UK Horse Racing Tips: Sedgefield

CIANCIANA may have been well beaten last time out at Hereford, but that was behind a subsequent Grade 2-placed filly and the form of her debut effort here in October also stands out. The step up in trip can see her to best effect as she looks to see off the attentions of Hidalgo De L'isle, who ran a fine race on his hurdles bow at Newcastle. Irish raider Hot As Pepper cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Cianciana 2nd Hidalgo De Lisle 3rd Hot As Pepper

BETTY BALOO was one of only three finishers when runner-up on her chase debut at Market Rasen last month and, with plenty of improvement expected, she is taken to go one better. That may be at the main expense of Son Of The Somme, who has done well since switching to the larger obstacles and looks feasibly handicapped. Hello Judge has strong claims on his penultimate effort at Newcastle.
Prediction : 1st Betty Baloo 2nd Son Of The Somme 3rd Hello Judge

Now that the penny has dropped for MAILLOT BLANC after a taking success at Hereford last week, there should be plenty more to come from Sophie Leech's charge. He gets the vote ahead of Coral Blue (second) and Socks Off (third), who were separated by just over a length when they met at Newcastle last month. Completing the shortlist are the likes of Astroman, Iolani and No Mor Isolation.
Prediction : 1st Maillot Blanc 2nd Coral Blue 3rd Socks Off

Former pointer TOM CREEN has shown ability in two starts over regulation fences for his current yard and, given that the form of his C&D success from last November was boosted by the runner up winning at Ayr on Monday, the signs are positive for this improving five-year-old. Large Action was a comfortable winner on his own chasing debut and he too merits serious consideration. Ingleby Mackenzie and Cash Again complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Tom Creen 2nd Large Action 3rd Ingleby Mackenzie

MOROZOV COCKTAIL has shown consistency over fences and, given that he seems to appreciate a good test of stamina, this looks a good opportunity for him to enhance his profile. Cut in the ground is ideal for the selection and, from just 1lb higher than his last winning mark, this is well within his compass. Onestepatatime and Sir Apollo are closely matched judged on their encounter at Wetherby on Boxing Day and are expected to be thereabouts.
Prediction : 1st Morozov Cocktail 2nd Onestepatatime 3rd Sir Apollo

Misty Mani finished third behind a progressive rival at Newcastle last month and, in receipt of weight, she's likely to pose a serious threat, but RAVENSCAR edges the vote. Philip Kirby's charge won a similar contest from a 1lb lower mark last February and this would appear to be a good opportunity for her to record a second success over timber. Maggie Barrett opened her account at this venue in November and she must be of interest back in a handicap.
Prediction : 1st Ravenscar 2nd Misty Mani 3rd Maggie Barrett

Donald McCain often does well with his point-to-point acquisitions and BALLYGEARY could provide him with another success. The six-year-old struck the woodwork between the flags in October and the son of Flemensfirth appeals as the type to progress in the National Hunt sphere. Raffles Wonder shaped with promise on his debut under Rules and he's fancied to take a step forward here, while Brawby could have a say in proceedings for the Roger Fell team.
Prediction : 1st Ballygeary 2nd Raffles Wonder 3rd Brawby