Who will come out on top this time? Listentoyourheart and Jubilee Alpha clash again in Listed mares' hurdle at Taunton

An interesting Listed mares’ novice hurdle headlines Taunton's card and features the latest clash between regular rivals Listentoyourheart and Jubilee Alpha.

The Dan Skelton-trained Listentoyourheart finished three places behind Jubilee Alpha when fifth in the Grade 2 mares’ bumper at Aintree in April won by Diva Luna.

She has definitely improved since, and there was lots to like about the way the daughter of Getaway landed a Listed mares' novice hurdle at Newbury last month, when she had Jubilee Alpha a length and three-quarters behind in third.

Listentoyourheart showed a good attitude to challenge between rivals on the run-in and forge ahead to extend her unbeaten record over hurdles to three.

However, many form students may expect Jubilee Alpha, who made eyecatching late headway from the final flight, to get the better of Listentoyourheart this time on 2lb better terms.

Jubilee Alpha, who is trained locally by Paul Nicholls, could have taken a big step forward for that seasonal reappearance. Many of her stablemates have needed their first run this campaign.

Irish raider Disco Dancer has shown a useful level of form but looks fully exposed on the back of 17 runs, and Hollygrove Cha Cha might prove a bigger threat to Listentoyourheart and Jubilee Alpha.

Unbeaten in four starts, including two over hurdles, the Jamie Snowden-trained filly drops in trip after slamming Katira Du Mestivel by seven lengths at Fontwell.

She was firmly on top at the finish that day, but whether the shorter distance plays to her strengths remains to be seen.
Analysis by Richard Birch

Going report

The ground is good to soft, good in places with a dry and clear forecast for racing.

What they say

Jamie Snowden, trainer of Hollygrove Cha Cha
She's lovely and has been really progressive. I was so impressed with how she won last time under a penalty, she made a slight mistake at the second last but Gav [Sheehan, jockey] gave her a smack and she shot clear. This is a huge step up but she's done very little wrong and deserves to take her chance.

Paul Nicholls, trainer of Jubilee Alpha
I thought she ran a lovely first race over hurdles at Newbury last time out. She wasn't beaten far by the winner and she'll benefit from that experience. I'd have probably preferred the ground to be a little bit slower. Hopefully she'll run very well.

Noel Williams, trainer of Metkayina
On paper it was a shock that she won at Lingfield but we've always held her in high regard. She's got a lot more on her plate as far as strength and depth of this race but she beat a very good horse in Diva Luna. The sharp two miles will suit her.

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