UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

JACKPOT DES BORDES didn't do himself any favours with some poor jumping here last time out, but he did well to get up towards the finish and stepping up in trip looks like just what is needed for the son of Vision D'Etat. He can defy a 7lb penalty at the main expense of Katana, who is expected to improve plenty on his bumper debut at Wincanton in October for leading connections. Devon Dude and newcomer Bank On Frank may be capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Jackpot Des Bordes 2nd Katana 3rd Bank On Frank

An expensive purchase from France, CLOTILDA made the perfect start to her career in Britain when comfortably making all at Huntingdon earlier in the month and she looks capable of following up under a 7lb penalty. Moutarde has strong claims on his penultimate success at Kempton, while Mill Street is another looking to overcome a penalty, following a taking success at Sedgefield in November. A relatively capable sort on the level, NH newcomer Infinity Blue could be a nice prospect for the David Pipe yard.
Prediction : 1st Clotilda 2nd Moutarde 3rd Mill Street

A game winner at Hereford on his penultimate start, LANGLEY HUNDRED was denied a brace when touched off by an improver of Nicky Henderson's over this C&D last month. However, he did very little wrong on that occasion, finishing clear of the remainder, and can gain compensation off just a 3lb higher mark. A winner at Fontwell in November, Ri Na Cuirte has improved of late but needs another personal best after going up a further 4lb for his third-placed finish at Ascot latest. The competitively-weighted Shakeyatailfeather completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Langley Hundred 2nd Ri Na Cuirte 3rd Shakeyatailfeather

Listentoyourheart extended her unbeaten run over hurdles to 3-3 with a hard-fought success in a Listed event at Newbury in November. However, she picks up a 5lb penalty and might struggle to uphold the form with the third home, JUBILEE ALPHA, who is having only her second start in this discipline and should be a whole lot wiser now she has hurdles experience to draw upon. The winner of two bumpers and a couple of hurdle races, Hollygrove Cha Cha also appeals despite this being her toughest assignment yet.
Prediction : 1st Jubilee Alpha 2nd Listentoyourheart 3rd Hollygrove Cha Cha

The hat-trick seeking DESPEREAUX, whose yard won this race 12 months ago, has flourished with cheekpieces added and has a good chance of supplementing last month's C&D success, despite an 8lb higher mark. The Jane Willimas-trained gelding had plenty in hand on that occasion and looks well worth a try at this higher level. Tiny Tetley is still of low mileage and, having shown a liking for this venue, cannot be ruled out. Recent track-and-trip second Native Moon is also feared with first-time cheekpieces tried.
Prediction : 1st Despereaux 2nd Tiny Tetley 3rd Native Moon

CAERULEUM put a frustrating sequence of placed efforts firmly behind him when hosing up at Wincanton. This six-year-old may well defy an 8lb rise in his current frame of mind and go in again. School For Scandal finished a long way behind the selection in third that day when bidding for a hat-trick, but today's better ground will be more to his liking and he could feature, while Getupearly failed to fire at Exeter last time but would not be without a chance if back on song.
Prediction : 1st Caeruleum 2nd School For Scandal 3rd Getupearly

The progressive Bread And Butter landed a hat-trick with a victory at Huntingdon last time and will likely be thereabouts once again, despite a further 6lb rise. Phoenix Risen won nicely at Wincanton recently and can also make his presence felt, but a chance is taken on TOM DONIPHON. The bumper winner was narrowly beaten in a novice hurdle at Hereford on only his second start over timber and looks the type to improve now handicapping for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Tom Doniphon 2nd Bread And Butter 3rd Phoenix Risen