UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

BLACKO improved from his hurdling debut to finish second at Lyon-Parilly in October and that experience will stand him in good stead on his UK debut for a stable who have done exceptionally well in this division over the years. Zoffee went close on his first attempt over timber at Market Rasen earlier in the month and this decent Flat performer will have learnt plenty, while Chez Hans is expected to step forward from his hurdling debut at Fontwell with a tongue-tie applied for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Blacko 2nd Zoffee 3rd Chez Hans

FLIC OU VOYOU's two outings over timber have both worked out extremely well with his last run, when third at Wincanton, seeing the first, second, fourth and the seventh, who reopposes, all franking the form. The step up in trip promises to see him in a better light and he can confirm his superiority over Who Shot Jr, a course winner at the end of last month who was a long way behind the selection in the aforementioned contest. Fuseau and Fitzroy appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Flic Ou Voyou 2nd Who Shot Jr 3rd Fuseau

MANOFTHEMOUNTAIN's attempt for the hat-trick didn't quite go to plan when unseating his rider over C&D last time out but he remains a chaser on the upgrade and Ben Jones' 5lb claim can aid his cause. Shaughnessy shaped as though he would benefit from the outing when third at Chepstow last month and he can enter the reckoning along with Elite Garde, who bids to continue his unbeaten run over fences.
Prediction : 1st Manofthemountain 2nd Shaughnessy 3rd Elite Garde

Paul Nicholls has a fine record in this and his Silver Forever, who was involved in all the right bumper races last season and has made a bright start to her hurdling career, seems sure to be thereabouts. However, a chance is taken on DEJA VUE, who looks ready for the step up to this level following two bloodless Ffos Las victories. Alan King's Midnights' Gift is feared following a runaway success in an Aintree Listed contest earlier this month and is unbeaten over obstacles, while Nicky Henderson's Haydock winner Marie's Rock is another to consider in a competitive contest.
Prediction : 1st Deja Vue 2nd Midnights Gift 3rd Silver Forever

BELLAMY'S GREY was only beaten a length when second at Fontwell last time and has the chance to go one better off only a 1lb higher mark with cheekpieces applied. Troed Y Melin almost caused a shock when runner-up over track and trip earlier this month and is one to consider. The useful pair of The Boola Bee and Lizzie Langton are consistent performers to watch out for, with the former not beaten far when running over hurdles here 18 days ago.
Prediction : 1st Bellamys Grey 2nd Troed Y Melin 3rd The Boola Bee

WINTER GETAWAY arrives here having won two novice hurdles in recent months and that form suggests that an opening mark of 122 may underestimate this unexposed mare. Normandy Soldier is an obvious threat to the selection, having won impressively at Hereford earlier in the month, and he is another whose rating appears to be fair. Thegallantway and Jersey Bean are the pick of the remaining field.
Prediction : 1st Winter Getaway 2nd Normandy Soldier 3rd Thegallantway

LIGHTLY SQUEEZE was an impressive winner at Wincanton on Boxing Day and a 7lb penalty is unlikely to stop him from taking this contest as well, as long as he has fully recovered from those exertions. Twenty Twenty has been running well enough in defeat of late and he is likely to pose the biggest threat to the selection. Others to note are Starsky and Queen Of The Wind.
Prediction : 1st Lightly Squeeze 2nd Twenty Twenty 3rd Starsky