Horse racing tips: 3 best bets to make it a terrific Thursday

Here's three to see if we're on the ball.

Taunton-racecourse

Nap

Templepark – 15:40 Taunton

It hasn’t taken Templepark long to make up into a much better chaser than he was a hurdler, recording his second win in this sphere – and first since switching to the Fergal O’Brien yard – when making all at Wincanton last month.

He was strong in the betting when runner-up on debut for this yard and didn’t need to improve on that effort to go one place better, jumping well in the main, around a length up when left in front at the last. A subsequent 8 lb rise in the weights looks fair and there could be more to come from Templepark.

Next best

Mabela 15:05 Taunton

Mabela doesn’t appear to be one of the leading lights in Dan Skelton’s budding yard, but she is a solid operator at this level, opening her account over hurdles on handicap debut at Huntingdon last season before progressing further to finish second on her next two starts.

Admittedly, her progress stalled when only fourth back at Huntingdon on her seasonal return last month, but she wasn’t unduly punished on that occasion, and is likely to strip fitter now. Also, that run came over two miles, and she will be much better suited by the return to this trip now.

Each way

Roycano – 15:50 Sedgefield

Admittedly, Roycano hasn’t stood much racing in recent years, but as a result he now finds himself on a tempting mark, and therefore could be worth chancing in what doesn’t look the strongest race of its type.

He shaped as though he was in need of the run after eight months off when down the field at Worcester in September, and is entitled to come on for that now. It will be interesting to see if there is any market support for him in a race where most have something to prove.

*Prices correct at time of publishing 

Scoot over to PaddyPower.com now for all the latest racing odds