UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

HOLETOWN HERO was last seen gaining a first success over hurdles when winning over an extended 2m at this course and, despite shouldering a 7lb winner's penalty on this rise in trip to 2m3f, he looks the one to beat. Future Investment found a class 2 maiden hurdle at Cheltenham too hot to handle, but he's feared most now dropped into a class 4 contest and the sharper nature of this course expected to suit. Bold Reaction may put up a bolder showing on this first appearance after a wind procedure and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Holetown Hero 2nd Future Investment 3rd Bold Reaction

HALF DOZEN proved a different proposition when recently winning on his handicap debut at Hereford and, if in the same form on this quick turnout under a 7lb penalty, the Paul Nicholls inmate is expected to take all the beating. Give Me A Cuddle looks the main threat after coming good at the second time of asking in handicaps at Doncaster and a 5lb rise in the ratings unlikely to prevent another bold bid. Three-time C&D winner Amelia's Dance has a career-high mark to contend with but she can't be discounted on her return to this venue.
Prediction : 1st Half Dozen 2nd Give Me A Cuddle 3rd Amelias Dance

With solid form thin on the ground, a tentative vote goes to FRENCHY DU LARGE. The Venetia Williams-trained gelding shaped better than the beaten distance of 22 lengths at Ludlow in December suggests and, off the same mark as his last victory, he may return to winning ways. Milan Bridge was unlucky when getting brought down at Wincanton on Boxing Day and can't be ruled out with a smoother passage. Le Cameleon must prove his stamina over this 2m7f trip, with Dead Right making more appeal in the first-time cheekpieces.
Prediction : 1st Frenchy Du Large 2nd Milan Bridge 3rd Dead Right

HIDDEN BEAUTY readily accounted for Passing Reflection when scoring at Doncaster a month ago and the daughter of Kapgarde sets the standard once again, despite having to carry a 5lb penalty. Parikarma was not disgraced on her hurdling debut at Lingfield and she could prove to be the main threat to the selection, ahead of the aforementioned Passing Reflection and Inspiratrice.
Prediction : 1st Hidden Beauty 2nd Parikarma 3rd Passing Reflection

In a moderate contest it is hard to oppose LETSBE AVENUE, who is only 3lb higher than when scoring over C&D shortly before Christmas. Imperial Joe was well held in fourth on that occasion but is more than capable of making the frame here. Heavy ground may have been against Ambion Hill on his most recent outing and he should not be discounted based on his encouraging effort at Wincanton two starts ago.
Prediction : 1st Letsbe Avenue 2nd Imperial Joe 3rd Ambion Hill

PLEASANT MAN was narrowly denied on his handicap debut at Exeter six days ago, but the son of Galileo, who remains unexposed in this sphere, is fancied to go one better today. Just Loose Change bolted up from a 9lb lower mark in October and he merits consideration on his return from a break, while Clay, who was an eye-catching third at Doncaster last month, is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Pleasant Man 2nd Just Loose Change 3rd Clay

ISSAR D'AIRY was said to have benefitted from a return to quicker ground when bolting up at Lingfield last month and with conditions set to be similar here, a 7lb penalty might not be enough to stop Gary Moore's charge from following up. Let's Go Amigo has some interest pieces of novice form and an opening mark of 102 might underestimate him. Others to note include Fame And Fun and Almost Gotaway.
Prediction : 1st Issar DAiry 2nd Lets Go Amigo 3rd Fame And Fun