Topflight Wildbird to wing it at Taunton

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Topflight Wildbird to wing in at Taunton

Topflight Wildbird could be the pick of a 15-runner field in the Bathwick Tyres Taunton Mares' Handicap Hurdle at Taunton today given the favourable mark the handicapper has given her.

She finished second at Towcester losing by a short-head off a similar mark in May but followed that up by failing to finish her next two races. She’s had a break and if she manages to reproduce the run at Towcester then she’s definitely one to watch.

Rebel du Maquis looks a banker in the Bathwick Tyres Bridgwater Novices' Chase. The gelding showed some impressive form over hurdles early this year and transformed that into an impressive performance over fences winning by 20 lengths at Cheltenham last month – despite it not being his first try over fences and a somewhat weak race 20 lengths is 20 lengths.

He is penalised today and does face some tougher opposition but he jumps well and the experience should help him progress even more. Add the fact that he’s from the Paul Nicholls yard and this odds- on shot looks set to ease to victory.

Nicholls looks set to score another winner with Pennellis in the Bathwick Tyres Plymouth Handicap Hurdle. He struggled last season not really performing in bumpers and didn’t take to hurdles at the first time of asking failing to finish and then finishing eighth 13. He failed to place again after that but seemed to finally figure it out at Chepstow last month finishing nine lengths third to William Hogarth.

 
He’s definitely open to improvement and the reported wind operation he underwent during the summer seems to have done him the world of good so far. With the handicapper treating him well Pennellis should be too strong for the field.