UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

CHANTRY HOUSE has had a tall reputation since his point-to-point days and the form of his two victories with Nicky Henderson both stack up particularly well. A bumper winner at Warwick, when getting the better of Edwardstone and Shan Blue, who are rated 142 and 139 over timber, the son of Yeats made a pleasing start to life over hurdles at Cheltenham in December having defied greenness to score in comfortable fashion. That effort was backed up by the second, Stolen Silver, winning a Grade 2 at Haydock on his next start and this exciting individual is unlikely to have any issue giving weight to all of his rivals bar Mahler's Promise. Seamus Mullins' gelding was a surprise winner over C&D two starts ago but fell at the first on his subsequent visit to the course last month. With that in mind, the main threats could prove to be L'Air Du Vent, who arrives after wind surgery having shown promise on his hurdling debut at Cheltenham, and Tremwedge, who placed in a Grade 3 contest at Fairyhouse and is of interest on his debut for Alan King.
Prediction : 1st Chantry House 2nd LAir Du Vent 3rd Tremwedge

DOLPHIN SQUARE benefited from a more positive ride than he received when fourth on his handicap debut over C&D when scoring in good style at Ludlow last month. The son of Shantou remains open to further progression and he can handle a 6lb rise from the assessor. One For The Team has enjoyed a consistent season to date and will need to be competitive to ensure his place in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham, for which he qualified at Warwick last time, while the step up in trip promises to suit Thunderstruck on his handicap bow based on his second at Wincanton in October.
Prediction : 1st Dolphin Square 2nd One For The Team 3rd Thunderstruck

ALTIOR wasn't quite good enough to see off Cyrname in the 1965 Chase at Ascot in November, though he wasn't disgraced in second and should be much more at home over this shorter distance. Nicky Henderson's star has taken a few hits to his reputation in recent months, particularly with the emergence of Defi Du Seuil and Chacun Pour Soi, but he is fully expected to get back on track here before aiming for a third Queen Mother Champion Chase victory. Kalashnikov should appreciate the return to this course but might want further these days, while the returning Dynamite Dollars adds another element of interest to this informative-looking contest.
Prediction : 1st Altior 2nd Dynamite Dollars 3rd Kalashnikov

NATIVE RIVER is without his regular pilot after champion jockey Richard Johnson picked up an injury last month, but Jonjo O'Neill Jr is a solid replacement and the pair can combine for success. The veteran won this prize in 2017 and 2018, and after a thumping Grade 2 victory at Aintree in December, is fully expected to be too good for these. Secret Investor was disappointing in the Caspian Caviar when last seen but should appreciate this switch to a smaller field, while A Toi Phil, a winner in Listowel 148 days ago, returns to action on stable debut for Gary Moore. Might Bite has been disappointing for a while now and is readily opposed.
Prediction : 1st Native River 2nd Secret Investor 3rd A Toi Phil

Mack The Man looks to be improving all the time and the form of his latest victory at Sandown is rock solid, with the runner-up successful at Listed level and placed in a Cheltenham Grade 2 since. He has snuck in off a lovely racing weight and should mount a bold bid, but preference is for Nicky Henderson's NEVER ADAPT. Although still keen in her races, she is growing up all the time and, with the likes of Not So Sleepy in the line-up, this race should be run to suit. She remains fairly treated despite going up 10lb for last month's course victory, so is expected to be bang there at the finish. The aforementioned Not So Sleepy will go hard and fast and merits respect, as does Haydock third Thebannerkingrebel, who will likely appreciate this slicker surface.
Prediction : 1st Never Adapt 2nd Mack The Man 3rd Not So Sleepy

MONT DES AVALOIRS has been set some stiff assignments so far this season, contesting Grade 2 contests both here and at Ascot, and today's drop into handicap company could make him tough to beat. He was only seven and a half lengths behind Champ over 2m4f on his penultimate outing, form which would likely be good enough to take this event. Highest Sun is better than showing at Warwick, where jumping poorly, and he probably deserves another chance, while Redzor's third at Cheltenham in November shows that he is more than capable.
Prediction : 1st Mont Des Avaloirs 2nd Highest Sun 3rd Redzor

Champagnesuperover and Adrimel were hugely impressive first-time-out winners at Ayr and Uttoxeter respectively and both have their chance, while Audacity and Ocean Wind demand respect after battling out the finish of a Listed bumper at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. However, the best form on offer is arguably BRIEF AMBITION's fourth at Prestbury Park in November, so he gets the nod. Fergal O'Brien's charge was only five and three-quarter lengths behind subsequent Listed scorer, and leading Cheltenham Festival fancy, Israel Champ in the aforementioned event and any improvement should see him go very close to winning this.
Prediction : 1st Brief Ambition 2nd Champagnesuperover 3rd Adrimel