Taunton will entertain 400 Royal Marines from Norton Manor Camp at today’s 40 Commando Race Meeting, with the first of seven races due to post at 1.40pm.

The Alpha Company 40 CDO RM Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle over three miles and half a furlong is the longest on the card. That’s Some Milan, from the Ian Williams stable, catches the eye, but is likely to start favourite so those searching for better value might want to go each way on Acosta, trained by Jeremy Naylor, or Lost Two Stars, with Brendan Powell on board for Colin Tizzard.

Half an hour later is the Bravo Company 40 CDO RM Novices’ Hurdle Race over two miles one furlong. Ruby Walsh, riding Dildar for the Paul Nicholls team, is almost sure to go off as odds-on favourite, so those looking for an each-way bet might want to consider Constant Contact, Donald McCain’s only entry at Taunton, and Sew on Target, from the Tizzard stable.

The Charlie Company 40 CDO RM Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase, run over two miles and three furlongs, is due to post at 2.40pm and is likely to see Sanctuaire, for the Nicholls/Walsh team, start odds on. Those most likely to challenge are Easter Meteor, from Emma Lavelle’s yard, and the Victor Dartnall-trained Shammick Boy.

Next off is the Delta Company 40 CDO RM Mares’ Handicap Hurdle Race over two miles one furlong, a Class Three event. Ted Spread, with Walsh on board for Nicholls, has to be fancied. Others worth a look are Ifyouletmefinish, trained by Jeremy Scott, and Monetary Fund, the mount of Aiden Coleman for Venetia Williams, returning to action after a break of more than nine months.

The Command and Logistics Company 40 CDO RM Handicap Hurdle Race run over two miles three furlongs is next up at 3.40pm. Anay Turge, the mount of Liam Heard, and Arctic Watch, under Nick Schofield, both look good performers. Tom Scudamore’s ride, the David Pipe-trained Woodlark Island, also returning after six months’ absence, should not be dismissed.

The most valuable event on the card, The Go Commando Handicap Steeple Chase over two miles and half a furlong at 4.10pm has a prize fund of £15,000. Star Galaxy, under Peter Hatton, looks a strong contender, but also of interest has to be Frankie Figg, with Walsh riding for Nicholls, and Renard with Coleman aboard for Venetia Williams.

La Reine De Riogh, the only runner on the card for Nicky Henderson, has to be a tip for the DBS/EBF Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race over two miles one furlong.