UK Horse Racing Tips: Wetherby

Jar Du Desert, who placed in strong juvenile hurdle company before winning a chase in his native France, is very much one to note on his UK debut, but he may have his work cut out to defeat HELTENHAM. The six-year-old made a name for himself over fences last season with three successive wins before taking a tumble at Cheltenham on his final start and Dan Skelton's decision to opt for a confidence-boosting return over hurdles could easily prove fruitful. Lunar Chief showed ability when landing a Newcastle bumper last season and looks the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Heltenham 2nd Jar Du Desert 3rd Lunar Chief

Useful hurdler Nells Son got off the mark over the larger obstacles at Carlisle on his reappearance last month but it's hard to know exactly what he achieved considering his two market rivals both fell. With that in mind, he may be worth passing over for JUNGLE JACK. A former point-to-point winner, the mud-loving seven-year-old has gone on to win five of his nine starts over hurdles but has long been considered a better prospect for fences. Inedit Star, another recent French recruit for Nick Kent, also merits respect on his chasing bow.
Prediction : 1st Jungle Jack 2nd Nells Son 3rd Inedit Star

Haafapiece and Copper Beach both enter the equation after recent second-place efforts, but any value may lie with dual course winner RAFFERTY'S RETURN, who invariably goes well here. Rebecca Menzies' charge obliged from this same mark here on Boxing Day and is open to improvement following his return to action a fortnight ago. Any positive market moves for Sporty Jim would be interesting after a long absence, whilst Serious Operator is better than he showed at Cheltenham last time.
Prediction : 1st Raffertys Return 2nd Haafapiece 3rd Serious Operator

UBETYA was beaten into fifth in a class 2 event at Cartmel in July and was dropped 2lb for that effort. The eight-year-old remains on a workable mark and he ought to go close. Cornerstone Lad remains extremely well-handicapped and should be thereabouts after his third at Perth when last seen in April. Of the remainder, Baron De Midleton and Erne River make the most appeal.
Prediction : 1st Ubetya 2nd Cornerstone Lad 3rd Baron De Midleton

FAVOUR AND FORTUNE backed up the promise he showed in bumpers last year to get off the mark in easy fashion at Hereford last month. The son of Soldier Of Fortune can take a step forward to defy his 5lb penalty. The main danger is Delgany Bobby Blue, who showed plenty of ability to finish second at Uttoxeter last time and could serve it up to the selection, while Sedgefield winner Tommy Time has Brian Hughes in the plate and should go well.
Prediction : 1st Favour And Fortune 2nd Delgany Bobby Blue 3rd Tommy Time

This might be a good time to catch IT'S GOOD TO LAUGH, who was running well on the Flat before a below-par showing at Chester. Jennie Candlish's charge boasts a good strike-rate over timber (3-6) and though he was pulled up over 2m4f at Newcastle when last seen in this sphere, a drop in trip should play to his strengths. Richmond Lake reverts to hurdles having recorded a double over fences when last in action. He is feared most, while Punta Del Este heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Its Good To Laugh 2nd Richmond Lake 3rd Punta Del Este

EAST STREET was relatively well found in the market ahead of his seasonal return at Carlisle last month, but he was ultimately pulled up following a couple of jumping errors. That said, he is 2-4 at this venue and it would come as no surprise were he to post an improved effort back here from his last winning mark. The consistent Ladronne can make his presence felt, while Le Grand Vert should not be underestimated for last year's winning trainer.
Prediction : 1st East Street 2nd Ladronne 3rd Le Grand Vert