UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

JUST A ROSE was the ready winner of her solitary appearance in a point-to-point and having subsequently changed hands for 175,000 pounds, she is an obvious starting point on her debut for the powerful Paul Nicholls yard. The betting should be informative, however, and any notable support for the likes of Noahsgreatrainbow, Roman Roy and Stone's Throw could prove to be significant given they all have previous Rules/hurdles experience to draw upon.
Prediction : 1st Just A Rose 2nd Noahsgreatrainbow 3rd Roman Roy

The winner of a course bumper in April, JENA D'OUDAIRIES was a respectable second on her hurdles debut/first start post-wind surgery at Wincanton on Boxing Day. This looks no tougher and she can go one place better. Northern Air, a costly recruit after winning a point-to-point in November 2023, is open to progression having also had a wind problem addressed since struggling at Lingfield. Rubymurree is a notable debutant to monitor in the betting.
Prediction : 1st Jena Doudairies 2nd Northern Air 3rd Rubymurree

Stepping up in trip could provide the key to success for JESUILA DES MOTTES, who has shown ability in three previous starts in this discipline and can progress further with the emphasis more on stamina now she goes handicapping. Honey Jack is an obvious threat based on his C&D win in November, despite a 6lb higher rating. Calli Black, Ellerton and Badbury Rings have also shown enough promise to suggest they can figure in a race of this nature.
Prediction : 1st Jesuila Des Mottes 2nd Honey Jack 3rd Calli Black

DAVIDOC never looked like rewarding favourite-backers at Doncaster, but that came quickly after his solid Southwell second and he is worth another chance. Yggdrasil offered plenty of encouragement on his comeback at Wincanton, only fading when an 18-month absence told. Much better is expected, as it is from First Angel, who also returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines when fourth at Doncaster.
Prediction : 1st Davidoc 2nd Yggdrasil 3rd First Angel

DOMINIC'S FAULT has just five runs under his belt, but is still eligible for this seniors' race. Olly Murphy's eight-year-old has clearly had his issues, but gained compensation for being pipped on his handicap debut by landing the odds at Lingfield. He can continue to make up for lost time, possibly at the chief expense of Might I, who once again failed to stay 3m at Cheltenham but was a good winner at Bangor prior to that. Dargiannini got back on track with a solid second at Doncaster and is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Dominics Fault 2nd Might I 3rd Dargiannini

SAFE DESTINATION arrives here on the back of a victory over 3m at Southwell a month ago and a 4lb rise may not be enough to stop the progressive seven-year-old from taking this contest as well. Proper Twelve hit the crossbar at Huntingdon last time and is likely to be in the mix once again, while Tribesmans Glory and The Cox Express complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Safe Destination 2nd Proper Twelve 3rd Tribesmans Glory

STAR OF AFFINITY has made the frame on both starts since winning over an extended 2m at Exeter in October and Joe Tizzard's gelding sets the standard now eased in grade slightly. Ugo Bingo's victory at Wincanton on Boxing Day means that he has to be considered, although a 5lb rise demands more from him. The returning Hermes Le Gris and A Little Something are the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Star Of Affinity 2nd Ugo Bingo 3rd Hermes Le Gris