3.40pm Taunton Tips & Betting Preview 16/11/2017

3.40pm Taunton tips for Thursday’s Class 3 race. Seven horses go to post for the feature race of the day at Taunton on Thursday afternoon, a 2m 5f Handicap Chase. Read on for our free betting tips, predictions and analysis.

IN SUMMARY: Despite jumping poorly at times and never travelling throughout the race, RESOLUTION BAY was only collared inside the final fifty yards by a horse who completed a hat-trick on his latest start. The pair were well clear of the remainder and he’s only four pounds higher here, which is far too lenient. He can break his chasing duck at the second attempt ahead of Notarfbad, who is on the same mark as a good second on his latest start.

1 SPORTING BOY – Nine year old who gained another victory when scoring at Market Rasen two starts ago, not disgraced in an Amateur Riders’ Handicap at Cheltenham when last seen. He’s on the same mark here and back under professional handling he’s unlikely to be far away.

2 RESOLUTION BAY – Has been a frustrating horse to follow for Philip Hobbs, but he posted a clear career best on chasing debut on his latest start, only beaten half a length in second. Considering he never travelled that day there was a lot to like and if fixing up his jumping, he should be far too well handicapped for these.

3 PRINCETON ROYALE – Lightly raced over fences for Neil King, running a good race when second at Fakenham two starts ago. His latest start at Aintree was bitterly disappointing and he needs to bounce back from that, but off a mark which isn’t harsh, that wouldn’t be a surprise.

4 THEATRICAL STAR – Eleven year old for Colin Tizzard who hasn’t won since December 2014, well held on his recent starts at Ascot and Chepstow. He fell at Aintree on his latest start which can’t have done his confidence any good. Best watched once again.

5 NOTARFBAD – Another who is on a losing streak, running well without managing a victory in 2017 for Jeremy Scott. He was a good second at Wincanton on his latest start behind a run-away winner and he’s on the same mark, so he has each way claims under Matt Griffiths.

6 MONSIEUR CO – Four year old for Paul Nicholls who has only run twice in this country, winning a weak race at Wincanton on British debut. He was hugely disappointing at Warwick when last seen in February but now enters handicaps on his chasing debut. He’s an interesting contender but others are preferred for now.

7 FEAR GLIC – Form figures of PF9P since completing a double in the summer of 2016 is hugely alarming, showing very little on his seasonal debut at Chepstow last month. He’s now back onto his last winning mark, but he requires a big leap of faith to back here.