UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

FIRE FLYER chased home a useful prospect (clear of the third-placed horse) at Newbury last month, and natural progress could make Paul Nicholls' charge a tough nut to crack. Can't Resist It showed a fair level of ability when trained in Ireland so he's worth a second look on his stable/hurdles debut, along with Two To Tango, who shaped with promise when a creditable third at Hereford in November.
Prediction : 1st Fire Flyer 2nd Cant Resist It 3rd Two To Tango

King Ottokar looks thrown in from an opening mark of 102, based on what he achieved on the Flat, but Nicky Henderson's gelding hasn't been seen in 452 days so marginal preference is for GEORGI GIRL. The daughter of Getaway hit the woodwork at Wincanton on Boxing Day and a subsequent 3lb rise might underestimate her. Tregele and Kansas Du Berlais are just two others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Georgi Girl 2nd King Ottokar 3rd Tregele

A chance can be taken on WHATSDASTORY, who hasn't been at her best in recent starts, but the 11-year-old is now 10lb lower than when winning the corresponding event in 2022. Cillin Leonard takes a further 5lb off and that looks an added bonus, though Gazette Bourgeoise finished a narrow second at Ffos Las in December and is unlikely to go down without a fight. Eureka Creek is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Whatsdastory 2nd Gazette Bourgeoise 3rd Eureka Creek

This can go the way of former Triumph Hurdle winner PENTLAND HILLS, who returned from almost a year off to run an excellent race when second at Doncaster last month. The nine-year-old probably needs every yard of this trip nowadays and, with Freddie Gordon's handy 5lb claim, he can see off Luttrell Lad, who drops in grade after two highly creditable efforts in defeat, and Doncaster winner Geromino. Chez Hans and Wild Max have long absences to overcome for Paul Nicholls, but the pair cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Pentland Hills 2nd Luttrell Lad 3rd Geromino

TOP CLOUD always seems to be one step ahead of the handicapper and despite a 6lb rise for his narrow success at Ascot last month, there should be more improvement in the locker from the son of Cloudings. Mistral Nell has been a revelation since joining the Fergal O'Brien yard and must be a key player, along with Shuil Ceoil, who got off the mark in determined fashion at Exeter. Others to note include Chauffeur Driven, Danton and Uno Mas.
Prediction : 1st Top Cloud 2nd Mistral Nell 3rd Shuil Ceoil

GINGERBRED wasn't beaten far into fourth in heavy conditions at Exeter earlier in the month and he remains on the same rating for that effort. The son of Universal takes a drop in grade and could be the one to beat in this contest. Rebel Intentions was well beaten into sixth in a class 3 event over hurdles at Ascot last month but is an interesting contender switching back to this sphere for the Emma Lavelle stable. Of the remainder, Moytier makes the most appeal.
Prediction : 1st Gingerbred 2nd Rebel Intentions 3rd Moytier

Freddie Fleetfoot outran his huge odds to hit the crossbar here last month over 2m3f and it would be no surprise to see him have a say. However, preference is for MERRY MONTY, who finished second over fences at Exeter earlier in the month after filling the same position in this sphere on his penultimate start. The son of Arvico could be rewarded for his consistent form since his return from a long absence to record his first career victory. Star Turn is another to watch out for on his handicap debut.
Prediction : 1st Merry Monty 2nd Freddie Fleetfoot 3rd Star Turn