Taunton racing tip: Mactavish ready to complete impressive hurdle hat-trick
Taunton off as freeze takes toll
There’s a few in with a shout of landing this three-mile handicap hurdle, but the support in both the betting market and the Tipstrr camp suggests a recent two-time winner can keep that run going.
15:50 Taunton: Christmas Meeting 30th December Handicap Hurdle (3 miles)
If the bookies have done their calculations correctly, then the two to beat are Gyllen and bottom-weight Samatian, with the former having won impressively around this track two weeks ago, and now with the extra benefit of Planet Sport bet ambassador Harry Cobden taking his reins for the first time.
Whether that is enough to counteract a 13-pound hike in weight over an extra half-mile trip remains to be seen, but any doubts would appear to enhance the betting value elsewhere, with Wot You Wearing apparently less harshly treated despite winning on his last two appearances, while the performance of Let’s Go Amigo in a first-time visor could be worth monitoring.
Planet Sport Bet: Bet £20+ cash on any runner in the race and if Let’s Go Amigo finishes in the first 3 places, get a £5 Free Bet
Attracting plenty of attention within the Tipstrr community, however, is Mactavish, another progressive type who has won both of his last two outings for the underrated Sheppard stable.
Trained by Matthew Sheppard and with son Stan in the saddle, this six-year-old gelding has been progressing nicely through his second full year over obstacles.
A couple of frame finishes at Uttoxeter and Hereford in early autumn proved to be the launchpad for further improvement, as he returned to the latter course twice in October and November, with each visit ending in a trip to the winner’s enclosure.
The last of those wins was particularly impressive, with Mactavish pushed all out to edge ahead of the favourite Bertie Wooster by a nose, with the other eight runners strung out 26 lengths and more adrift.
That success has earned him another half-stone to lug around three miles of the Taunton track, but there has been nothing yet to suggest that he will struggle to cope with the extra weight and distance asked of him here.
Mavtavish will again be in the very capable hands of Sheppard junior, who is fresh from riding his father’s only runner to victory on Wednesday (9/4 shot Johnny Mac at Leicester)
- Suggested bet: Mactavish in the 15:50 at Taunton
- Tip advised by Top Rated Jumps on Tipstrr
READ MORE: Taunton racing tips: Best bets for Thursday December 14
