We begin with the most valuable race of the day, the limited handicap chase for novices at Taunton, in which Rangitoto (14:10) holds strong claims of remaining unbeaten over fences. Paul Nicholls' former point winner has done little wrong since joining the trainer and, having impressed when winning an 18-runner handicap hurdle at Chepstow in November on his seasonal return, he confirmed the impression that he's going to progress into a smart chaser when following up on his fencing debut at Wincanton (beat next-time-out winner Webberys Dream) on Boxing Day. With question marks over most of his five rivals, Rangitoto looks a good bet to confirm himself a most exciting prospect this afternoon.
The second bet of the day comes at the same track an hour later when Carrickmines (15:10) lines up in the three-mile handicap hurdle. A stable stalwart for Dr Richard Newland over the years, Carrickmines may now be into the veteran stages but he shows no signs of slowing down, his course-and-distance win in early December merely compensation for his blunder two out at Wincanton a week earlier. Carrickmines' latest third to the progressive Water Garden at Ascot (travelled strongly for long way but dropped out/taken wide) suggested he still has more to offer and, in a race lacking strength in depth, Richard Johnson can steer him to victory again.
Whilst Andrew Balding is a respected trainer, especially with his winters forays on the all-weather, his seven-year-old mare Perfect Act (16:25) doesn't look the force of old and should be taken on in the six-furlong fillies' handicap at Wolverhampton. Granted, Perfect Act has been dropped a staggering 13 lb since her latest outing in similar company (just two starts ago) but she couldn't get the job done in a Kempton seller(worried out of it close home) last time and looks vulnerable again with the likes of the in-form Chester Deelyte and the unexposed Wishbone heading the competition.
Back Rangitoto @ 2.86 in the 14:10 at Taunton
Back Carrickmines @ 5.2 in the 15:10 at Taunton
Lay Perfect Act @ 3.3 in the 16:25 at Wolverhampton
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