UK Horse Racing Tips: Chepstow

Born To Please made a successful return to hurdling at Uttoxeter in November, drawing the best part of five lengths clear of runner-up PRINCESS MONONOKE. However, an 8lb rise for the former gives Donald McCain's nine-year-old a great chance of turning the tables. Henry Oliver saddled the winner of this last season and his Darlyn is just 1lb higher than when scoring at Sedgefield on her penultimate outing, with this trip much more suitable than the three miles she tried subsequently. On The Quiet can't be ruled out following her Ffos Las near-miss.
Prediction : 1st Princess Mononoke 2nd Born To Please 3rd On The Quiet

DAGUENEAU was a useful stayer on the Flat and shaped with promise when fourth on his hurdling debut at Newbury. He would have finished closer had he not made a mess of the last, and is also reported to have lost a shoe during that contest, so much more can be expected. Not a lot separated Le Cameleon (third) and Ambion Hill (sixth) when they met at Exeter and both have to be noted, while Jac Brown and John Betjeman are others to keep an eye on.
Prediction : 1st Dagueneau 2nd Le Cameleon 3rd Ambion Hill

BEAUFORT WEST was thought good enough to take part in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham and was tried in the Grade 3 Silver Trophy here on his reappearance in October. Those experiences should count for plenty and he can finally get off the mark following wind surgery, with a tongue-tie applied. Adjourned is another to undergo a wind op following his opening hurdles appearances and is entitled to plenty of respect. Exelerator Express was only beaten a head in a heavy-ground Kelso bumper and is an interesting recruit to hurdling. Falberto and Jack Valentine are others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Beaufort West 2nd Adjourned 3rd Jack Valentine

ECTOR put in a career-best performance when second at Ffos Las in November and could go one step better with that effort under his belt. That was the six-year-old's first outing since a wind operation, and an unchanged mark of 79 is one that he can strike off. Here's Bingo was in the process of running a respectable race when unseating Lucy Gardner at Fontwell. Tanrudy, third at the same venue on Boxing Day, is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Ector 2nd Heres Bingo 3rd Tanrudy

KING ERIK finished fifth in an above-average bumper at Warwick in May and shaped there as though he would appreciate a step up in trip over obstacles. Ben Pauling has his string in good form and his six-year-old can take this after a wind operation. Nightboattoclyro sprung a 50/1 surprise over C&D last month and is duly noted, while Lieutenant Rocco needs a market check making his debut for Colin Tizzard.
Prediction : 1st King Erik 2nd Nightboattoclyro 3rd Lieutenant Rocco

Providing DUC KAUTO handles the forecast testing conditions, he will take some stopping. Colin Tizzard's charge arrives on the back of solid win and placed efforts at Wincanton and looks capable of defying a further 3lb rise. The Gipper is a three-time course winner and may ask most questions, although a falling mark gives Dorking Cock a squeak.
Prediction : 1st Duc Kauto 2nd The Gipper 3rd Dorking Cock

It might pay to side with JAISALMER, who wasn't beaten far on testing ground at Lingfield and he is entitled to improve for that first outing since May. Oxwich Bay lines up off the same mark as when runner-up at Market Rasen in November and he is likely to give another good account. Kauto The King is difficult to dismiss representing Colin Tizzard and Robbie Power.
Prediction : 1st Jaisalmer 2nd Oxwich Bay 3rd Kauto The King