UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

INSURRECTION won his first start over hurdles in fine style at Exeter before running with huge credit when second in a Grade 2 at Sandown last month. The son of Getaway has a 7lb penalty to carry in this novice contest but he sets a very high standard and is likely to prove very hard to beat. Also carrying a penalty is Lucky Place, who bolted up by 13 lengths at Doncaster last time and could prove the main threat with further improvement possible. Golden Ace was runner-up in a Grade 2 bumper a Aintree in the spring and is an interesting contender on her first start over the obstacles.
Prediction : 1st Insurrection 2nd Lucky Place 3rd Golden Ace

JOYEUSE changed hands for a whopping 235,000 euros after scoring in a point-to-point in October and she makes her debut under Rules for the Nicky Henderson yard today. The daughter of No Risk At All is a half-sister to Epatante and could easily make a winning start here. The main danger might be Tutti Quanti, who is a well-realted son of Chanducoq and represents for powerful connections on his first outing. Goonhilly is the pick of those with experience under NH rules.
Prediction : 1st Joyeuse 2nd Tutti Quanti 3rd Goonhilly

This contest shouldn't take much winning and it may pay to side with LHEBAYEB, who possibly brings the best form to the table after her fourth at Wincanton on Boxing Day. The six-year-old mare has been found a suitable assignment in this maiden hurdle and she can get off the mark. Bahio Boum failed to show much on his debut over hurdles at Wincanton but he could take a big leap forward, as he is in very capable hands. Of the remainder, Walkingoneggshells appeals most.
Prediction : 1st Lhebayeb 2nd Bahio Boum 3rd Walkingoneggshells

DR T J ECKLEBURG got the better of Keep Running when the pair met at Ludlow at the start of last month. Evan Williams' charge has since performed with credit when finishing runner-up at the same venue in a better contest and it would be no surprise to see him confirm the placings. That said, the latter was completing for the first time over fences, having fallen on his chasing debut here, and the six-year-old is capable of taking a step forward. Extraordinary Man has finally got the hang of things over the larger obstacles and is likely to enter calculations.
Prediction : 1st Dr T J Eckleburg 2nd Keep Running 3rd Extraordinary Man

ZOFFEE makes his first appearance over hurdles since contesting the 2020 Boodles at the Cheltenham Festival when pulled up on that occasion. Since then, the eight-year-old has tried chasing and switched to Hugo Palmer for a spell on the Flat, notably winning the Northumberland Vase and placing in several valuable handicaps, including the Chester Cup. Back over hurdles off a 15lb lower mark for new trainer Olly Murphy, there may well be unfinished business in this sphere and he gets the vote. Vicki Vale is capable of another decent showing based on her efforts this season, while El Rio is worth another chance having disappointed at Kempton in November.
Prediction : 1st Zoffee 2nd Vicki Vale 3rd El Rio

BENNYS KING has been struggling in handicaps of late but he showed some high-class form in this sphere last season and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back here. That said, the veteran Shantou Flyer is more than capable of giving the selection plenty to think about, while the unexposed Regatta De Blanc also has to be of interest.
Prediction : 1st Bennys King 2nd Shantou Flyer 3rd Regatta De Blanc

In a moderate event, SAWPIT SIENNA just gets the vote following an encouraging fourth over 2m3f here when last seen in November. Opticality remains unexposed and should not be underestimated in a race of this nature on her handicap bow. Ilary De L'Ecu and Sevenofus both merit a market inspection on their return to action, while Triple Nickle has an each-way chance.
Prediction : 1st Sawpit Sienna 2nd Opticality 3rd Ilary De LEcu