UK racing tips – Monday 8 January 2024

TAUNTON

Race 1 – INSURRECTION 5/6

INSURRECTION sets a strong standard in the Farmers Friend Novices’ Hurdle at Taunton for Paul Nicholls.

The seven-year-old comfortably accounted for a highly-regarded rival in Diamond Ri at Exeter in November, in a race the stable has won with some decent types in the past.

He then travelled strongly for a long way in a Grade Two contest at Sandown before just being outstayed late on by Deafening Silence on bottomless ground.

This seems like an ideal opportunity for Insurrection to gain another confidence-boosting triumph prior to stepping back up in class again.

Race 2 – GOONHILLY 11/4

GOONHILLY can gain a deserved first success in the first division of the Blackdown Motor Company Maiden Hurdle following several encouraging efforts.

Dan Skelton’s gelding gave previous winner Norman Fletcher a good test at Aintree last time out and was 35 lengths clear of the third on that occasion.

He’s still finding his feet and should continue his upward trajectory of form here with a good showing.

Race 4 – DR T J ECKLEBURG 2/1

DR T J ECKLEBURG jumping let him down a bit on his latest start, but an improved round of fencing would put him in the mix for the Major Denis Burton Royal Welsh Memorial Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Evan Williams’ runner has hit a patch of form this term, winning two of his last five runs and placing on the three other occasions, most recently when beaten into second at Ludlow before Christmas.

He ran well enough to be held by just under two lengths in what was a better calibre of race than this, so a repeat of that effort could well be good enough.

Race 5 – INCA DE LAFAYETTE 9/2

INCA DE LAFAYETTE stands a good chance in the Stables Business Park Handicap Hurdle.

He posted a good win at Wincanton in a handicap hurdle back in October, when he won by 13 lengths at 5/2.

He did not finish the race last time out at Huntindgon, but he has good history at Taunton as he won here in February 2022 by four and a half lengths.