UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

An impressive winner of a Listed bumper here in November, GENTLE SLOPES wasn't disgraced on his hurdles debut last month and the step up in trip could be just what the doctor ordered. This represents a drop in class for Weveallbeencaught, who was third in a Grade 2 here, and he is likely to be thereabouts, along with School Days Over, who has four lengths to make up with the selection. Iliko D'olivate is an intriguing French recruit for powerful connections, while the unbeaten Firestep has a 651-day absence to overcome.
Prediction : 1st Gentle Slopes 2nd Weveallbeencaught 3rd Iliko Dolivate

The value may lie with POPPA POUTINE, who has improved with every start this season and went close over further at Haydock last time out. The six-year-old is still relatively unexposed in this sphere and the fact he has proven himself over further is another plus. Spiritofthegames rarely runs a bad race around here and he is a key player alongside Farinet, who could not have won any easier on his return at Chepstow at the expense of the reopposing Secret Reprieve (second). Runner-up in this contest last year off 2lb lower, The Wolf can also have a say in proceedings.
Prediction : 1st Poppa Poutine 2nd Spiritofthegames 3rd The Wolf

An impressive winner of both his starts over fences, THUNDER ROCK looks to be a chaser going places and this looks to be the prefect next step in his progression. Monmiral is undoubtedly the class act having won in Grade 1 company as a juvenile and he finished second behind Arkle favourite Jonbon on his chase debut at Warwick. Paul Nicholls' charge has yet to prove himself over this distance, though, and the bigger threat may come from Beauport, who was caught out in a tactical three-runner contest at Haydock but was a taking winner before that at Carlisle.
Prediction : 1st Thunder Rock 2nd Beauport 3rd Monmiral

Midnight River and Il Ridoto offer strong appeal judged on their proximity to each other when they finished third and fourth in the Paddy Power in November. The former ran on well up the hill that day and is taken to confirm superiority over the Paul Nicholls inmate. However, WAR LORD edges the vote given he is unexposed at this trip and posted a creditable effort on his only previous visit to Cheltenham - a respectable fourth in last season's Arkle. Brave Seasca fell in that race but is respected after a 2m4f success at Aintree last month.
Prediction : 1st War Lord 2nd Midnight River 3rd Il Ridoto

Nicky Henderson plays a strong hand with Marie's Rock, a Grade 1 winner in the Mares Champion Hurdle at last season's Punchestown Festival, and First Street, who won the Jerry Fielden at Newbury last month, both respected. However, preference is for the progressive I LIKE TO MOVE IT, who landed the Greatwood Hurdle with a bit in hand 49 days ago and his proven effectiveness at this course compensates for a lack of experience over the trip. Knappers Hill completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st I Like To Move It 2nd Maries Rock 3rd First Street

Dolphin Square, Call Me Lord and WILDE ABOUT OSCAR were the first three across the line in a series qualifier at Sandown last month and it could be worth siding with the latter given the way he was staying on near the finish. There is very little to split the trio on the revised terms but the selection edges a narrow vote of confidence on the basis he might improve over the trip. Last year's winner of this race Dolphin Square is rated as the main danger, although Thomas Darby is also considered.
Prediction : 1st Wilde About Oscar 2nd Dolphin Square 3rd Call Me Lord

Meatloaf could go off a worthy favourite after he scored at Wincanton by three lengths. He looks likely to go well again, but SHINJI really caught the eye when strolling home at Fakenham and is having his first start for new connections here. He could prove to be the value call in a fascinating contest, while Market Rasen winner Fiercely Proud and Frankel gelding Polemon are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Shinji 2nd Meatloaf 3rd Fiercely Proud