UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Cobra De Mai and Rocky's Treasure are closely matched on their clash here (new course) in April, the latter being 11lb better off for a 13-length beating, and both warrant respect, while Mindsmadeup and Na Trachtalai Abu are a couple of interesting Irish raiders. Rock The Kasbah and The Young Master, both course winners, are others to throw into the mix, but it might pay to side with COGRY. Each of his last three victories have come at Prestbury Park, including when winning this race two years ago, and Nigel Twiston-Davies will likely have him ready to roll on his seasonal debut.
Prediction : 1st Cogry 2nd Rockys Treasure 3rd Mindsmadeup

Torpillo fairly bolted up on his seasonal reappearance at Chepstow and any rainfall will boost his chances, but QUEL DESTIN rates the one to beat. He had the former 16 lengths behind when winning at Haydock in February and also brings solid Cheltenham form to the table, winning over C&D last November before a respectable fifth in the Triumph Hurdle (new course). Following a spin on the Flat 10 days ago, he will be fighting fit and looks sure to mount a bold bid. Soviet Pimpernel, Nelson River and Fanfan Du Seuil add further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Quel Destin 2nd Torpillo 3rd Soviet Pimpernel

BRELAN D'AS gets the vote representing the same connections that won this race 12 months ago. The eight-year-old ran consistently well throughout last season, finishing off with cracking efforts at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals, and he still looks potentially well treated off a mark of 138. A gelding that can race keenly and is likely to be covered up, he will be suited by having the front-running Saint Calvados in the line-up. Harry Whittington's charge is a fascinating player dropping out of Graded company for the first time since January last year and has undergone wind surgery recently. Knocknanuss also likes to go hard and fast and is respected, as is Doitforthevillage, who often runs well here.
Prediction : 1st Brelan DAs 2nd Saint Calvados 3rd Doitforthevillage

Tobefair appreciated the switch back to hurdles last season, finishing second in the final of this series at the Festival, and ended his campaign with a tenacious success here on the new course at the April meeting. He is entitled to run well on his return to action, but has a 7lb rise to overcome and the vote goes to CAPTAIN TOMMY. Harry Whittington's gelding improved with each outing over timber in his novice season, finishing second in a Listed contest at Perth in the spring, and he could have more to offer switching his attentions to handicap company. Sunset Showdown enjoyed a fine summer and is of interest on his handicap bow over timber, while Aye Right and Gunfleet are respected with a run under their belts.
Prediction : 1st Captain Tommy 2nd Sunset Showdown 3rd Tobefair

THE BUTCHER SAID made it four on the bounce at Newton Abbot when last seen in June and the step up to 3m might yield further progression with Olly Murphy's string picking up considerably over the past few days. Ramses De Teillee remains a novice over timber and warrants plenty of respect on what he achieved over fences last season, placing in both the Welsh National and the Grand National Trial, while Some Chaos, a four-time winner over fences last term, completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st The Butcher Said 2nd Ramses De Teillee 3rd Some Chaos

Paul Nicholls has won this three times in the last 10 years and his SECRET INVESTOR, who took the Grade 2 Future Champion Novices' Chase at Ayr on his final start of last season, could be the one to side with if fully tuned up for his reappearance. First Assignment was progressive over hurdles in the early part of the last campaign and was a winner at this meeting 12 months ago. This could be the right time to catch him, while similar could apply to Pym, whose only real blip came in a competitive handicap at the Festival here in March. Ireland won this last season and the raiding Go Another One could leave his Uttoxeter disappointment in the past, with the eye still drawn to his useful effort in a Punchestown Grade 1 in the spring, while Topofthecotswolds would be foolish to dismiss having won three on the bounce over fences in the summer.
Prediction : 1st Secret Investor 2nd First Assignment 3rd Pym

Fergal O'Brien has won the last two renewals of this contest and it is interesting that his only runner of the day, BUTTE MONTANA, takes part in this contest. The 52,000-euro Presenting gelding is out of a bumper winner and the stable, who are known for success in this sphere, saddled their first bumper winner of the season at Southwell earlier this week. Paul Nicholls unleashes Barbados Buck's, who changed hands for 210,000 euros following a second in the pointing field in April, with Nicky Henderson also tacking up an exciting prospect in the shape of Getaway gelding Time Flies By. A Book Of Intrigue, Jac Brown and Mahler's Promise all tasted success when last seen and that experience could prove crucial, while Nigel Twiston-Davies' newcomer The Newest One is closely related to the handler's former stable star The New One.
Prediction : 1st Butte Montana 2nd Barbados Bucks 3rd Time Flies By