Taunton afternoon racing tips: Best bets for Thursday, February 29

We start off with some details on our four selected horses at Taunton.

Don't forget to check out the full racecard, results and live odds in Planet Sport's racing live centre.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's first publication)

 

14:05 (Taunton) Activist

Activist was off the mark with hurdles producing a five length success last time. Up in trip and can win again.

Imperial Measure found the frame both starts over course and distance including when second recently and could get involved.

Wellwillya was a well beaten fifth last month however holds minor claims judging on previous third.

Whynotnowroy finished sixth against a big field earlier this month and might place.

 

15:15 (Taunton) Jackpot D'Athou

Jackpot D’Athou is fancied to redeem his lofty reputation by claiming victory in the Blackdown Motor Company Novices’ Hurdle.

The French import looked set to justify his big price tag of €165,000 when returning from a spell on the sidelines to win going away at Chepstow in early November.

Runner-up Party Vibes has since franked that form by scoring at Wincanton and Market Rasen to earn a rating of 121.

Paul Nicholls initially planned to step Jackpot D’Athou up to Grade One company at Aintree on Boxing Day, only for heavy ground to rule out a trip to Liverpool.

Instead, the five-year-old returned to Chepstow, where he let favourite-backers down by finishing a distant fourth, fading badly after coming under pressure three out.

However, despite all the recent rain, the hope is that he will encounter better conditions at Taunton, which should allow him to show his true worth and get back on track.

 

15:50 (Taunton) Kingofthewest

Kingofthewest has been running well for David Pipe and gets the nod in the Richard Williams Memorial Handicap Chase.

He showed a good attitude to get up late on at Chepstow last month and was unlucky to run into a well-treated winner in Clonakilty when second at Lingfield recently.

 

17:35 (Taunton) Sorceleur

Sorceleur can be another scorer for Nicholls and title-chasing jockey Harry Cobden in the Free Racing On Monday 11th March Open National Hunt Flat Race.

He has been placed in a couple of decent bumpers behind hot prospect Kel Du Large, who again impressed when making a successful debut over hurdles at Hereford on Sunday.

 

Taunton selections in full:

TAUNTON: 2.05 Activist, 2.40 Amalfi Bay, 3.15 Jackpot D'Athou, 3.50 Kingofthewest, 4.25 My Last Oscar, 5.00 Walk In Clover, 5.35 Sorceleur.