UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

BOB AND CO is decent at his best and won the Champion Hunters Chase at Punchestown in 2021. Although only eighth at the Cheltenham Festival last month, that was a big ask after a year off the track. He should do better now, in which case he may prove too good for Sir Ivan, without a win after four starts this season and unlikely to be improving at the age of 13. Let Me Entertain U appears booked for third barring any mishaps.
Prediction : 1st Bob And Co 2nd Sir Ivan 3rd Let Me Entertain U

Aurigny Mill showed improved form to win over C&D latest, but the time that day was nothing inspiring and he may struggle to cope with MARDOOF off level weights. Well backed when winning here by 23 lengths eased down after being sent clear three out, a repeat of that performance may prove enough in this field. Iliko D'olivate is also of interest having failed to see it out over further on his last two starts and he might be able to pick up a place.
Prediction : 1st Mardoof 2nd Aurigny Mill 3rd Iliko Dolivate

Paul Nicholls appears keen to win this contest, saddling three runners, presumably headed by DANCINGONTHEEDGE, who is the mount of Bryony Frost. She was only beaten a neck over C&D last month, with the third 10 lengths adrift, and although upped 5lb for that by the handicapper, she arrives here in good form and gets the nod. Picks Lad looks intriguing taking a big step up in trip and he could surprise a few, while Pedley Wood is another lightly raced sort who may have more to offer.
Prediction : 1st Dancingontheedge 2nd Picks Lad 3rd Pedley Wood

Cobra Commander won this last season off a mark of 75 but he is 17lb higher today and, after pulling up at Hereford last time, it may be sensible to look elsewhere. O'FAOLAINS LAD is looking for his hat-trick after successes at Newton Abbot and Wincanton and, although he hasn't been seen since October 2021, he has run well fresh in the past and might be able to run these down late on. Bal Amie and perhaps Furkash seem likeliest to battle it out for second and third.
Prediction : 1st OFaolains Lad 2nd Bal Amie 3rd Furkash

Take Your Time has lost his way recently and was beaten a long way at Chepstow in February, but connections try blinkers for the first time now and he has won twice off higher marks in the past. He could go well, but HITITI is the in-form option after wins at Exeter and Wincanton and, if he stays this trip at the first attempt, he may well complete the hat-trick. Sayadam is another to consider, though a place seems more likely for the six-year-old.
Prediction : 1st Hititi 2nd Sayadam 3rd Take Your Time

A trappy-looking contest for the penultimate race, in which Man Of The Sea must be high on the shortlist. The drier the ground the better for the seven-year-old gelding, with Joe Anderson claiming a valuable 7lb off his back. However, the eye is drawn to GORCOMBE MOONSHINE, who sneaks in with a lovely racing weight. He ran well at Exeter last month and arrives here off the same mark. Phoenix Risen outran his odds to finish third here last time and this sharper trip shouldn't be too much of an inconvenience.
Prediction : 1st Gorcombe Moonshine 2nd Man Of The Sea 3rd Phoenix Risen

JACKPOT D'ATHOU sets the standard for the champion trainer having made a pleasing start since arriving from France to finish a narrow third at Kempton last month. He was very strong in the betting market that day and even a replication of that effort, although he is entitled to improve, may suffice. Il Va De Soi was another who narrowly failed to land the odds when unable to reel in Killarney Mountain in February and he might benefit from that experience. Joe Tizzard is doubly represented with Sparkling Duke and Star Of Affinity, with the latter slightly preferred.
Prediction : 1st Jackpot Dathou 2nd Il Va De Soi 3rd Star Of Affinity