UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

ACTIVIST took a nice step forward after his runner-up effort at Lingfield to score in comfortable fashion at Plumpton on Monday. David Pipe's gelding has a 7lb penalty to shoulder and takes a step back up in trip, but that is unlikely to prevent him from going in again. The main threat might be Imperial Measure, who put in a promising display when hitting the crossbar over C&D and is turned out again before his revised mark kicks in. Wellwillya has claims judged on his third at Exeter two starts ago.
Prediction : 1st Activist 2nd Imperial Measure 3rd Wellwillya

This looks like a tricky puzzle to solve, so only a tentative vote goes to TRY THE MONEY. Henry Oliver's gelding has had excuses on two of his career starts so far, losing a shoe on debut and the ground possibly being too quick last time. Although he hasn't shown a great deal, better is anticipated now he enters the handicap ranks. Amalfi Bay, who produced his best NH effort to finish second at Exeter on his latest outing, could also have a say on his handicap bow, along with Johannes.
Prediction : 1st Try The Money 2nd Amalfi Bay 3rd Johannes

More was expected from Jackpot D'athou when he could only manage fourth at Chepstow in December, and he will need to improve upon that display if he wants to deny LIVIN ON LUCO. The six-year-old beat a well-fancied Nicky Henderson runner by a neck at Chepstow, putting a fall at the same venue behind him. He could easily take another step forward and record a double. Mistral Milly can fight it out for the minor honours after her fourth at Lingfield's Winter Million fixture.
Prediction : 1st Livin On Luco 2nd Jackpot Dathou 3rd Mistral Milly

Star Flyer was sporting first-time cheekpieces (retained) when running out a ready winner over an extended 2m4f at Southwell and even with a 9lb hike to contend with, he warrants consideration. That said, preference is for KINGOFTHEWEST, who shaped like he was ready for this step back up in trip when finishing a staying-on second at Lingfield and, off an unchanged mark, he may take some stopping. Art Decco was a comfortable winner over 3m2f at Fontwell and, bidding to defy a 7lb rise, he commands attention too.
Prediction : 1st Kingofthewest 2nd Star Flyer 3rd Art Decco

SPITALFIELD travelled like the winner for a long way before fading into third close home in testing conditions over 3m1f at Huntingdon and, nudged up 1lb with his stable in good form, he gets the vote to go two places better. My Last Oscar fairly bolted up at Hexham in December, but his inconsistent profile tempers enthusiasm. Rivers Corner clearly benefited from the step up to an extended 3m when winning readily at Wincanton and although raised 10lb, he can get involved again.
Prediction : 1st Spitalfield 2nd My Last Oscar 3rd Rivers Corner

The tongue-tie/visor combination (both worn today) appeared to do the trick for LILITH at Carlisle earlier this month and a 4lb rise might not be enough to anchor her if arriving in the same mood. Walk In Clover drops into class 4 company for the first time since April last year, when successful at Southwell, and she rates the biggest threat. Whatsdastory has yet to run a bad race in three visits here and she cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Lilith 2nd Walk In Clover 3rd Whatsdastory

SORCELEUR brings the strongest form to the table, twice finishing third behind a winner who has since gone on to complete the hat-trick on his jumping bow, and Paul Nicholls' youngster is difficult to oppose. Harry Cobden has seemingly chosen to ride him over stablemate Berliath, a nicely-bred gelding who cost 65,000 pounds as a three-year-old. The Anthony Honeyball-trained Dance And Glance is another newcomer to keep a close eye on.
Prediction : 1st Sorceleur 2nd Berliath 3rd Dance And Glance