UK Horse Racing Tips: Stratford

DRUMLEE SPUD looked outpaced over the extended 2m3f at Bangor last month, so it was to her credit that she was only beaten a neck into second. Ben Pauling's charge ought to have learned plenty from that initial experience and she is fancied to go one better now upped in trip. Point winner Coco Mademoiselle made a winning start under Rules when successful in a bumper last season. She needs taking seriously today, as does Newmill Getaway, who hit the woodwork at Exeter three weeks ago.
Prediction : 1st Drumlee Spud 2nd Coco Mademoiselle 3rd Newmill Getaway

Donnie Azoff struck over an extended 2m here in September and he must be respected following a series of creditable efforts, but Jamie Snowden's charge might struggle conceding 8lb to VORASHANN, who is 9lb clear on official ratings. The seven-year-old hasn't been seen since contesting a class 3 handicap on Boxing Day, but this looks an excellent opportunity to make a winning reappearance. Laser Focus appeals most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Vorashann 2nd Donnie Azoff 3rd Laser Focus

NICKLE BACK turned a potentially trappy heat into a procession at Warwick, where he recorded a 24-length success. Sarah Humphrey's charge was hit with a 10lb rise for that win, but he can only improve over the larger obstacles and might be a tough nut to crack. Hystery Bere was in action on the Flat last month and that should have teed him up nicely for today. He can give the selection most to think about, while Shakem Up'arry is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Nickle Back 2nd Hystery Bere 3rd Shakem Uparry

Ex-Irish recruit Macanogue opened his account at Kilbeggan in May and he merits respect on his stable debut for Dr Richard Newland. However, the six-year-old may prove vulnerable conceding 6lb to BOWENSPARK. The son of Walk In The Park finished a cracking fourth in the Grade 2 Aintree NH Flat race in April and the gelding looks the one to beat if translating that ability to hurdling. Clararose may fare best of the remaining rivals.
Prediction : 1st Bowenspark 2nd Macanogue 3rd Clararose

Bitsnbuckles only sets a modest standard on on his mid-division finish at Ludlow last Thursday and the five-year-old may prove more competitive once entering handicaps. With that in mind, it might pay to take a chance on the Dan Skelton-trained HAVOCK. The selection offered something to work with when fourth at Warwick on New Year's Eve and he may prove a different proposition on his hurdling bow. Gladys Eva Jane also enters this sphere for the first time and warrants consideration.
Prediction : 1st Havock 2nd Gladys Eva Jane 3rd Bitsnbuckles

It is hard to get away from the James Owen-trained KING OTIS, who shoulders a 7lb penalty after making all on his stable bow at Plumpton recently. Conditional Jamie Gambin effectively negates that rise with his 10lb claim and the seven-year-old should take all the beating. The selection will likely encounter more arduous conditions in this contest, which may offer some hope to handicap debutant Smart Casual, while Merry Dreamer is worth noting in the market having changed stables.
Prediction : 1st King Otis 2nd Smart Casual 3rd Merry Dreamer

An open-looking contest in which recent Bangor winner Justshortofabubble has to be considered with race fitness on his side, even though a 6lb rise won't make things easier in a deeper race. For all that, it may pay to look at some of the less-exposed seasonal returnees, particularly the mud-loving PILOT SHOW, who caught the eye on his final start last season after wind surgery. Another Day Out should relish this longer trip on his handicap bow and also merits respect.
Prediction : 1st Pilot Show 2nd Another Day Out 3rd Justshortofabubble

The market is likely to hold the key to this all-newcomer event and, providing the vibes aren't unduly negative about DAMEOFTHECOTSWOLDS - a half-sister to a bumper winner - she looks one to focus on with Nigel Twiston-Davies' string currently running well. Rockola and La Marquise also hail from yards which are capable of saddling bumper winners and have to be considered along with Love Tree, who sports an attractive Flat pedigree.
Prediction : 1st Dameofthecotswolds 2nd Rockola 3rd La Marquise