UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

ERITAGE showed his true colours when a runaway winner over C&D last month and is fancied to follow up under a penalty for Paul Nicholls. He has struggled to settle in three starts for the Ditcheat handler, but clearly has an engine and has been located another decent opening in which to strike. Masters Legacy was second in a maiden event here four weeks ago behind a potentially smart type, while Flou Artsistique represents powerful connections and is another name to note.
Prediction : 1st Eritage 2nd Masters Legacy 3rd Flou Artsistique

France De Reve never got into any sort of jumping rhythm when a beaten favourite on stable debut at Uttoxeter last month and can surely do better given time, while Jeremy Sunshine was third in a good race at Wincanton three weeks ago but isn't sure to appreciate this drop in distance. WILD MAX was twice a winner on the Flat in Germany and scored easily here on his UK/hurdles debut last month, shaping like he had a bright future in this discipline, and he should be too good for these.
Prediction : 1st Wild Max 2nd France De Reve 3rd Jeremy Sunshine

NOT NEVER hasn't been at his optimum the last twice, but showed a nice attitude to strike at Fontwell against a decent yardstick in June and is fancied to go close here if the rain stays away. The seven-year-old is young enough to go elsewhere after this and be competitive, so could find too much for the unexposed Feu Ardent, who was fourth in a competitive Stratford bumper when last seen five months ago. Golden Poet can lead the challenge for minor honours.
Prediction : 1st Not Never 2nd Feu Ardent 3rd Golden Poet

MIDNIGHT MAGIC has proven to be a consistent performer in recent months and he may have added another win to his record last time out but for falling two from home. The seven-year-old can make amends today if putting in a better round of jumping. Strictlyadancer bounced back to form last time out and could prove to be the main danger, ahead of Bolving and From The Heart.
Prediction : 1st Midnight Magic 2nd Strictlyadancer 3rd Bolving

In an open race the marginal preference is for BIRDS OF PREY, who has been highly tried in his last couple of starts and the application of first-time cheekpieces could sharpen him up. Cervaro Mix has been disappointing over fences of late but should be on a workable mark based on the pick of his hurdles form. The shortlist is completed by Story Of Friends and Jaytrack Parkhomes.
Prediction : 1st Birds Of Prey 2nd Cervaro Mix 3rd Story Of Friends

KATPOLI scored with ease at Southwell last week and Dr Richard Newland's youngster could have plenty more up his sleeve under a 7lb penalty here. Ashoka was going for a hat-trick when down the field in a competitive Newbury handicap last time, but could find this easier. Pointed And Sharp didn't get far when looking for a four-timer at Kempton but remains feasibly treated and forms part of a strong trio for Philip Hobbs, who also saddles course winner At Its Own Expense and Ballotin.
Prediction : 1st Katpoli 2nd Ashoka 3rd Pointed And Sharp

VIKING RUBY was only a length down when unseating at the last at Fakenham last time and Neil Mulholland's six-year-old, who was looking to follow up his course-and-disrance win on his penultimate start, could pick up some compensation here off a fair 4lb higher mark. Layerthorpe goes in search of a hat-trick with the talented Ben Jones in the saddle claiming a useful 5lb, while Massini's Dream, The Boola Bee and We'llcwhathappens all look handicapped to run well and have each-way possibilities.
Prediction : 1st Viking Ruby 2nd Layerthorpe 3rd The Boola Bee