UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

FRENCH SHIP sets a high standard as he beat a useful rival at Chepstow in November before finishing fourth to the subsequent Grade 1 winner The New Lion at Newbury later that month. A reproduction of either of those efforts would make him hard to beat, despite a 7lb penalty. The Final Word and Kykorock both disappointed in bumpers but are point-to-point winners and it is far too soon to be writing them off, while I Ain't Your Mate is a noteworthy Rules debutant.
Prediction : 1st French Ship 2nd The Final Word 3rd Kykorock

HIGH FIBRE was useful on the Flat and displayed plenty of promise when filling third place on his hurdling debut at Wincanton in October. With the benefit of that experience, the six-year-old tops the shortlist, although The Hardest Geezer also brings solid form to the table and should not be discounted. Strolling Along was not beaten far in a Carlisle bumper on his racecourse bow and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st High Fibre 2nd The Hardest Geezer 3rd Strolling Along

TORNEO was second to a very well-handicapped rival, who has won again since, over 2m at Hereford a month ago and the five-year-old has to be of interest off just a 1lb higher mark. Largy Force is a consistent performer who is likely to be in the mix once again following her encouraging chase debut last month. Others to consider are Commanding View and It's Easy.
Prediction : 1st Torneo 2nd Largy Force 3rd Commanding View

Paul Nicholls has won two of the last three editions of this race and can add to the tally with the in-form SORCELEUR. Having made all to win novice hurdles at Exeter and Wincanton in quick succession in November, the five-year-old debuts in a handicap off a workable mark and could take some stopping if the longer trip doesn't catch him out. Tom Doniphon is feared most as he escapes a penalty for last week's C&D success in a conditional riders' event. Fellow last-time-out winner Coastal Rock completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Sorceleur 2nd Tom Doniphon 3rd Coastal Rock

Frere d'Armes goes well for Heidi Palin and is a must for consideration on his debut in this grade. However, JOKER DE MAI is a more intriguing option back over fences for the first time since he landed a brace of victories in France before joining his current yard. Useful over hurdles since, this could be a profitable move for Harry Derham's six-year-old. Angels Breath and Rewritetherules complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Joker De Mai 2nd Frere dArmes 3rd Angels Breath

This course brings the best out from SAWPIT SIENNA, who has won the last two renewals of this race and must have a decent chance of completing the hat-trick off 1lb lower than 12 months ago. This is a stronger edition, however, and the in-form Lady Caro and Getmetothemoon are capable of making this a good test. The former is a likely pace angle and looks the chief threat on the back of a near miss off 2lb lower at Hereford last month.
Prediction : 1st Sawpit Sienna 2nd Lady Caro 3rd Getmetothemoon