UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

Sam Thomas is enjoying a fine season and Angel Wave must be monitored in the betting on his racecourse debut. Even so, the 124-rated KINGS CHAMPION sets a decent standard judged on his facile victory at Ayr and should take all the beating. Fellow penalised winner Crest Of Stars came good at the second time of asking over hurdles here and is likely to be in the thick of the action too.
Prediction : 1st Kings Champion 2nd Crest Of Stars 3rd Angel Wave

WANDERING EGO was far from disgraced on his handicap bow behind two progressive rivals at Kempton and he makes grand appeal reverting to novice company. The six-year-old shapes as if this step up in trip could unlock some improvement and he's fancied to fend off Grand Vendetta. Paul Nicholls' inmate should have learned plenty from his opening second at Chepstow and looks the obvious danger, ahead of stablemate Joyau Allen.
Prediction : 1st Wandering Ego 2nd Grand Vendetta 3rd Joyau Allen

Having made a successful stable bow at Wincanton, Queenie St Clair should have more to come. However, a 6lb penalty does demand more on this switch to a novice hurdle and BEAUTY IN THE PARK is slightly more compelling. The six-year-old left an underwhelming fifth-placed hurdling bow behind her when finishing a close-up second over C&D last month, and a repeat may prove sufficient. Yeld To Call is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Beauty In The Park 2nd Queenie St Clair 3rd Yeld To Call

COURAGEOUS STRIKE has yet to score since being sent handicapping in October, but he performed with credit for third at Kempton last time out. The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old is now afforded an ease in class and should go close if handling conditions. A few of these arrive with something to prove, but Phoenix Risen and Premier are the biggest dangers.
Prediction : 1st Courageous Strike 2nd Phoenix Risen 3rd Premier

BRAVE KINGDOM was fancied to give a decent account on his return this season, only to be pulled up at Newbury in November. However, the combination of a drop in grade and testing underfoot conditions gives Paul Nicholls' gelding the opportunity to bounce back. Royal Jewel has proven to be a versatile performer during his career and is entitled to be competitive, while Bucksy Des Epeires appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Brave Kingdom 2nd Royal Jewel 3rd Bucksy Des Epeires

NEDZOR had disappointing market leader Falco Des Pins well in arrears when second at Ffos Las but after filling the same position at Uttoxeter, he then let favourite-backers down himself when reverting to timber back at the Welsh venue. He will be happier in this sphere, though, and the application of cheekpieces can help him get back on track. Falco Des Pins has undergone wind surgery since that lacklustre display so must not be written off. Jaitroplaclasse and Storming Nelson round out the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Nedzor 2nd Falco Des Pins 3rd Storming Nelson

Rian Corcoran was seen to good effect on OUR DYLAN at Wincanton and is back on board after Kayley Woollacott's 10-year-old followed up that victory with a solid third under James Bowen at Ffos Las. Off the same mark, he is preferred to Ourbrowneyedgirl, who made a pleasing beginning to handicap life at Wincanton. A tongue-tie should help It's A Breeze settle better, although it needs to, and Dish Of The Day is worth a look on his comeback.
Prediction : 1st Our Dylan 2nd Ourbrowneyedgirl 3rd Dish Of The Day