UK Horse Racing Tips: Hereford

With just the four runners heading to post, a fairly tentative vote is given to JEAN GENIE, who switches back to hurdling for the first time since May last year. His latest run over timber saw him only narrowly denied by the Paul Nicholls-trained Gaulois and, given that came over an extended 2m5f, he is fancied to bounce back on his return to smaller obstacles up in trip. Stellar Stream is a point-to-point winner over 3m and could benefit from stepping up in distance, while Jigginstown King is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Jean Genie 2nd Stellar Stream 3rd Jigginstown King

NIKHI was a creditable performer on the Flat for Jedd O'Keeffe and made a pleasing start to her hurdling campaign when keeping on for third over 2m at Ffos Las on her most recent outing last month. She is entitled to come on for that run and can improve here, but Circus Act has been placed in Ireland on her three latest starts and should not be taken lightly. Qoya finished a place behind the selection at Ffos Las and can't be overlooked.
Prediction : 1st Nikhi 2nd Circus Act 3rd Qoya

Bebraveforglory is now rated only 1lb above his last winning mark which, given this came at Stratford over an extended 2m6f last October, should not take him out of proceedings and he can be forgiven for a disappointing spin over timber last month. However, a stiffer stamina test could see LIGHTONTHEWING bounce back to winning form and, the fact he retains the mark following a decent third over 2m5f last month, he warrants a lot of respect. Born At Midnight could also make his presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Lightonthewing 2nd Bebraveforglory 3rd Born At Midnight

This looks a good opportunity for PLEASANT MAN to open his account over timber having hit the crossbar on his previous two attempts. Freddie Gingell's 7lb claim offsets a 2lb rise in the handicap and the son of Galileo, a smart performer when trained on the Flat, might take all the beating. Cabrakan has yet to run a bad race in this sphere and he's fancied to throw down a stern challenge, along with Bashers Reflection, who ought to remain competitive from a 2lb higher mark having finished a creditable second at Fakenham last time.
Prediction : 1st Pleasant Man 2nd Cabrakan 3rd Bashers Reflection

A few of these arrive with a bit to prove, so it might pay to side with the unexposed MASKED MATGIL, who showed a fair level of ability in her three qualifying runs. Tom Lacey's charge steps up in trip on her handicap bow and improvement is expected. Lady Pacifico ought to appreciate a drop in class having contested a 0-125 handicap at Newbury over the festive period, while Maid Of The Night is another to be considered off a handy racing weight.
Prediction : 1st Masked Matgil 2nd Lady Pacifico 3rd Maid Of The Night

ROOSTER COGBURN bounced back to form on the return to a right-handed venue recently, winning with ease over 2m. The veteran shoulders a 7lb penalty for that success but he should take all the beating if seeing out this 2m5f distance. Family Pot is another to consider after his 11-length romp here over 3m1f and, while he's not certain to prove as effective on this drop in trip, he won't be lacking for stamina. Judex Lefou shaped better than the bare form may suggest when fifth at Exeter earlier in the month and isn't discounted.
Prediction : 1st Rooster Cogburn 2nd Family Pot 3rd Judex Lefou

IDEFIX DE CIERGUES failed to fire in a class 3 contest at Chepstow in late December but a return to the form that saw him finishing second at the same venue on Rules debut would likely make him tough to beat. Sister Julienne is entitled to improve on her introduction when finishing third at Market Rasen and she merits consideration. Prairie Diamond and Emma Hamilton are most interesting of the newcomers and any market support might be worth noting.
Prediction : 1st Idefix De Ciergues 2nd Sister Julienne 3rd Prairie Diamond