Suited by a test of stamina in soft ground.

Conclusion – A trappy race in which the two leading contenders – Twenty Degrees (attitude) and Kiama (confidence) have question marks against them. With that in mind, each-way punts on Bilton’s Nap and Imperial Sun may be the best way to go.