Sean Bowen Saturday rides blog: 'It could be a good opportunity for him'

Sean Bowen has seven rides at Taunton on Saturday, January 17, 2026. The Coral ambassador previews all seven races in his latest blog.

• Harbour Island - Taunton - 12.55 race odds

• Heron In The Park - Taunton - 1.32 race odds

• Kilworth - Taunton - 2.05 race odds

• Valirann Gold - Taunton - 2.43 race odds

• Brewin’upastorm - Taunton - 3.15 race odds

• Lough Owel - Taunton - 3.50 race odds

• Little Ledgend - Taunton - 4.20 race odds

12.55 – Harbour Island

First up at Taunton, I’m on board Harbour Island in the maiden hurdle. He showed plenty of promise in bumpers last season, especially that debut where he was beaten by Mydaddypaddy. I thought that was a very solid run behind a good horse. His last effort was a bit disappointing. I think that might have come too soon after Carlisle. We’re still chasing that first win over hurdles, but if he’s primed, I think he’s got a good chance of running a big race here.

1.32 – Heron In The Park

Heron In The Park had some decent bumper form and won on the point-to-point circuit, but over hurdles, she’s been a touch keen. Last time she just didn’t quite settle and unseated her rider. If she can jump well and settle into a rhythm, she gives herself a chance, but she really needs to get it right in the early part to be competitive here.

2.05 – Kilworth

Kilworth is making her first appearance in a handicap for Emma Lavelle. She was a point winner and has shown she can be competitive, but the handicapper hasn’t been overly kind with her mark. Hopefully, she relaxes, jumps straight, and if we get a nice pace to aim at, that’ll give her every chance in this competitive race.

2.43 – Valirann Gold

Valirann Gold ran well last time on very heavy ground at Exeter, where only two finished that day. The conditions were a proper slog. We’re keeping an eye on the weather, as rain could again make it soft, which he doesn’t mind. He’s had a couple of good efforts this season, and if he jumps with enthusiasm, he’ll go close.

3.15 – Brewin’upastorm

I am excited to get back on board the old champ, Brewin’upastorm. He’s already won around Taunton before, and at 13, he’s still got plenty of enthusiasm for racing. He’s dropped down the weights over his last couple of runs, which he has probably needed, and he has shown a bit more spark recently. Now down to a mark of 139, the lowest he’s ever been, and in a small field, it could be a good opportunity for him.

3.50 – Lough Owel

This will be my first time on Lough Owel. He had a couple of decent runs up to October but was disappointing at Fontwell last time. The plus is he’s had about a 40-day break, so he should come here fresh. Maybe that break will have done him good, and he can resume in better form.

4:20 – Little Ledgend

Little Ledgend ran a solid race at Lingfield last time, beaten by a horse that has gone on to win again since, so the form is solid. He’s now down to a mark of 99, which gives him a real chance off a nice weight, and his bumper form suggests he still could have more to come. If he jumps and travels well throughout, he will have a good chance of breaking his maiden.

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