UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

Philip Hobbs holds the key to this race with two intriguing types, and MASTERS LEGACY is fancied to account for stablemate For Langy after his impressive course success four weeks ago. Micheal Nolan's mount beat a nice Paul Nicholls-trained yardstick, seemingly learning plenty from his debut second a month previously, and might be able to put that to effective use against recent David Maxwell purchase For Langy. Green Dolphin and Smith's Bay are others to be wary of.
Prediction : 1st Masters Legacy 2nd For Langy 3rd Green Dolphin

BUZZ was once rated 99 on the Flat when trained by Hughie Morrison and it wouldn't be a surprise if the six-year-old thrived now hurdling for Nicky Henderson. An 80,000-pounds purchase in October, he once finished fifth in a November Handicap on the level and clearly has the engine for 2m distances. Astrologist is a brother to Raheen House and should appreciate this step up in trip now tackling obstacles, while Chez Hans was disappointing here last time but is fancied to bounce back.
Prediction : 1st Buzz 2nd Astrologist 3rd Chez Hans

Winning pointer Wagner is interesting on his debut under Rules for Anthony Honeyball and warrants a market check, while Shall We Go Now had some nice form on the Flat and the 617-day absence isn't too worrying given Harry Fry's record with such types. Roar might need rain to be seen at his best and the vote goes to ESCAPABILITY, who was third in a deeper race here last month. Alex Thorne's 7lb claim will help matters once more, and the pair can prove too strong for these at the finish.
Prediction : 1st Escapability 2nd Wagner 3rd Shall We Go Now

The drop back to two miles could do the trick for SNAPDRAGON FIRE, who is looking for a first chase victory following some encouraging performances. Cheekpieces are now tried and Richard Johnson is back aboard Tom Lacey's seven-year-old, who is closely matched with Court Royale from when they fought out the finish of a Ludlow handicap hurdle last season. That rival has twice placed off this rating earlier in the autumn and has to be respected, with course winner Our Merlin and Paul Nicholls' Envoye Special, returned to the minimum distance, others to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Snapdragon Fire 2nd Court Royale 3rd Envoye Special

COLONEL CUSTARD shaped nicely for a long way over 2m5f at Kempton on Boxing Day and could be worth chancing off a 2lb lower mark here with cheekpieces now applied. Flashing Glance is tried in a tongue-tie following some useful recent efforts, while Diamond Gait steps up in trip off a 4lb higher figure having finished third in a competitive Huntingdon heat last month. Earth Moor looked a handy operator back in the autumn of 2018 and is also worth noting on his comeback off what could prove a lenient opening rating.
Prediction : 1st Colonel Custard 2nd Diamond Gait 3rd Earth Moor

CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK is a fascinating recruit to this sphere having been purchased by David Maxwell, and based on his last couple of outings, including when second in the Southern National at Fontwell, the seven-year-old could prove to be a class above the opposition. Bishops Road and Ultragold were both top handicappers in their pomp and are capable of being in the mix, while Wishing And Hoping was a useful performer for Alan King a couple of seasons ago and is of interest as he runs for the same trainer as top hunter chaser Hazel Hill.
Prediction : 1st Captain Cattistock 2nd Bishops Road 3rd Wishing And Hoping

Impressive Chepstow scorer MINNIE ESCAPE struggled to follow up under a penalty when returning there just eight days later, but Victor Dartnall's mare could take advantage of being a fresher individual on this occasion. Shadow's Girl won the race in which Minnie Escape flopped before disappointing at Leicester, but she has the assistance of Richard Johnson to aid her cause and enters calculations along with Pola Chance, who makes her first start after wind surgery.
Prediction : 1st Minnie Escape 2nd Shadows Girl 3rd Pola Chance