Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Double prospects for underrated Keevil

Rory suggests backing two chasers at Taunton

Rory Delargy brings you two selections from Thursday's National Hunt fixture at Taunton...

Dorset trainer Caroline Keevil enjoyed a red-letter day when Sound Stage gave her a first Cheltenham winner in this week three years ago, and hers is an outfit I've followed fairly closely ever since. Last season was something of a write off, as she struggled to keep her horses healthy, although she had initially made a bright start at her new base at Motcombe, having leapfrogged Paul Nicholls geographically from her old yard at Blagdon, to the south of Bristol Airport. A break has allowed her to sort things out, and her runners have been performing better on the whole this autumn.

Among those to benefit from her patient approach is Marshal Zhukov (15:00 Taunton), who built on the promise he showed on chase debut when scoring in some style at Chepstow in October. He was a creditable third to Ackertac at Ascot last time, but the result tells only half the story, as he positively tanked through the race before being prematurely kicked for home for home by James Best with 5 fences left to jump. That move was justified given the horse's tendency to race with zest, and he certainly benefited from being allowed to attack his fences, but the effort told on the long run from Swinley Bottom, and he was patently outstayed on the testing ground. Despite a background in points, the son of Morozov looks the type to benefit from a drop to two miles, and his sound jumping as much as his free-going nature will help in that regard. Joe Tizzard takes the reins today, and the pair should go very close despite top weight. 

Earlier on the card, Keevil can strike with the Brian Derrick-owned Bally Legend in the limited handicap for novices at 13:50. This is a horse I've always had an eye on as his dam, Bally Lira, was an old favourite when trained by Pat Rodford. She stayed extremely well, and did most of her winning in the colours of Victor Thorne. It's no coincidence that owner and trainer have targeted this contest, which is named in honour of the late Thorne, and Bally Legend has what it takes to carry on the family tradition. He was a hurdles winner over 17f at Cheltenham in this week last year, and has caught the eye on both starts over fences this term. On his debut at this track, he was unable to go with Molotof and Changing Times, but wasn't at all knocked about in finishing third. He built on that when second to the talented Current Event over 21f at Kempton last time despite not being seen to advantage given how that race was run (Harry Derham dictated on the bold-jumping winner which proved crucial). That looked a strong race of its type, and there is little doubt that Bally Legend is potentially ahead of his mark. His jumping suffered late on at Kempton, but I don't see him as one with a problem in that department, and he can only improve with experience.

Recommended Bets:

Back Marshall Zhukov in the 15:20 Taunton  @ 3.613/5 (NAP) 
Back Bally Legend in the 13:50 Taunton @ 6.25/1 (NB)

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