UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

It looks best to focus on the penalised runners, of which RECOUP shades preference. The son of Sea The Stars was no match for a commanding winner at Sedgefield on his first start following wind surgery in March and this looks a decent opportunity for him to get his head back in front. Both Roger Pol and Walks Like The Man contested the valuable EBF Final at Sandown last time out and must be respected in these calmer waters, while Meatloaf, who sets the standard on official ratings, is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Recoup 2nd Roger Pol 3rd Walks Like The Man

Hazy Dream recorded a bloodless success over C&D 13 days ago and merits the utmost respect despite a 6lb hike in the weights, but SAILING GRACE is preferred. Anthony Honeyball's charge looked outpaced over 2m3f at Taunton last time out on her handicap bow, but she looks set to appreciate a step up in trip and appeals as a solid candidate eased 2lb in the handicap. Danzini had been running to a consistent level when last seen in August and she is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Sailing Grace 2nd Hazy Dream 3rd Danzini

This is an open heat in which only a tentative vote can go to KINGSMILL GIN. The 11-year-old has struggled on testing ground recently, but she has been eased in the handicap as a result and, with forecast conditions in her favour today, the veteran could find some form. Jessie Lightfoot continues to run well in defeat and she is unlikely to be far away, while Airtothethrone finds himself on a competitive mark and may improve for the addition of first-time cheekpieces.
Prediction : 1st Kingsmill Gin 2nd Jessie Lightfoot 3rd Airtothethrone

The hat-trick seeking King Of The Road is a must for consideration after two convincing wins at Market Rasen but he does look vulnerable off a 10lb higher mark. With that in mind, CENTARA, who is already a course and distance winner, may be the way to go now he is tried with a hood applied. Open to any amount of improvement on just his second start in a handicap, the Paul Nicholls-trained gelding must have every chance back up in trip here. Sergeant Wilson completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Centara 2nd King Of The Road 3rd Sergeant Wilson

A winner over the extended 2m4f circuit at Plumpton on his penultimate start, Stanley Pincombe rates a player in this company. However, having been raised 3lb after finishing second over C&D last time, another personal best is required from the Chris Gordon-trained gelding. By contrast, MIKHAILOVICH has been dropped 2lb since his last start and, having won when fresh before, Kim Bailey's gelding is a more intriguing option on his first run since December. Bella Civena and Bertie Wooster are a couple of others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Mikhailovich 2nd Stanley Pincombe 3rd Bella Civena

Top-weight IMPERIAL JOE caught the eye when keeping on for third over 2m here last month and the eight-year-old could be primed to regain the winning thread at a track where he won twice last year. Not beaten far at Plumpton on his penultimate outing, American Gerry is capable of a bold showing, while course winner Hard Frost may be suited by dropping back in trip. The booking of Harry Cobden aboard Royal Sam looks significant and he could be thereabouts on his third run for new connections.
Prediction : 1st Imperial Joe 2nd Hard Frost 3rd Royal Sam

GLORIOUS LION may have disappointed on his most recent effort at Haydock, but he is better judged on his penultimate second at Kelso and a mark of 99 could prove lenient on his handicap debut. Harry Derham's charge gets the vote ahead of the capable Winterwatch and John Betjeman, who has dropped to a mark 5lb below his last success. A winner at Huntingdon on his penultimate outing, Ruler Legend could be a key player in proceedings as well.
Prediction : 1st Glorious Lion 2nd Winterwatch 3rd John Betjeman