Cave Article makes his long awaited return to the racecourse this afternoon for trainer Christian Williams following an extended break of eight months in the Class 5 Handicap Chase over three miles at Taunton (17:20).

Read our Raceday LIVE Preview below and join us ahead of the race for all the build-up and live updates from the track on X (@CRCofficial).

Raceday LIVE Preview

Cave Article hasn't been seen on the track since August of last year, which was his eighth run of what was a very active campaign having ran in every month from the start of 2025 apart from February. It was a fruitful season for our then six-year-old nevertheless, as he claimed two victories and four third place finishes.

After his final performance at Newton Abbott, Christian was happy to give him an extended break to allow him plenty of time to develop and strengthen up ahead of his return as a seven-year-old. You'll struggle to find a more remarkable base in the whole of the UK compared to Christian's yard down in South Wales, where they have endless amounts of nature trails and access to the River Ogmore which flows on down to the nearby beach. All of this plays a huge role in how Christian prepares his runners every week and how it helps them recover after a race.

WATCH: Cave Article bounds clear to record emphatic victory at Southwell last June

Cave Article came back into work in January, and began schooling soon afterwards, with Christian telling us that he'd be ready to come back in the spring. His return was somewhat delayed, in part to the poor weather that the UK experienced throughout February and March, as the belief was that he'd appreciate the better ground that would come later in the spring.

Cave Article comes into today's race sat in the middle of the handicap ratings and receives a full stone from the top weighted Hall Lane, who is one of two former distance winners in the field. The other is McGregors Charge, who won convincingly over the three mile trip four starts ago and is making his stable debut for Kayley Woolacott in today's race. School For Scandal is the only former course & distance winner in the field, scoring here in November of 2024. Gata Ban is another interesting runner in today's race, as she makes her return to Taunton for the first time since winning here over hurdles all the way back in 2022.

The ground is set to be Good, which should suit Cave Article perfectly, given that two of his three wins have come on similarly described surfaces. Although all of his victories have come over distances longer than three miles, the step down to 2m7f shouldn't have too much of a difference on him and his handicap mark his handy, as he's proved that he can win off of 86 in the past too.

Raceday update on Cave Article from Christian Williams ahead of today's contest

"It's great to see Cave Article back out for his first run in a long time today.

He's been in great form at home and as a result, Jack Tudor was really keen to ride him. He's been schooling nicely and has galloped really well at home recently. He might improve slightly for the run but he's fresh and he's well and should put in a good showing for some decent prize money at Taunton this afternoon. 

Hopefully he can mark his return with a big effort. Good luck to everyone!"

Pipped At The Post – Member Exclusive

As a Coral Racing Club member, thanks to our Pipped At The Post offer, once you opt-in, you could be paid as a WINNER in CASH up to a stake of £/€10 if your horse finishes 2nd by a head or less behind the winner in today's 17:20 at Taunton – click here to find out more and opt-in.



Exclusive Price Boost on Cave Article

Tap below to head over to the Horse Racing Specials page and check out your exclusive price boost on Cave Article to win today's 17:20 at Taunton



Racing TV Analyst, Chris Dixon, previews today's contest and gives his opinion on Cave Article's chances of landing a comeback victory

Cave Article returns to the track following a 231 day break since his last run at Taunton with conditions similar to those he gained his two wins on last year. From a handicapping perspective he holds every chance as he’s off the same mark for the latest of those wins but given his usual style of racing this track may not fully play to his strengths, he also goes without the usual headgear (wore cheek pieces for both his wins last year).

Hall Lane has dropped to an attractive mark on old form and ran his best race for a while on just his second outing for Fergal O’Brien at Huntingdon last month behind a thriving winner. He should be well positioned, will enjoy conditions and looks the one to beat. Mcgregors Charge is also of interest on his first start for a new stable, especially as Kayley Woollacott’s horses are in such good form.

Trainer and Jockey Statistics

Christian Willliams is in solid enough form right now having posted two winners from 12 runners in the last fortnight, including Fever Dream in a valuable Class 2 contest at Warwick last month. Taunton isn't a track that Christian has found much success at, however, with only four winners there in his career. 

Jack Tudor has scored three times from 17 rides over the last two weeks, two of those being for Christian Williams, and the other coming at Huntingdon five days ago for trainer Tom Gretton. He has a modest 9% strike rate at Taunton over the course of his career, which has been reflected in his performance at the track this season (one winner from 11 rides).

Cave Article's Owners for the Day

As winners of the recent Owner for the Day competition, 10 lucky Coral Racing Club members have been given the chance to enjoy an exclusive owners experience for Cave Article's run at Taunton this afternoon.

What's included in this Owner for the Day prize?

 

• Free racecourse entry
• Access to the Owners & Trainers enclosure
• Access to the Parade Ring before the race
• Meet Cave Article and the Christian Williams team
• Take home a 10% share of any prize money he wins

Prize Money

Today's Class 5 contest is worth £11,300 in total, with the winner set to scoop £5,967 for their lucky owners.

2nd: £2,745 | 3rd: £1,372 | 4th: £687 | 5th: £342

     TAUNTON 17:20 – LATEST ODDS     

We hope you enjoyed reading today's Raceday LIVE Preview. Don't forget to tune in just before 17:20 to watch Cave Article's next run for the club live on the Coral Sports app.