UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

HELTENHAM is certainly a gelding on the up, impressively winning three races since Boxing Day, culminating in a 25lb hike in the ratings. The six-year-old won as he liked at Newbury last time and, representing a stable going great guns at present, he can strike again. Gemirande never seems to run a bad race and should make his presence felt, while Unanswered Prayers has a chance on the form of his Old Course success here in November.
Prediction : 1st Heltenham 2nd Gemirande 3rd Unanswered Prayers

The classy BOLD ENDEAVOUR could give weight and a beating to these rivals. He is two from four since joining Nicky Henderson and emerged with plenty of credit when fifth in the Coral Cup at the Festival here last month. Racing off a 1lb lower mark in a lesser race, he looks sure to mount a bold bid. The drying ground will suit Homme Public, who warrants respect lining up off the same rating as when runner-up at Bangor last time. Master Chewy is interesting back in a handicap after never threatening in the Ballymore.
Prediction : 1st Bold Endeavour 2nd Homme Public 3rd Master Chewy

WAKE UP EARLY gets a tentative vote in what looks a tricky puzzle for punters to solve. The nine-year-old hasn't done a great deal wrong since joining the shrewd Dr Richard Newland stable and was game in victory at Sedgefield most recently. A 2lb rise for that success is fair and with the addition of a first-time visor, he can play a leading role once more. The locally-trained Checkitout has been creeping down the ratings and merits consideration, while To Be Sure and Almazhar Garde are a couple of others to note.
Prediction : 1st Wake Up Early 2nd Checkitout 3rd To Be Sure

ROCK MY WAY may have been a disappointment in the Albert Bartlett when pulling up, but he had been in excellent form prior to that and a return to this distance could be just what the doctor ordered. His course form is a major plus and he might be able to see off the likes of easy Warwick winner Pikar and Red Dirt Road, who looked smart when scoring at Exeter. Completing the shortlist are the likes of The Carpenter, The Friday Man and Theatre Man.
Prediction : 1st Rock My Way 2nd Pikar 3rd Red Dirt Road

Just over two lengths separated Captain Cattistock (first) and MISTER MALARKY (second) in this contest last year and it is the latter who is taken to come out on top this time around, courtesy of a 5lb pull at the weights. Richard Bandey's charge proved his recent wellbeing when narrowly denied at Exeter on his penultimate start and he gets the vote ahead of the former, as well as Old Course winner Definite Plan and Percussion, who should appreciate going back up in trip. Java Point and Lord Du Mesnil cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Mister Malarky 2nd Captain Cattistock 3rd Percussion

On The Blind Side was a game winner over this trip at Newbury last month, but he steps up in class here and has to shoulder top-weight, so the vote goes to PRESS YOUR LUCK. Chris Gordon's eight-year-old was an emphatic winner over an extended 2m5f at Wincanton in February and can have a big say in proceedings here, especially as Freddie Gordon negates all of the gelding's 6lb rise for that success with his 7lb claim. Santos Blue arrives on a four-timer and is feared most, while Broadway Boy is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Press Your Luck 2nd Santos Blue 3rd Broadway Boy

This could go the way of MAYHEM MYA, who steps up in class following a comfortable success over 2m at Sandown last month. Although now up to a mark of 119, Chris Honour's six-year-old remains open to further improvement and looks capable of securing the double. Ballygeary has won his last two starts under penalties and should not be dismissed lightly on his handicap bow, while Black Poppy is another to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Mayhem Mya 2nd Ballygeary 3rd Black Poppy