UK Horse Racing Tips: Taunton

WAY OF STARS wasn't disgraced when finding two smart juveniles too good on his hurdling debut at Exeter in December and any improvement could enable a breakthrough victory in this discipline. The biggest threat may emerge from Western Cross, who arrives on the back of a respectable third-placed timber bow at Hereford, although Babyken, Circle Of Secrets and Marhaba Prince are feasible alternatives.
Prediction : 1st Way Of Stars 2nd Western Cross 3rd Babyken

Innamorato has yet to match his French hurdles form in two outings since switching to Paul Nicholls and it may be best to look elsewhere. FIVE BAR GATE is the obvious port of call after posting a respectable fifth over C&D last month and a similar performance may prove sufficient. Leader Crik will find this easier than his sixth at Cheltenham and is feared most.
Prediction : 1st Five Bar Gate 2nd Leader Crik 3rd Innamorato

Having dug deep when making a winning handicap bow at Market Rasen recently, COOLER THAN ME could prove tough to beat off an unchanged mark. The eight-year-old is 7lb well-in and gets the vote over Gower Spirit. Matt Sheppard's mare has been unlucky to bump into two progressive rivals of late, although she may have to play second fiddle once more. The unexposed Perfect Nelson is worth a market check on his belated return to action.
Prediction : 1st Cooler Than Me 2nd Gower Spirit 3rd Perfect Nelson

CALL ME ARTHUR and Bataillon both won on their latest outings, but ready preference is for the former after his romp at Huntingdon. Tom Lacey's gelding relished the step back up in distance that day and if in similar form, he could prove hard to beat. Jongleur D'etoiles put his unseat two starts ago well behind him when outrunning his odds to finish second over C&D in December and commands respect.
Prediction : 1st Call Me Arthur 2nd Bataillon 3rd Jongleur Detoiles

It's hard to ignore the claims of CELTIC ART, who readily made it two wins from his last three outings over 2m3f here last month. The nine-year-old does take a drop in trip but that is unlikely to prevent him from continuing his brilliant form. Jack Hyde produced a good effort when runner-up at Cheltenham in November and has since undergone wind surgery, so he is one to keep an eye on. Brentford Hope and Aurigny Mill are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Celtic Art 2nd Jack Hyde 3rd Brentford Hope

Golden Son struck in comfortable fashion at this level at Warwick last month and has to be considered, but BEACON EDGE shades the vote. The veteran bolted up in a claiming hurdle on his final start for Gordon Elliott last May and justified cramped odds in a point-to-point last month. With a rating of 144, he is hard to ignore. Revels Hill is also respected.
Prediction : 1st Beacon Edge 2nd Golden Son 3rd Revels Hill