UK Horse Racing Tips: Bellewstown

Despite having something to find at these weights, JAMES HENRY looks the most likely to turn up and run his race. The Noel Meade-trained gelding arrives in better form than most, having finished second at Dundalk on his most recent start. Prior to that, he had also shown ability on turf at both Limerick and Gowran Park. James McAuley sets punters a real puzzle by running four here. Sweeping Statement is the clear pick on official ratings but obtained that mark for previous connections and has yet to hit form for his new yard. If anywhere near his best, he would take all the beating in a race such as this. Santa Catarina disappointed at Clonmel, but had been in fair form prior to that. First-time cheekpieces could make a real difference on this occasion.
Prediction : 1st James Henry 2nd Sweeping Statement 3rd Santa Catarina

HEER AT DAWN, who went close over course and distance last month from a wide draw, must have a real chance from a much more favourable berth. He made a bold bid before his early efforts just told inside the last furlong. Robert Whearty should be able to negotiate an easier passage on this occasion and save more energy for a late challenge. The Bog Bank proved too strong for Heer At Dawn when they met last time, overcoming stall 16 to win for Tom McCourt. Again handed a difficult draw on this occasion, she will do well to repeat that feat. Sod's Law has remained in decent form since winning at this track in June so has to be a live contender. Navorrosse makes a quick reappearance after her Listowel success and again has her chance.
Prediction : 1st Heer At Dawn 2nd The Bog Bank 3rd Sods Law

RANSOM has to defy a welter burden but comes here in great form and may be up to the task. He's been beaten less than a length when runner-up in his last two outings at Navan and Listowel and his stable is in excellent form. Fastman is four years without a win but is clearly on a competitive mark after three successive placed efforts. He turns out again quickly after finishing second over 7f at Down Royal on Monday. Tara Power was second over C&D in July and is now 2lb lower. He wasn't beaten far when sixth at Punchestown last time and may improve for the fitting of headgear.
Prediction : 1st Ransom 2nd Fastman 3rd Tara Power

POLAR BEAR is the one to beat on ratings. He ran some respectable races earlier in the campaign but seems to have benefitted from the application of a visor. Touched off in a Navan nursery on his penultimate start, he was then fourth in a valuable sales race at Naas and coming back in trip will suit him. Reinforce was placed three times in a row during the summer and wasn't beaten at all far in a Fairyhouse nursery last week. He's done most of his racing over a furlong further and has 6lb to find with the selection at these weights. Escaping The Jungle represents local connections and was a creditable fourth at Navan on her latest start. Those in front of her on that occasion have all advertised the form since.
Prediction : 1st Polar Bear 2nd Reinforce 3rd Escaping Thejungle

HARRY'S HILL goes for a hat-trick of wins over the minimum distance and can continue his progression. He won at Tipperary before slamming twenty rivals at the Curragh last month. The handicapper has had his say but Martin Hassett's charge can defy an 11lb hike. Inventor, a winner at Sligo on his penultimate start, has had three months off since being touched off by the selection at Tipperary. Taking riders' claims into account, he's 4lb better off on this occasion but that may not be enough given how impressive Harry's Hill was last time. Blind Beggar, useful for Richard Fahey last year, is still seeking a first win in Ireland but has run several good races including when runner-up over C&D in June. His latest run in a higher grade contest at Navan was creditable.
Prediction : 1st Harrys Hill 2nd Inventor 3rd Blind Beggar

It might be worth taking a chance on CARA SUSANNA as she steps up markedly in trip. Out of Ribblesdale winner Irresistible Jewel, she had her first two runs over a mile and on both occasions it appeared she would appreciate further. Aidan O'Brien saddles Honeycomb and Champagne. The former is bred in the purple and ran her best race to date when third at Galway earlier this month. Honeycomb is the highest rated of those with a mark. She was fifth of six in a Group 3 on her penultimate start but since disappointed over the course and distance. River Rain has some solid form to her name and is sure to prove popular with punters, despite the fact she has failed to justify favouritism on her last three starts. Chemdawg caught the eye on her most recent outing and it'll be interesting to see how she fares, while three-time hurdles winner Ted Hastings and Ballinrobe runner-up Bridgehead are other leading contenders.
Prediction : 1st Cara Susanna 2nd Champagne 3rd River Rain

ARCTIC BLAZE is one of three John McConnell-trained runners set to take part and with Rachael Blackmore aboard, she should go close. Successful on her penultimate start at Tipperary, the Roderic O'Connor bay since went down narrowly at Dundalk. McConnell also saddles Nevendon and Wild Shot, with the latter given second preference. The Cathal McGuckin owned eight-year-old is a 10-time winner and was a close fourth in the Ladies Derby at the Curragh on his most recent Flat start. Adrian McGuinness is responsible for Magnetic North and Lariat. The former is a five-time winner and while he disappointed on testing ground at Listowel last week, a much improved performance can be expected from him now with Tom Queally in the saddle. Lariat is also capable of making his presence felt, while others for the shortlist in this competitive affair are French Company, Franno and Storm Steps.
Prediction : 1st Arctic Blaze 2nd Wild Shot 3rd Magnetic North