UK Horse Racing Tips: Hereford

LELANT took a nice step forward to fill the runner-up spot on only his second handicap start at Taunton in November and he was given a 5lb rise for that effort. The six-year-old could have more to offer and is taken to defy his rating of 105. The main threat is La Gomera, who was beaten nine lengths by a potentially nice type in Aston Martini over C&D on her latest outing and she could get into contention on her handicap bow. Of the remainder, Talimar Pearl appeals most after his second at Fontwell.
Prediction : 1st Lelant 2nd La Gomera 3rd Talimar Pearl

GOBLET OF FIRE was well held when finishing fourth on his hurdles debut on heavy Sandown ground last time, which was an underwhelming start. However, he could easily take a big leap forward from that effort for the Nicky Henderson yard and the better ground could aid his cause. Silverbridge showed some fair ability on the Flat in a pair of maidens in Ireland and could have a say on his hurdles/stable debut, while Fantastic Artist is noted too.
Prediction : 1st Goblet Of Fire 2nd Silverbridge 3rd Fantastic Artist

LIGHTENING MAHLER won her only point-to-point start in good style in April last year and changed hands for 72,000 pounds after that effort. The daughter of Mahler could easily make an impression on her debut under Rules for her top connections. The main threat is Melusine De Pail, who brings experience to the table after placing on each of her two starts over hurdles so far. Any market support for Bare Assets in the tongue-tie would also be of interest.
Prediction : 1st Lightening Mahler 2nd Melusine De Pail 3rd Bare Assets

KIT'S COTY offered plenty of encouragement when a staying-on fourth over an extended 2m2f at Exeter in November. The daughter of Black Sam Bellamy boasts plenty of stamina in her pedigree and this longer trip may eke out the required improvement. Bumper winner Betty's Tiara also makes some appeal now tackling hurdles for the first time and the six-year-old is feared most, ahead of Scarlet O'tara.
Prediction : 1st Kits Coty 2nd Bettys Tiara 3rd Scarlet Otara

HARDY BOY has been knocking on the door of late and the seven-year-old looks to have been found a suitable opportunity to get his head in front. Although Ben Pauling's inmate has a 2lb rise to contend with for his close-up second at Taunton last month, this stiffer test of stamina may help. Inflexible's jumping has proved somewhat of a hinderance on his two chase starts this season, but he lurks on an attractive mark and is noted along with Shot Boii.
Prediction : 1st Hardy Boy 2nd Inflexible 3rd Shot Boii

Mactavish was far from disgraced when finishing third in a competitive handicap hurdle at Taunton last month and he's expected to remain competitive off a 3lb higher mark. However, the seven-year-old may have his work cut out to deny recent Haydock winner HILL OF TARA. Venetia Williams' charge escapes a penalty and should take all of the beating if coping with this quick turnaround. Handicap debutant Faha Belle could also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Hill Of Tara 2nd Mactavish 3rd Faha Belle

Martalmix'jac is only 2lb higher than his recent runner-up effort at Ludlow and is likely to be in the shake-up once more. However, it could be worth taking a punt on chase debutant SAMATIAN. The seven-year-old shaped better than the bare form suggests when sixth at Taunton last month and he looks just the type who could excel in this discipline. Natty Night comes with risks attached after almost refusing to race at Exeter, but he could go well if in the right mood.
Prediction : 1st Samatian 2nd Martalmixjac 3rd Natty Night