Taunton

Noble Blue was 11-10 favourite for a five-runner handicap over C&D 13 days ago, while GASMANI was 17-2, but it was the latter who prevailed after the favourite unshipped his rider in an unfortunate incident in the early stages. Those who believed Noble Blue would win that day, after his two seconds at about 2m6f, may want to go in again now that Gasmani is 6lb worse off, but the ease of his win puts a rather different complexion on things. Sage Green is third on the list.[Richard Austen]