UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

BURDETT ROAD had Milan Tino (third) seven lengths behind at this level over an extended 2m here in November and, even though he is 5lb worse off this time around, he can confirm his superiority over that rival. James Owen's gelding is unbeaten in two starts over hurdles and sets a stiff standard with a rating of 137, so he looks the one to beat. The main danger is Sir Gino, who justified odds-on favouritism in comprehensive fashion for his powerful connections at Kempton last month and could have plenty more to come.
Prediction : 1st Burdett Road 2nd Sir Gino 3rd Milan Tino

Ginny's Destiny is likely to have his supporters after accounting for subsequent Grade 2 winner Grey Dawning by just under a length over C&D last month and he is a big player stepping back into the handicap ranks. However, slight preference is for the Emma Lavelle-trained TIGHTENOURBELTS, who was highly tried and well beaten in the Kauto Star at Kempton on Boxing Day but bolted up by 10 lengths when last seen in a handicap at Ludlow in November. Blow Your Wad and Persian Time are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Tightenourbelts 2nd Ginnys Destiny 3rd Blow Your Wad

Victtorino is unbeaten in two chase starts for the Venetia Williams stable, with both wins coming at Ascot over 3m, and he could get into contention off 4lb higher than the latest of those successes. However, the vote goes to IL RIDOTO, who was involved in a dramatic finish when being denied by only a short head over C&D last month and a 5lb rise may not be enough to prevent him from going one better. Last-time-out winner Excello is another to note on his handicap bow.
Prediction : 1st Il Ridoto 2nd Victtorino 3rd Excello

Royale Pagaille got back on track with a commanding win in the Betfair Chase last time out and, though he merits respect, ground conditions might not be ideal for him. With that in mind, preference is for last year's Albert Bartlett hero STAY AWAY FAY. Paul Nicholls' gelding maintained his unbeaten chase record when landing the Esher at Sandown last month and, with the prospect of further improvement, he could be the answer. The Real Whacker is fancied to chase them home, ahead of Datsalrightgino.
Prediction : 1st Stay Away Fay 2nd Royale Pagaille 3rd The Real Whacker

All eyes will be on the classy JONBON, who made light work of his rivals in last month's Tingle Creek to take his chasing record to seven wins from eight. Nicky Henderson's charge holds all the aces with little concern regarding ground and tactics so, barring mishap, he should get the job done. Editeur Du Gite could be a threat if allowed too much rope at the head of affairs, while Elixir De Nutz is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Jonbon 2nd Editeur Du Gite 3rd Elixir De Nutz

Love Envoi is a talented individual, as evidenced when finishing runner-up to Honeysuckle in last year's Mares' Hurdle. She is taken to go well but LOSSIEMOUTH might be too strong. Off the track since landing the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown in April, the five-year-old can stamp her authority at this level before moving up the class ladder later on in the season. Rubaud lost nothing in defeat when finishing second behind the flawless Constitution Hill at Kempton on Boxing Day and he is not without a chance.
Prediction : 1st Lossiemouth 2nd Love Envoi 3rd Rubaud

Strong Leader looked to be a hurdler to keep on the right side of when finishing second in the Grade 1 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree last spring, but Olly Murphy's gelding hasn't quite scaled the same heights since. However, the application of cheekpieces, combined with this hike up in trip, can see him outrun his forecast odds. PAISLEY PARK is already a three-time winner of this race and he should make a bold bid to gain a fourth. Emma Lavalle's superstar has hit the woodwork on his last two outings and he may make amends here. Dashel Drasher is another key player, but did finish behind the selection at Ascot last month.
Prediction : 1st Paisley Park 2nd Strong Leader 3rd Dashel Drasher

The hugely exciting GIDLEIGH PARK arrives here on the back of an impressive win at Newbury and he may be able to take this step up in grade in his stride. Johnnywho performed with credit when finishing fourth in the Challow Novices' Hurdle just under a month ago, but that looked a hard race on soft ground and it remains to be seen how much that has taken out of him. With that in mind, Irish raider Antrim Coast is put forward as the main danger.
Prediction : 1st Gidleigh Park 2nd Antrim Coast 3rd Johnnywho