UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

BIRDS OF PREY has finished second on his last three starts over hurdles, but won't get too many better chances than this to open his account in this sphere and could land this before going handicapping. Fourth in the November Handicap at Doncaster on the Flat last year, the five-year-old has plenty of speed and seemingly handles varying ground. Flinck was fifth in a point-to-point behind Malone Road but disappointing on his hurdles debut, while Mouseinthehouse and Taaffes Castle are other names to note.
Prediction : 1st Birds Of Prey 2nd Flinck 3rd Mouseinthehouse

ADHERENCE put in his best effort for quite some time when third at Sedgefield last time out and could take another step forward now back from a 361-day break. The six-year-old appeals more than Annie Bonny, who won a torrid race at Sedgefield last week and has a 7lb penalty to defy. Agincourt Reef is capable on his day, while Coby Nine was best of the remainder when second to a better handicapped horse at Wincanton three weeks ago.
Prediction : 1st Adherence 2nd Annie Bonny 3rd Agincourt Reef

MIDNIGHT OWLE ran much better when second at Huntingdon last Wednesday and the slight drop in trip is likely to prove no issue as he attempts to get off the mark in a winnable contest. Flight To Milan can take a step forward from his chase debut third at Stratford behind Timoteo, who was turned out quickly to win again at Kempton on Saturday, while Drops Of Jupitor could improve for her recent course effort with the hood being reapplied.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Owle 2nd Flight To Milan 3rd Drops Of Jupitor

OXWICH BAY seemed to appreciate the return to hurdles at Ludlow last month and could find some improvement from that effort with a pair of cheekpieces applied for the first time. Teaser benefited from a wind operation on his latest start and is capable of another solid effort, while Marmont is entitled to come on for his second at Fontwell earlier in the month with it being his first run after a winter break.
Prediction : 1st Oxwich Bay 2nd Teaser 3rd Marmont

DANCING SHADOW found just one rival too good for him in the Devon National at Exeter and Victor Dartnall's veteran has a good chance to go one better now off just a 1lb higher mark. He can reverse form with Like The Sound, who has the selection well held on Wincanton form when the Charlie Mann-trained eight-year-old was a comfortable winner but he has failed to complete in two outings since and appears to be in the assessors grasp at present. Pobbles Bay has had his jumping issues of late and the main danger may come from Van Gogh Du Granit, who is an interesting recruit from France and holds a Grand National entry, with his handler David Pipe landing this race in 2017.
Prediction : 1st Dancing Shadow 2nd Van Gogh Du Granit 3rd Pobbles Bay

LAMH AR LAMH was beaten just a short head over course and distance last time out and with her and the winner well clear of the rest on that occasion, it would be no surprise if Nigel Hawke's mare plays a leading part once again off a 6lb higher mark. The consistent Mrs Miggins is respected and the booking of Jonjo O'Neill Jr in the saddle catches the eye, while Gonnabegood enters calculations now reverting to timber having disappointed over fences at Uttoxeter.
Prediction : 1st Lamh Ar Lamh 2nd Mrs Miggins 3rd Gonnabegood