UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

A well-bred German recruit, KOUROSH made quite the impression on his domestic debut at Wetherby last month, and there should be plenty more to come from the three-year-old. Dan Skelton's charge may have too much for An Bradan Feasa, who arguably sets the standard on form after a respectable runner-up effort in Grade 2 company here on his first start for the Jack Jones stable. A winner at Clairefontaine on his debut and now in the hands of Paul Nicholls, Kabral Du Mathan must be noted for market support.
Prediction : 1st Kourosh 2nd An Bradan Feasa 3rd Kabral Du Mathan

MOFASA may have joint top-weight to contend with in this competitive affair, but he has done very well since joining the Paul Nicholls yard, and going further up in trip should not inconvenience after a taking success at Huntingdon last month. He can overcome a 5lb rise at the main expense of unexposed Exeter scorer Wiseguy, and Irish raider Midnight Our Fred, who ran a career-best when second here in October. Everything'sontick and Weveallbeencaught have the form to get involved in proceedings as well.
Prediction : 1st Mofasa 2nd Wiseguy 3rd Everythingsontick

An eye-catcher when staying on from off the pace over slightly shorter here at the October meeting, IN EXCELSIS DEO looks like a winner waiting to happen, and returning to soft ground is another plus for the son of Saddex. A mark of 132 could greatly underestimate his true ability and he gets the vote ahead of the talented Calico, who has finished behind some high-class rivals over the past year, but is far better suited by drier ground. Betfair Hurdle winner Aucunrisque could be dangerous if allowed to dictate in front.
Prediction : 1st In Excelsis Deo 2nd Calico 3rd Aucunrisque

IL RIDOTO tends to go well here and ran another cracking race on his reappearance in the Paddy Power Gold Cup when overcoming interference at a crucial stage to grab third place behind his impressive stablemate Stage Star, finishing four lengths ahead of Fugitif. At just six-years-old, there is still improvement to come and he might have it in him to overcome the challenge of Thunder Rock who confirmed himself on the upgrade with a smooth win at Carlisle last month.
Prediction : 1st Il Ridoto 2nd Thunder Rock 3rd Fugitif

An intriguing contest in which Irish raider Malina Girl again has to be considered despite picking up an 11lb rise for a commanding course win last month (City Chief 14 lengths away in fourth). For all that, Nigel Twiston-Davies has made no secret of the high regard in which he holds the novice BROADWAY BOY, who could be well ahead of this opening chase mark on the evidence of an emphatic Listed success over 3m here last month. Of the remainder, Easy As That shaped well in the Pappy Power on his return and looks worth a tilt at this longer trip.
Prediction : 1st Broadway Boy 2nd Malina Girl 3rd Easy As That

It's hard to get away from SHANAGH BOB after the expensively-bought point-to-point scorer made a winning start under rules at Plumpton, despite looking ill at ease on the sharp circuit. This stiffer track should play much more to his strengths and he looks to have more scope than fellow point winner Illico De Cotte, who is bound to improve for the experience of just being touched off at Lingfield last month. Destroytheevidence has already won three times over hurdles and clearly enters the equation too.
Prediction : 1st Shanagh Bob 2nd Illico De Cotte 3rd Destroytheevidence

Plenty of in-form rivals line up in this field with the nod going to NURSE SUSAN. Dan Skelton's charge was a good fourth in the Mares' Novice Hurdle at this venue in March 2022 when last seen over hurdles and with the benefit of a run over fences at Exeter last month, she looks primed to go close. Bonttay is feared most for the in-form Fergal O'Brien yard, with this step up in trip likely to suit despite a 5lb rise in the ratings for her victory at Hereford, while Good Look Charm makes most appeal of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Nurse Susan 2nd Bonttay 3rd Good Look Charm