UK Horse Racing Tips: Wincanton

Paul Nicholls boasts a strong record in this contest, having won four of the last five renewals, and his dual course bumper winner Flic Ou Voyou makes plenty of appeal after a solid beginning to his hurdles career when runner-up at Chepstow. That said, he comes up against FIDDLERONTHEROOF, who finished second on his debut for Colin Tizzard in the Persian War on the same card and the drop in distance is unlikely to pose any issues. Edwardstone displayed a fair amount of ability in NH Flat races, finishing second on all three outings, and enters calculations along with First Lord De Cuet, a winner at Plumpton in March.
Prediction : 1st Fiddlerontheroof 2nd Flic Ou Voyou 3rd Edwardstone

SAINTEMILION remains unexposed on just his fifth start over fences and a wind operation over the summer could well bring about further progression from Paul Nicholls' gelding. He finished behind Enola Gay over C&D in April but it would be no surprise if the form was reversed on this occasion, especially with the yard targeting this particular meeting. Keep Moving and Poker School departed at the same fence at Exeter when both in contention and are likely to be competitive once again.
Prediction : 1st Saintemilion 2nd Enola Gay 3rd Keep Moving

DANSE IDOL scored on her hurdles debut over C&D last December and based on what she achieved subsequently, placing in a Grade 2 at Sandown, there is an argument that she might be well handicapped off 129. The six-year-old could also have more to offer this season after a wind operation since winning at Fontwell in April. Deputy's Oscar clearly benefited from her summer break having won both her outings at Market Rasen, while Sixty's Belle and Organdi complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Danse Idol 2nd Deputys Oscar 3rd Sixtys Belle

Reserve Tank was all the rage ahead of his chase debut at Chepstow, having won Grade 1s at Aintree and Punchestown in the spring, but he tasted defeat when shaping as though he would benefit from the experience. That said, his jumping will need to improve and a chance is taken that IF YOU SAY RUN, the only mare in the field in receipt of 7lb, could take advantage. She bids to give champion trainer Paul Nicholls his 11th success in the contest and made a pleasing start to life over fences at Worcester. Solomon Grey won twice over the larger obstacles at Uttoxeter in May and is of interest after wind surgery.
Prediction : 1st If You Say Run 2nd Reserve Tank 3rd Solomon Grey

FUSIL RAFFLES has the best form on offer having landed a Grade 1 at Punchestown in May and can advertise his credentials as a potential Champion Hurdle contender. Nicky Henderson's four-year-old beat a good yardstick in Ireland, and may have even been a force in the major spring UK festivals but for an injury after his Adonis success at Kempton. Grand Sancy won the Kingwell here earlier in the year and ran well for a long way until falling on his Kempton comeback. Christopher Wood could improve after a wind operation and 182-day break for the same yard.
Prediction : 1st Fusil Raffles 2nd Grand Sancy 3rd Christopher Wood

PRESENT MAN has won this for the last two years and can complete a hat-trick for Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost. The nine-year-old handles any ground, goes well fresh and is a four-time course winner, and will have undoubtedly had this as his target throughout the summer. White Moon fell when travelling stylishly at this venue two weeks ago and could still be fairly handicapped off 142, while Give Me A Copper, a stablemate to the selection, is another to be interested in.
Prediction : 1st Present Man 2nd White Moon 3rd Give Me A Copper

MILLBANK FLYER is closely related to a few bumper winners, including the exciting Chantry House, and can make a triumphant debut for Harry Fry. Paul Nicholls' former assistant landed this in 2013 and 2017 and could thwart his old boss, who has an intriguing runner himself in the shape of Confirmation Bias, a half-brother to useful stablemate El Bandit. Talk Of Fame and White Walker are others to take seriously representing powerful stables.
Prediction : 1st Millbank Flyer 2nd Confirmation Bias 3rd White Walker