1:00 Plumpton
This Class 5 novices' handicap chase at Plumpton over 3m1f157y on good ground brings together a small but competitive field of four. The KTB Fit Scores range from 64 down to 40, highlighting a race where the top three are closely matched on the numbers while the fourth is some way behind. With no standout front-runner declared, the contest looks set to revolve around tactical positioning and which horse can best handle the step up in distance.
How the race shapes up
The pace shape is muddling and tactical with medium confidence, as there is no obvious front-runner in the small field. Both Lancier des Obeaux and Hard Stare are prominent runners who usually race handily or close to the lead, while Tom Taggle and Could Be You tend to settle in mid-division. The key question is which of the prominent pair can secure a comfortable position early and how the race will unfold when the tempo lifts in the latter stages over this new trip.
The KTB Fit ranking
-
1Tom Taggle KTB Selection64/100
Tom Taggle is a fair performer who arrives in reasonable form having placed on his most recent start. He steps up markedly in trip today which asks a fresh question of him while he also makes his first appearance at Plumpton. The trainer has a 25% strike rate at the track from only four runs so far while the jockey's 11% strike rate here matches his record elsewhere. He has won on good ground from two attempts and typically settles in midfield. Overall he holds the strongest KTB Fit Score of 64 and is taken to come out on top.
-
2Lancier des Obeaux60/100
Lancier des Obeaux is a modest performer who has shown little in five starts to date, finishing no closer than sixth on his latest two outings. The step up from 2m4f to 3m1¾f is a fresh question and the going suitability remains unknown given the small sample of one run on good. Trainer Laura Horsfall has a 33% strike rate at Plumpton from only three runs while jockey Bryan Carver operates at a 22% strike rate here, above his 13% at other tracks. He usually races handily on or close to the lead and holds a KTB Fit Score of 60.
-
3Hard Stare59/100
Hard Stare is a fair performer who showed a bit more when third at this course on his latest start. The yard has a 25% strike rate at Plumpton from 194 runs, above their 17% elsewhere, while Ben Godfrey has a 15% strike rate here from 47 rides, in line with his 10% at other tracks. He steps up in trip today as a lightly raced six-year-old with only seven career runs, so the longer distance is an unknown and the going remains untested on any meaningful sample having placed once from four runs on good. Half-brother to Cleatus Poolaw who won once from 13 runs, with the dam having produced six other runners including two winners. He usually races handily and carries a KTB Fit Score of 59.
-
4Could Be You40/100
Could Be You is a fair performer on his official rating of 75 and has shown some ability in recent runs. He steps up in trip today which asks a fresh question while his four runs on good ground have produced no win or place. The trainer holds a 14% strike rate at Plumpton from 304 runs in line with his record elsewhere and the jockey is 10% from 100 rides here in line with his rate at other tracks. He typically settles in midfield and has a KTB Fit Score of 40.
KTB verdict
Tom Taggle stands out with the highest KTB Fit Score and arrives in reasonable form after a recent placing. His ability to settle in midfield should suit the muddling tactical pace, and while the step up in trip and first run at Plumpton are unknowns, the good-ground win already on his record is a positive. Lancier des Obeaux and Hard Stare are the main dangers, both prominent runners who could make the running or sit close to it, with Hard Stare having shown a bit more at the track last time and the yard in strong form here.
KTB Selection Tom Taggle
Early prices
The best price per runner across the bookmakers we track, each as first seen (UK time). Every runner had a price by 12:06am, 2 Nov. Prices move — see the live racecard for current prices.
| Runner | Early price | Bookmaker, time |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Taggle | 6/4 | LiveScore Bet, 12:06am |
| Lancier des Obeaux | 5/1 | LiveScore Bet, 12:06am |
| Hard Stare | 13/8 | LiveScore Bet, 12:06am |
| Could Be You | 11/4 | LiveScore Bet, 12:06am |
This is the narrative read of the 1:00 Plumpton. For the live card — runner-by-runner stats, the full Fit Score breakdown and current odds — see the Plumpton racecard. Every result we hold for the track is on the Plumpton results & records page. How favourites, trainers, jockeys and the draw have fared here over the last five years is on the Plumpton racecourse statistics page. New here? How KTB works explains the Fit Score and why we publish both.
Questions about this race
Which horse is stepping up most markedly in trip?
Tom Taggle steps up markedly in trip today.
How many career runs has Hard Stare had?
Hard Stare is a lightly raced six-year-old with only seven career runs.
What is the trainer's strike rate at Plumpton with Hard Stare's stable?
The yard has a 25% strike rate at Plumpton from 194 runs.
Has any horse in the field won on good ground?
Tom Taggle has 1 win from 2 on good.
Which runners are likely to race prominently?
Lancier des Obeaux and Hard Stare usually race handily on or close to the lead.
18+. Analysis and entertainment only — no guarantee of profit. KTB race previews are published for interest and are not betting advice. Only ever stake what you can comfortably afford to lose, and set your own limits. Free, confidential help: the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 (GamCare.org.uk); in Ireland, the GamblingCare.ie helpline on 1800 936 725. Self-exclude at any time via GAMSTOP.
More from Kickthebookies