UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

With the notable omission of ante-post favourite Sir Gino, it might pay to side with SALVATOR MUNDI, who finished second to the former at Auteuil last April. He hasn't been seen since, but the fact Willie Mullins sends him straight here would suggest a bold bid is expected. His stablemates Kargese (winner), Storm Heart (second), Majborough (third) and Bunting (fourth) all met in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown, so it will be interesting to see how that quartet stacks up now sent over slightly further on a stiffer track. Nurburgring needs to pull out a bit more having hit the frame in a Grade 2 latest, but it would come as no surprise were he to find the required improvement. Salver, who made it four out of four over hurdles when landing the odds at Haydock, is no forlorn hope with conditions in his favour.
Prediction : 1st Salvator Mundi 2nd Kargese 3rd Storm Heart

Dan Skelton has landed the spoils in four of the past eight renewals, and L'EAU DU SUD is taken to further enhance that strike-rate. Treatment for ulcers saw the six-year-old travel with far more verve when a cracking second in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and that form reads well, with the third winning the Imperial Cup last weekend. Faivoir was narrowly denied in that Sandown contest, but took this prize for Skelton 12 months ago and shouldn't be far away if coping with the quick turnaround. Willie Mullins also boasts a fantastic record in this contest and has five chances of a seventh County success. Ebor hero Absurde could prove to be the pick of them, as an opening mark of 138 in this sphere looks far from insurmountable given his class on the level. Gordon Elliott's handicap debutant King Of Kingsfield is also sure to have his supporters having made the frame in a handful of Grade 1 events.
Prediction : 1st Leau Du Sud 2nd Absurde 3rd King Of Kingsfield

Readin Tommy Wrong has continued to improve with each start, causing a minor surprise when taking the Lawlor's Of Naas in January, and the manner of that performance suggested there would be more to come when stepping up further in trip. Dancing City rose to prominence for this contest at the Dublin Racing Festival and is another solid contender, along with the unbeaten High Class Hero. That said, the vote goes to the outsider of the Willie Mullins quartet in LECKY WATSON. Fourth in the Champion Bumper last season, his hurdling debut success at Thurles earmarked him as being suited to this event and subsequent efforts over shorter distances, including when runner-up to Supreme hero Slade Steel at Navan, offer plenty of encouragement. The addition of a hood may also benefit him. Captain Teague, who was one place ahead of the selection last year, won the Challow with something to spare at Newbury and gives the impression he will take another step forward. Similar comments apply to Gidleigh Park, who maintained his unbeaten record here on Trials Day.
Prediction : 1st Lecky Watson 2nd Readin Tommy Wrong 3rd Captain Teague

Last year's hero GALOPIN DES CHAMPS put an underwhelming John Durkan effort behind him, when he was defeated for the second time by Fastorslow, when producing a breathtaking performance to hammer Gerri Colombe in the Savills Chase. His Cheltenham preparation continued to go to plan when he then got his revenge on Fastorslow to lift the Irish Gold Cup for a second time and he can follow in the hoofprints of Al Boum Photo, who won back-to-back Gold Cups for Willie Mullins in 2019/2020. Fastorslow has made great strides since being touched off by Corach Rambler in the Ultima here 12 months ago and is a serious player. King George winner Hewick ran a great race until falling in last year's Gold Cup, but probably needs the ground to dry out in order to put his best foot forward. Runner-up when attempting to defend his Kempton crown over Christmas, and in this race last year, Bravemansgame looks the pick of the home team, although Gentlemansgame beat him in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and he will need to take a big step forward on the form he has shown this season.
Prediction : 1st Galopin Des Champs 2nd Fastorslow 3rd Hewick

Unbeaten under Rules and in the point-to-point sphere since emerging as a surprise winner of this race last year, Premier Magic is a good place to start with his proven ability to handle the hustle and bustle of the Festival a valuable asset. However, as is the case with several others, the ability to handle truly testing ground at this level is a cause for concern and he might struggle to uphold the form with last year's runner-up Its On The Line, who is more proven on heavy. Even so, it is the lightly-raced FERNS LOCK who shades the vote. He finished half a length behind Its On The Line at Down Royal's Christmas fixture and can turn the form around now he's effectively 7lb better off with Its On The Line when taking into account jockey claims. Billaway rates the pick of the other Irish contenders.
Prediction : 1st Ferns Lock 2nd Its On The Line 3rd Premier Magic

Second in the race last year, Allegorie De Vassy warmed up for her bid to go one better by defeating the reopposing Riviere D'etel at Naas last month. She can confirm that form, but DINOBLUE, who has improved tenfold since filling the runner-up spot in the Grand Annual 12 months ago, might prove to be too strong. Having landed a Grade 1 at Leopardstown over the festive period, she was no match for El Fabiolo in the Dublin Chase last month. Stamina is unlikely to pose an issue over this longer trip and the top-rated daughter of Doctor Dino can get back on track against her own sex. The manner in which Limerick Lace won the Silver Vase at Doncaster would suggest she ought to be more than capable of making her mark at this higher level, along with stablemate Brides Hill, who also gained Listed honours when winning at Huntingdon in January. Marsh Wren launched a successful Irish raid when winning at Thurles 22 days ago and she is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Dinoblue 2nd Limerick Lace 3rd Allegorie De Vassy

Quai De Bourbon clearly has a decent engine judged on his two victories for Willie Mullins at Naas and Clonmel. That being said, his jumping was far from fluent on either occasion and it will need to have been improved upon. No Ordinary Joe went into many notebooks with his latest third at Kempton, but the form of the stable is enough to temper any enthusiasm and it is the same owner, JP McManus, who may hold the key with WATERFORD WHISPERS. The six-year-old built on his only start last season with a brace of victories at Galway and Fairyhouse before finishing second in a Leopardstown handicap in December. Open to a considerable amount of improvement, a mark of 133 may underestimate him. Better Days Ahead's more recent form was well advertised in the Supreme on Tuesday and he is capable of being in the mix, while others to consider include Answer To Kayf, What's Up Darling and Ocastle Des Mottes.
Prediction : 1st Waterford Whispers 2nd Quai De Bourbon 3rd Better Days Ahead