UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

A competitive race in which Gordon Elliott's race-fit Royal Eagle is likely to mount a bold hat-trick bid, while the progressive Black Poppy is also interesting on his first run since landing Haydock's valuable the Swinton Hurdle in May. For all that, the field is littered with likely improvers and, of that group, perhaps AFADIL is the most interesting having undergone a wind operation since scoring at Ayr on his last start.
Prediction : 1st Afadil 2nd Royal Eagle 3rd Black Poppy

The fact that Paul Nicholls is prepared to pitch recent French recruit JETRONIC straight into a contest of this nature at the age of four suggests he is held in high regard and it wouldn't be a shock to see him make a winning stable debut having relished soft ground in his native country. That said, Irish raider My Mate Mozzie boasts a hurdles rating of 146 and shouldn't be written off despite an odds-on reverse on his chasing bow, while Al Zaraqaan already boasts four chase wins, albeit on better ground in weaker company.
Prediction : 1st Jetronic 2nd My Mate Mozzie 3rd Al Zaraqaan

MEL MONROE is Gordon Elliott's sole representative from a host of pre-race entries and the mare could take some stopping in receipt of allowances after really catching the eye with an emphatic win in the mud at Downpatrick last time out in June. Irish compatriot Tag Man makes obvious appeal after defying a bad mistake to win comfortably at Listowel last month, while it will be interesting to see how the unexposed El Elefante goes now upped significantly in grade.
Prediction : 1st Mel Monroe 2nd Tag Man 3rd El Elefante

A runner-up in the Grade 2 Leamington Novices' Hurdle on his penultimate start, GINNY'S DESTINY carries some useful form into the next phase of his career and could well make a winning start over fences on his debut run for the powerful Paul Nicholls yard. Hurricane Bay is another useful hurdler to bear in mind now switched to the larger obstacles, while Irish raider Railway Hurricane is also feared with ground conditions sure to suit.
Prediction : 1st Ginnys Destiny 2nd Hurricane Bay 3rd Railway Hurricane

The bumper form shown by KAMSINAS is starting to work out well and, having registered a bloodless success on his debut over hurdles at Worcester 15 days ago, the Fergal O'Brien-trained six-year-old looks a novice to follow with interest at present. This is a good deal tougher and last-time-out winners Act Of Authority and Lookaway both command respect despite stepping up in class. The hat-trick chasing Enthused is also dangerous to omit from the equation based on his consistent profile, while Irish raider Toto Too is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Kamsinas 2nd Act Of Authority 3rd Lookaway

MOLE COURT has had a tremendous starts to his chasing career and this represents another step up the ladder for Ben Pauling's charge. Being a son of Court Cave, the rise in trip should hold no fear and he can land the four-timer at the main expense of progressive Irish raider Menindee and Court Master, who has done well since joining new connections and remains 4lb below his last winning mark. Trainer John McConnell has a good record at this meeting and Bella Bliss must be considered, along with Destiny Is All and Wick Green.
Prediction : 1st Mole Court 2nd Menindee 3rd Destiny Is All

Marginal preference is for SERIOUS OPERATOR, who ended last season on a high with a taking success at Ayr and the fact he won first time out out last term should stand him in good stead. The form of his stable is another plus and he may have too much for course winner Soul Icon, as well as Lallygag, who wasn't beaten far here on his latest start in April. Angels Breath could be of interest on his return to hurdles, while Bucko's Boy and Building Bridges also have the form to get involved.
Prediction : 1st Serious Operator 2nd Soul Icon 3rd Building Bridges