UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

Nicky Henderson tends to unleash one of his brighter novice hurdle prospects in this contest, with Buveur D'air (2015) and Jonbon (2021) being two good examples, and JERIKO DU REPONET is the next potential top-class recruit to be unleashed. His trainer couldn't have been more complimentary about the four-year-old in a recent stable tour, having been purchased privately after winning his point-to-point at Kirkistown in March, and it seems noteworthy that he appeared here for the media morning last Tuesday. Centara is expected to leave his effort in the Aintree bumper well behind him on his hurdling debut, while Grasshopper Time and Mountain Pass appear best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Jeriko Du Reponet 2nd Centara 3rd Grasshopper Time

DJELO scored on his chasing bow at Aintree last month and that form was franked by the fourth winning at Haydock on Saturday. Despite the lack of fences on that occasion, he jumped fine to beat a rival who had been very impressive at the same venue the time before and a 7lb rise doesn't seem to be insurmountable. The drop back in trip may benefit Persian Time, whose sole victory came just shy of 2m at Ascot on his hurdling debut, and he is preferred by Nico de Boinville over stable companion Russian Ruler, who ended up on the right track last season with victories here and at Kempton. That said, he had his third wind operation in the space of a year during the summer which has to be a concern. Lallygag is another to note on his first go over the larger obstacles.
Prediction : 1st Djelo 2nd Persian Time 3rd Lallygag

WODHOOH was made to work hard to maintain her unbeaten record at Down Royal but this should be a more simple task for Gordon Elliott's filly in her attempt to gain some valuable black-type. Max Of Stars enjoyed a productive spell over the summer months, winning four of her six outings, and has to be respected, along with Ludlow scorer Saisissante and Ragosina.
Prediction : 1st Wodhooh 2nd Max Of Stars 3rd Saisissante

Last season's Ballymore favourite HERMES ALLEN makes his debut over fences at this level, which suggests he has schooled very well at home. The son of Poliglote is a Grade 1 winner over the smaller obstacles here and could make an immediate impression for the in-form Paul Nicholls yard. The main danger is Nickle Back, who has been mightily impressive on both of his chase starts, including when bolting up by 19 lengths at Stratford last time. Tightenourbelts edges out No Ordinary Joe to be best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Hermes Allen 2nd Nickle Back 3rd Tightenourbelts

Sail Away has undergone wind surgery since scoring by a comfortable 11 lengths over 3m at Ayr when last seen in April and he could get involved off a 9lb higher mark. However, recent Grand Sefton third FRERO BANBOU gets the vote as his mark has been left unchanged which could make him tough to beat in this grade. Kandoo Kid was an encouraging second over C&D last time and would be foolish to dismiss.
Prediction : 1st Frero Banbou 2nd Sail Away 3rd Kandoo Kid

Dual Grade 1 winner MARIE'S ROCK ended last season's campaign with a respectable second in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree in April and Nicky Henderson's mare may have more to offer over 3m. She edges the vote on her return to action ahead of popular veteran Paisley Park. Although the son of Oscar may not quite be the force of old, he displayed enough ability earlier in the year to warrant respect in this contest. Dashel Drasher finished a cracking second in the Stayers' Hurdle at Cheltenham in March and is another who is worthy of consideration.
Prediction : 1st Maries Rock 2nd Paisley Park 3rd Dashel Drasher

HYLAND has taken his form to new heights since returning from a 180-day break this season, evidenced with victories at Warwick and Cheltenham in October, and a 6lb rise for his victory at the latter venue doesn't appear insurmountable for the son of Turgeon. Representing the red-hot Venetia Williams yard, fellow last-time-out winner Ramo is sure to have his supporters too. The six-year-old is likely to be in the shake-up once more, while handicap debutant Hoe Joly Smoke and the progressive Ed Keeper are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Hyland 2nd Ramo 3rd Hoe Joly Smoke