UK Horse Racing Tips: Worcester

CHESS PLAYER has gone agonisingly close on his last two outings and a 2lb rise shouldn't be enough to prevent another bold showing here on his chasing bow, so he looks the one to side with for the Ben Pauling team. Boston Joe won consecutive races over fences before struggling over hurdles at Uttoxeter last month. The return to the larger obstacles could help him get back on track, while Gouet Des Bruyeres is another who disappointed when pulled up here over further last month. However, it would be foolish to write him off after that.
Prediction : 1st Chess Player 2nd Boston Joe 3rd Gouet Des Bruyeres

A competitive affair here, with all the runners having some sort of a chance. Slight preference is for TEXARD, who should find this much easier than when struggling in the Summer Plate at Market Rasen 10 days ago. Prior to that, he had won twice at Uttoxeter and the seven-year-old can return to winning ways here. Bathiva wasn't far behind the selection for the first of those wins, so, with a handy pull in the weights, Fergal O'Brien's runner could give him the most to think about, while Leapaway is another for the shortlist in a fascinating contest.
Prediction : 1st Texard 2nd Bathiva 3rd Leapaway

INTREPIDE SUD stayed on really powerfully to finish second here last time and a reproduction of that effort would likely be good enough to see him go one better. Lost In The Mist wasn't totally disgraced in his first two starts in bumpers here and could be the one to chase the selection home if finding some improvement, while Hobbs Joy is a newcomer to watch in the market for the Neil Mulholland team.
Prediction : 1st Intrepide Sud 2nd Lost In The Mist 3rd Hobbs Joy

Accidental Rebel was all out to win by a neck at Uttoxeter last month and an added 4lb may be enough to halt his winning run. He could still hit the frame, but Ben Pauling has his horses in good form and he sends NORTHERN BOUND back over hurdles after a win over fences here last month. He is better handicapped over the smaller obstacles and may prove too good for True Romance, who could do better wearing a tongue-tie for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Northern Bound 2nd True Romance 3rd Accidental Rebel

Gold Wing was not disgraced in third on her hurdling bow at Newton Abbot and even nominal improvement could see her mount a serious challenge. Call Me Tara is another to consider after her bumper second for an in-form yard, but it is GIRLOFMYDREAMS who catches the eye. A smooth, if narrow, bumper winner at Plumpton, she flew too high in the Aintree bumper at the Grand National meeting, but starts off at a more realistic level over hurdles.
Prediction : 1st Girlofmydreams 2nd Gold Wing 3rd Call Me Tara

Alan King is keeping his summer jumpers ticking over nicely and a big run is on the cards from GREYSTOKE if he improves at all for being gelded. Second last time out at Fontwell and only beaten three lengths, he races off the same mark here and appears to have every chance. Annual Review is weighted to turn the form around with African Sun and may be the one for the forecast, leaving Halifax for the minor placing.
Prediction : 1st Greystoke 2nd Annual Review 3rd Halifax

A wide open contest in which marginal preference is for CRESSWELL QUEEN, who reverts to hurdles following a couple of outings over the larger obstacles. Debra Hamer's charge is likely to face a stern challenge from handicap debutant Rocked Up, who ought to remain competitive following her recent maiden success. Present Storm and Sheila Nash might not be far away either.
Prediction : 1st Present Storm 2nd Rocked Up 3rd Cresswell Queen