UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

HASTHING has appeared to be a work in progress, despite going unbeaten in two hurdle starts, and the seven-year-old commands plenty of respect despite carrying a double penalty. Paradias performed with credit behind Jeriko Du Reponet over C&D just after Christmas and is another with solid claims, while Jack Black appeals most of the hurdling newcomers following a couple of promising displays in bumpers.
Prediction : 1st Hasthing 2nd Paradias 3rd Jack Black

YOUNG BUTLER went up 6lb for landing a Pertemps Qualifier over C&D on his stable debut for Harry Derham in November and the manner of that performance indicated the potential for another step forward. Emitom was runner-up to the selection on that occasion and had a recent form boost when Saint Davy, the horse he finished second to at Ludlow last time, came out and won a valuable handicap at Sandown last week. G A Henty, Kyntara and Wiseguy are others likely to be in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Young Butler 2nd Emitom 3rd G A Henty

Shishkin appeared to have things in control in the King George when stumbling and unseating his rider just after the second last. Despite Hewick picking up the pieces against Bravemansgame and Allaho, the 10-year-old's stamina and usual finishing effort would likely have been enough to hold on. That being said, he refused to race on his seasonal reappearance at Ascot and has shown signs of that in the past, most notably his last two appearances at Cheltenham, and it would be no surprise if PROTEKTORAT came out on top. Bouncing back from a lacklustre Betfair Chase effort, he produced a fine performance in handicap company at Cheltenham before giving L'Homme Presse plenty to think about at Lingfield. He jumped particularly well on his latest outing and a similar performance gives him every chance. Sam Brown returned to form when taking the Veterans' Final at Warwick and may prove best of the remainder, with both Hitman and Does He Know having questions to answer.
Prediction : 1st Protektorat 2nd Shishkin 3rd Sam Brown

This can go the way of EDWARDSTONE, who is on a retrieval mission after a heavy defeat in the Silviniaco Conti over further at Kempton last month. A creditable second to Jonbon on his two previous efforts this season, Alan King's charge still sets the standard on form and the former Grade 1 winner should have too much for progressive handicapper Boothill, who must prove himself at this level. Editeur Du Gite has strong claims on his penultimate success in the Desert Orchid, while last year's winner Funambule Sivola is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Edwardstone 2nd Boothill 3rd Editeur Du Gite

This prestigious contest has favoured more battle-hardened hurdlers in recent years, which bodes well for the consistent LOOKAWAY, who was only worn down late on when runner-up in the Challow here last time out. The seven-year-old proved himself in a big-field handicap when second to the reopposing Iberico Lord in the Greatwood and conditions should be of no concern. Under Control arrives on the back of a creditable effort in Grade 2 company at Doncaster, while the booking of Harry Cobden aboard the progressive Tellherthename catches the eye. Last-time-out winners Luccia and Spirit D'aunou are capable of being in the shake-up, as well as Altobelli and Brentford Hope.
Prediction : 1st Lookaway 2nd Tellherthename 3rd Under Control

Jonjo O'Neill sent out of the winner of this race last year and can repeat the feat if INCH HOUSE shows the same level of determination he has since being sent chasing. A winner over the extended 2m6f at this venue on his penultimate start, the selection wasn't the most fluent at his fences that day but made up for it with tenacity and stamina. Makin'yourmindup is another live contender who is open to progression over fences, while Mister Coffey is noted despite the burden of top-weight.
Prediction : 1st Inch House 2nd Makinyourmindup 3rd Mister Coffey

ROYAL INFANTRY got off the mark under Rules in fine style in a Doncaster bumper last month and this well-bred five-year-old is too bright a prospect to ignore. Histrionic could well emerge as the better of the two Paul Nicholls-trained runners and commands respect given he holds previous C&D experience. Union Avenue is 2-2 in bumpers and cannot be ruled out given his progressive profile, while Noahsgreatrainbow is another to watch out for.
Prediction : 1st Royal Infantry 2nd Histrionic 3rd Union Avenue