UK racing tips – Thursday 14 December 2023

TAUNTON

Race 1 – DANCING HARRY 7/2

DANCING HARRY arrives fit from running on the flat. Holds plenty of scope for improvement in the handicap hurdle sphere and is now 2.2lb lower than when fourth on handicap hurdle debut at Taunton earlier in the year.

Trained by Roger Teal and looks well-treated based on his second to a smart rival among maiden company here last season.

Karloss won his stable debut at Sedgefield in October and cannot be ignored off a 8.8lb higher mark.

Last-start course and distance handicap hurdle runner-up Johnny Boom might get involved. Omaha Wish looks interesting going handicapping back on soft ground.

Race 3 – FIERCELY PROUD 13/8

The Ben Pauling-trained FIERCELY PROUD looked good landing a Hereford maiden hurdle. Will have more to do under the penalty but can make it two from two with hurdles.

Beny Nahar Road represents connections who won this last year. Looms a danger having chased home a smart performer at Newbury in latest.

Geezer Rockstar has not been sighted since winning a course and distance jumpers flat 245 days ago however warrants respect on hurdling debut.

Avada Kedavra might find the frame.

Race 5 – HARDY BOY 7/2

HARDY BOY has been in good condition of late. Went close finishing runner-up attempting a course and distance handicap chase and looks capable of going one better adopting a first-time visor.

The Harry Fry-trained Hymac pulled up when returning a disappointing favourite on chasing debut at Chepstow. Provided some decent efforts in maiden hurdles last season and may leave that well behind with a first-time tongue-tie fitted here.

Form of a Game Winner chasing debut third at Sandown took a sizeable boost when the winner scored among G1 company this weekend. Might be thereabouts.

Riskintheground rates a live each-way chance.

Race 8 – MACTAVISH 11/2

MACTAVISH may complete a hat-trick at Taunton. He battled on well to win narrowly a novices handicap hurdle at Hereford.

The front pair pulled clear of the third that day and another success is anticipated especially if conditions dry out in the coming days.

Gyllen proved he stays this journey and cannot be dismissed following a commanding handicap hurdle success over 2m3f here last time.

Wot You Wearing seeks third-straight win following back-to-back victories tackling 2m3 1/2f at Chepstow.

Last-start course and distance winner Top Cloud can be considered.

NEWCASTLE

Race 1 – FFREE PEDRO 5/2

Free Pedro produced a sound effort on first handicap outing when runner-up at Bangor-On-Dee during March.

There could be further progress from this seven-year-old and stable conditional Charlie Maggs is excellent value for his 11.0lb claim.

Form of a Classic Maestro maiden hurdle second at Hexham took a boost when the winner scored under a penalty. Respect now handicapping.

Poetria races off 1.11.0lb lower than when third in a handicap hurdle at Sedgefield two starts ago. KIan Calling might find the frame.

Race 3 – IKARAK 6/5

IKARAK won a novice hurdle at Worcester in October. Finds a good opportunity to follow up.

It’s tough to rule out Both Barrels who shaped as though the stiffer stamina test would suit when battling on into fourth over 2m4f at Carlisle making initial hurdle outing.

Sedgefield maiden hurdle runner-up Workhardplayhard is also likely to feature with this extra distance a positive.

Point-to-point winner Young Jack cannot be discounted delivering his debut under rules.

Race 6 – INGENNIO 15/4

INGENNIO remains a hurdling maiden however arrives on good terms after finishing third over 2m4f at Uttoxeter where he shaped as though dropping back to 2m1f would suit. Rates highly dropping 2.2lb for that effort.

For Three handles testing conditions and would hold major claims on form shown when runner-up in a handicap hurdle at Sedgefield during November.

Hashtag Lord was fourth on chasing debut at Musselburgh and cannot be dismissed revisiting hurdles. Place claims go the way of Ballyquin Bay.

Race 7 – ROEBUCK BAY 10/3

ROEBUCK BAY looked in need of experience when fifth attempting a Kelso jumpers flat on debut last month. Will know more this time while receives an additional fillies allowance.

Get A Superstar finished runner-up at Carlisle on stable debut and probably sets the standard on what he achieved that day.

Others to note include Irish raider Ilitch who represents connections that do well in this sphere and newcomer Frankie Lamb.