UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Unbeaten on both hurdling starts, including one at this course over a fractionally shorter trip in November, SCRIPTWRITER looks primed for another bold showing following a game win on the all-weather at Wolverhampton last month. Milton Harris' inmate kept on well to see off Perseus Way in the Prestbury Juvenile Hurdle on his penultimate start and, given the Gary Moore-trained gelding has since bolted up in the Chatteris Fen at Huntingdon, the selection demands respect on his return to timber. Comfort Zone was a game winner in a Grade 2 contest at Chepstow last month and is feared most, ahead of Jupiter Du Gite.
Prediction : 1st Scriptwriter 2nd Comfort Zone 3rd Jupiter Du Gite

Fire Dancer was a game winner on his return from a long break over 2m4f at Ludlow earlier this month, but this is a stronger contest and it is easier to side with UNEXPECTED PARTY. The Dan Skelton-trained gelding sports a first-time tongue-tie following a well-held second over 2m4f at Leicester last month and could be worth taking a chance on off a 1lb lower mark. Stage Star represents a stable in flying form and adds further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Unexpected Party 2nd Fire Dancer 3rd Stage Star

2021 Grand National hero Minella Times may have needed his latest spin over hurdles following a break and is entitled to be thereabouts stepping up in trip, but DELTA WORK secured victory by the narrowest of margins on his return to action in November and rates a solid contender. His latest run at this track saw him deny the exceptional Tiger Roll a fourth Glenfarclas Chase success and he can be expected to put in another bold effort. Singing Banjo finished in second behind the selection last time and would be dangerous to dismiss.
Prediction : 1st Delta Work 2nd Singing Banjo 3rd Minella Times

Narrowly denied in an epic renewal of this contest last year, ENERGUMENE has taken his form to a new level since then and his performance in last year's Queen Mother made him the standard bearer in this division. The fact the race has been rescheduled to Cheltenham is another plus and he should have too much for the admirable Edwardstone, who blotted his copybook when unseating in the Desert Orchid. His performance in the Tingle Creek though was of the highest calibre and, as an Arkle winner, returning to this track should hold no fears. Likely to set the pace up front, Editeur Du Gite cannot be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Energumene 2nd Edwardstone 3rd Editeur Du Gite

It was difficult not to be taken by the way FUGITIF dispatched his rivals at Chepstow over Christmas and going on the form of his previous effort here over two miles, the track should hold no fears as he looks to defy a further 10lb hike. Your Darling should be suited by going back in trip having not seen it out over further at Kempton, while Karl Philippe continues to improve. Course specialist Coole Cody, Il Ridoto and Phoenix Way complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Fugitif 2nd Your Darling 3rd Karl Philippe

PROTEKTORAT sauntered home to win the Betfair Chase at Haydock on his seasonal return and this looks a good stopping point before tackling the Gold Cup in March. Noble Yeats has resumed his progress with two more wins over fences since winning the Grand National last April and he isn't taken lightly in his current vein of form. Frodon has proved a grand servant to connections and could be dangerous if gaining an uncontested lead.
Prediction : 1st Protektorat 2nd Noble Yeats 3rd Frodon

PAISLEY PARK rolled back the years to land his first Grade 1 success in just over two years in the rearranged Long Walk Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day. The veteran looks to have been found a good opportunity to add to his haul of victories and rates the one to beat. Gelino Bello switches to the smaller obstacles after falling over fences on the same card and, as a top staying novice over hurdles last season, he is an intriguing rival. Dashel Drasher finished a good second here on New Year's Day and looks next best.
Prediction : 1st Paisley Park 2nd Gelino Bello 3rd Dashel Drasher

A case can be made for most of these, but the vote goes to HENRI THE SECOND. Paul Nicholls' charge was impressive when winning a Grade 2 at Sandown last month and, though he must concede weight all round, the improving six-year-old appears to hold leading claims. Can You Call landed a significant gamble when winning at Uttoxeter on New Year's Eve and he's considered, along with Pembroke, who bids to make it 3-4 over timber. Rock My Way bumped into a promising type over C&D earlier this month and he shouldn't be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Henri The Second 2nd Can You Call 3rd Pembroke

A wide-open contest to round out proceedings, in which only a tentative vote can go to MARTATOR. Now in the care of Venetia Williams, he made a low key stable debut when finishing down the field at Sandown last month. The son of Martaline ran to a high level in France, however, and a 4lb drop in the ratings for his latest effort could spark an improved display. Punctuation and Hacker Des Places have the ability to go close, similarly Might I, who was far from disgraced in a Grade 3 handicap at Haydock in November. Others to note include Jason The Militant, Hystery Bere and Pikar.
Prediction : 1st Martator 2nd Punctuation 3rd Hacker Des Places