3:25 Taunton Tips

Brentford Hope is a major danger here, but I just worry that the jockey might be a little too inexperienced. The jockey on board Celtic Art is also a 7 lb claiming apprentice, but he's posting some stats that are off the scale: he's 13 from 52, which is 25% in hurdles in the last year. He sauntered to victory at this course last time out, and that was the softest ground the horse had raced over. It's even softer now, and that will help too since he drops back in trip, so the poor ground shouldn't inconvenience him.

Fergal O'Brien's 8-year-old Soldier of Fortune gelding produced a good effort when runner-up at Cheltenham LTO in November, beaten just 1.25 lengths off a 2 lb lower mark. That followed a very good-looking run in a Graded Novices' heat at the same track. He has since undergone wind surgery. Big chance if coping with the softer ground here.

This 7-year-old has a mixed record, demonstrating promise in hurdles but facing challenges when jumping fences. With an 18% win rate, he has secured 2 victories from 11 starts, which shows he performs best in Class 3 hurdle races around this trip. He was unfortunately pulled up in his last chase outing at Exeter last month. Based on his hurdles form, the C&D appears good each-way value, provided the rain isn't too excessive.

Has won on heavy before and won over hurdles in October. Matched his peak RPR at Exeter over fences last run and should be positioned for a strong performance back over hurdles in the mud.

Very lightly raced 6yo who has kept good company this season and ran well enough behind the likes of Act Of Innocence and Hurricane Pat in maiden hurdles before catching the eye on latest start. Was a staying on third at Wincanton last time behind a pair of decent sorts who have both run well since. and have entries coming up soon off marks of 120 & 122 respectively. That suggests on handicap debut off a mark of 114 my fancy coukd be well in. Yard and jockey in good form lately and as a half brother of a class 3 chase winner I'm hopeful Harry Fry's charge could make up into a fair sort and his very interesting on handicap bow. Handled soft ground last time do should go on the ground and could be backed tomorrow so get on early.