UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

DON'T SHOUT took a decent step forward from his hurdling bow at Perth when scoring in good style at Hereford last month and an opening handicap mark of 120 could underestimate his true ability. The step up in distance is unlikely to prove any concern based on his pedigree, being a brother to Lisnagar Oscar who won a Grade 2 hurdle over 3m, and he represents a stable with a fine record at this meeting. Duc De Beauchene appeals as having further improvement to come, especially after a wind operation over the summer, while others to note include Voodoo Doll, who was third in a good handicap at Aintree last month, and Demon Fou.
Prediction : 1st Dont Shout 2nd Duc De Beauchene 3rd Voodoo Doll

FACT OF THE MATTER found the trip of 2m7f on the sharp side in the Grand Steeple-Chase des Flandres at Waregem in Belgium and the return to Prestbury Park, where he won in December, can see Jamie Snowden's gelding back to his best. Kingswell Theatre won this contest two years ago and is likely to be sharper after his effort in the Durham National last month, while cross country specialist Urgent De Gregaine completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Fact Of The Matter 2nd Kingswell Theatre 3rd Urgent De Gregaine

Al Dancer won on his chase debut over C&D last month and had GETAWAY TRUMP back in third on that occasion. While Nigel Twiston-Davies' gelding is entitled to improve from that effort, there was plenty to like about Getaway Trump's performance as he travelled strongly before shaping as though he benefit hugely fitness-wise from that outing. Paul Nicholls' inmate is 3lb better off with that rival on this occasion which could also make a difference. Rouge Vif placed in a Grade 1 at Aintree in the spring and made a pleasing start to his chasing career at Market Rasen.
Prediction : 1st Getaway Trump 2nd Al Dancer 3rd Rouge Vif

Only four go to post for a classy renewal of the Shloer Chase and POLITOLOGUE is fancied to take some beating on reappearance for Paul Nicholls. Second in the Champion Chase over C&D in March, his first-time-out record reads 2U111, and the prospect of soft ground should really play into his hands. Defi Du Seuil won the JLT Novices' Chase here earlier in the year but needs to prove himself at this distance over fences, while Saint Calvados, a late withdrawal from the BetVictor Gold Cup, should ensure that a generous pace is set. Admirable veteran Simply Ned is also noted but is generally seen to greater effect a little later in the season.
Prediction : 1st Politologue 2nd Defi Du Seuil 3rd Saint Calvados

Humble Hero has likely been targeted at this for quite some time but soft ground has to rate as a concern, while Benny's Bridge, a runaway winner over C&D at the October meeting, is also considered despite a 10lb rise. Monsieur Lecoq is a worthy favourite (at the time of writing) following his Welsh Champion Hurdle success at Ffos Las, but, at the prices, QUOI DE NEUF appeals most. A runner-up on his Chepstow reappearance five weeks ago, the five-year-old showed plenty of promise as a novice and might have been let in lightly here off a mark of 129.
Prediction : 1st Quoi De Neuf 2nd Monsieur Lecoq 3rd Bennys Bridge

Pacify remains unbeaten since switching to hurdles for Jamie Snowden and holds obvious credentials, but he moves up in class now on deeper ground that what he is used to and could just find the improving ECCO too good. The selection landed a traditionally strong novice event at Ascot earlier this month, staying on well to the line, and should be suited by the switch to this more stamina-sapping track. Scardura thumped the field on his stable debut for Neil Mulholland at Taunton last month and also merits consideration.
Prediction : 1st Ecco 2nd Pacify 3rd Scardura

TIME FLIES BY won here on heavy ground at the October meeting and is fancied to keep progressing for Nicky Henderson given that we know he handles the track and conditions. The four-year-old is a half-brother to a couple of bumper winners and can continue on the upwards curve before switching to hurdles later in the season. Everglow bumped into a nice one when second on debut at Chepstow last month on soft ground, while Israel Champ is likely better than what he showed at Worcester 25 days ago and could bounce back.
Prediction : 1st Time Flies By 2nd Everglow 3rd Israel Champ