UK Horse Racing Tips: Wincanton

BRENTFORD HOPE lost little in defeat when second to a subsequent winner on his handicap debut at Wetherby on Boxing Day, and looks to have been found a good opportunity to gain a first success over hurdles as he returns to maiden company on his first appearance for Harry Derham. Ventara hit the deck on his introduction at Taunton, but offered enough to suggest he has a future in this sphere. Asian Spice makes most appeal of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Brentford Hope 2nd Ventara 3rd Asian Spice

Hititi looked better than ever when romping home by 12 lengths at Exeter earlier in the month, but a 9lb rise will make life tougher for Robert Walford's inmate and there could be some value in taking him on. THIRTYFOURSTITCHES has often struggled in large-field affairs, but he has won his last four appearances when facing seven or fewer rivals and may be able to dictate the pace once more. Forever William arrives in good heart and and is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Thirtyfourstitches 2nd Hititi 3rd Forever William

CALGARY TIGER has proved a different proposition since going chasing on his return from a long absence, and a 10lb rise for his romp at Newbury earlier in the month may not be enough to halt his progression. Rose Sea Has was holding his form well prior to his Wetherby disappointment, but the eight-year-old isn't one to write off now returned to some ease in the ground. Thelasthighking may build on his recent runner-up effort at Stratford and also merits consideration off 2lb lower.
Prediction : 1st Calgary Tiger 2nd Rose Sea Has 3rd Thelasthighking

THE KINGS WRIT was far from disgraced in a 0-150 contest at Doncaster last month, finishing third, and it would be no surprise were he to regain the winning thread back down in class. Flying Verse ought to be more than capable of mounting a serious challenge having cruised to success on his latest outing, also at Doncaster. Duc De Beauchene returned to form when occupying the runner-up berth at Hereford and is another to take into account.
Prediction : 1st The Kings Writ 2nd Flying Verse 3rd Duc De Beauchene

LEGENDARY RHYTHM had Auditoria three lengths behind her in second when winning at Leicester last month and given the latter must saddle a 7lb penalty for her subsequent Taunton success, Tom Symonds' mare is fancied to uphold that form en route to another victory. Police Academy finished a solid second at Fontwell on her chasing debut and is likely to pose a serious threat with improvement on the cards.
Prediction : 1st Legendary Rhythm 2nd Auditoria 3rd Police Academy

A few of these arrive in winning form, so only a tentative vote can go to SAMBEZI. Oliver Signy's charge registered a comfortable victory over 2m3f at Fontwell and with the drop in trip not expected to prove problematic, a 2lb rise might not be enough to stop him from following up. John Betjeman won on heavy ground at Ffos Las last week and he must be considered, along with Huntingdon scorer Rewired, for all that softening conditions will provide a different test of his credentials.
Prediction : 1st Sambezi 2nd John Betjeman 3rd Rewired

The Bold Thady and Watchoutitscookie have shown improvement lately and are high on the shortlist despite having a few questions to answer. The first-named, who drops in trip, is still a maiden after eight attempts over hurdles and looks vulnerable under top weight, while Watchoutitscookie needs to prove his course success wasn't just a one-off performance. With that in mind, previous C&D winner JUST GO FOR IT looks more appealing for a punt this time.
Prediction : 1st Just Go For It 2nd The Bold Thady 3rd Watchoutitscookie

NOBLE SAVAGE lost a C&D prize in the stewards' room earlier this month and is taken to gain compensation. Admittedly, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained gelding was the maker of his own downfall and has already had a few chances, but he's effective at Wincanton and has scope to improve over the trip. The unexposed Mount South didn't get further than the first at Fontwell but can be forgiven that effort, while Mr Snow Way is also considered.
Prediction : 1st Noble Savage 2nd Mount South 3rd Mr Snow Way