UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

CLOTH CAP may well have been found the ideal opportunity to gain his first success in two years. The former Ladbrokes Trophy hero wasn't disgraced off a 5lb higher mark on his penultimate start in the Becher Chase at Aintree and the likelihood of him being able to get an uncontested lead enhances his claims further. Mister Malarky was runner-up on his first attempt in a veterans' contest at Exeter and commands respect along with De Rasher Counter, who, like the selection, has tasted success in Newbury's premier chase.
Prediction : 1st Cloth Cap 2nd Mister Malarky 3rd De Rasher Counter

PILEON took a step in the right direction when runner-up on his latest outing at Doncaster and the nine-year-old, who has dropped down the handicap in recent months, is capable of going one better. Dargiannini returned to hurdles with a victory at Uttoxeter in January having previously fallen over the larger obstacles. An 8lb rise is unlikely to stop him from being competitive, while Jay Bee Why and Lock's Corner are others who boast solid credentials.
Prediction : 1st Pileon 2nd Dargiannini 3rd Jay Bee Why

Both Zanza and PAINT THE DREAM save their very best for Newbury with the pair both unbeaten here over fences. The former arrives having posted a career-best performance when landing the Denman over 3m, but preference goes to the latter. The nine-year-old turned this contest into a procession 12 months ago and did something very similar over C&D in November. He wasn't disgraced when attempting to give Pic D'Orhy a race in the Silviniaco Conti at Kempton in January and the return to this track may yield another top-class display. Sebastopol is talented on his day and is respected on his first outing since landing a Grade 2 novice event here in November.
Prediction : 1st Paint The Dream 2nd Zanza 3rd Sebastopol

A taking winner on his handicap debut at Huntingdon last month, ARTISTIC CHOICE can follow up off a 6lb higher mark for his in-form connections. Gipsy De Choisel must hold every chance if bouncing back to the form of his penultimate effort, while the same can be said of Master Dancer, who ran too bad to be true at Kempton. Last year's winner Black Poppy cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Artistic Choice 2nd Gipsy De Choisel 3rd Master Dancer

PONCHO was a determined win at Plumpton last time and he looks just the type to excel in handicaps off a relatively lowly mark of 115. Better ground should suit as well as he looks to see off Matata, who is talented but ran out at Wincanton on his most recent outing, as well as the unexposed Southwell winner Dom Perry.
Prediction : 1st Poncho 2nd Matata 3rd Dom Perry

NEON MOON finished second in a Grade 3 at Ascot last month and, given that he's open to improvement over fences, this looks a good opportunity for the gelding to go one better. Sam Barton was hampered and pulled up early on at Wincanton a fortnight ago and that outing is best forgotten. He makes much more appeal judged on his past form and is a clear second choice. Flash Collonges completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Neon Moon 2nd Sam Barton 3rd Flash Collonges

SEEYOUINMYDREAMS, who changed hands for 235,000gns after she won a point-to-point last April, is an interesting recruit for the Paul Nicholls yard and can get off the mark under Rules at the first time of asking. As is the case with the selection, Meadowsuite has undergone wind surgery but is still an appealing alternative on debut for a high-profile yard. Donald McCain's Chatshow Host also arrives after winning between the flags and she adds further spice to what promises to be an informative bumper.
Prediction : 1st Seeyouinmydreams 2nd Meadowsuite 3rd Chatshow Host