Diamond can sparkle to steal Star’s thunder

IN terms of quality, not the best day’s racing ever, but there are some interesting contests at all four meetings nevertheless. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has an excellent record at Taunton and he introduces a smart recruit to hurdling in Thundering Star. However, the former South African-trained Flat stayer might find today’s 2m 1f trip over obstacles a bit on the sharp side and I am rowing in with Philip Hobbs’ Hot Diamond to upstage the likely favourite.