The 3m handicap hurdle that closes today’s card at Taunton (4.50pm) is big on numbers, but low on quality, with just three of the 15 runners rated within 10lbs of the ceiling for the grade.

Sindabella looks sure to go well once again, but at a nice price Ballybough Mary could be the one to beat her.

The six year old has been disappointing over timber this term, but her point/bumper form suggests there are races to be won with her in this sphere, particularly off her current mark of 99.

Sent off favourite on her hurdling bow in December in a race that has worked out really well, she ran well enough at Warwick on her penultimate start and can be expected to come on for what was a fair handicap debut effort at Huntingdon last time.  Nigel Twiston-Davies has his team in sparkling form, which is another plus.

RECOMMENDED BET: 4.50pm Taunton – Ballybough Mary @ 8-1 (all firms, though 17/2 with Bet365)