Despereaux very well in at Taunton.

Sometimes bets take time and in depth analysis to reach a conclusion, occasionally they jump off the page and demand to be backed . Despereaux in Taunton 2.52 is one such case.

The 5yo has looked a different class of horse since being upped to 3miles, winning at Ludlow and here at Taunton.

His first victory in March 2023 was also at Taunton winning a juvenile hurdle over 2m for which he was rated 115.

He subsequently failed to win, although did run well on occasions but the handicapper gradually reduced his mark to 97. The in form Jane Williams yard then upped him in trip to 3m in a conditional jockeys race at Ludlow which he won well and then followed up here at Taunton 8 days later. He impressed with the way despite setting what looked a strong pace for the grade he stayed on strongly up the home straight to win unchallenged.

A rise of 8lb for the two wins still leaves him on 105 10lb less than his rating as a 3yo and I expect him to complete the hat trick with a minimum of fuss.

2/1 is the lowest price we will take when betting but it seems very good value and I expect the SP to be around 11/10.