UK Horse Racing Tips: Stratford

Villainess was pitched into handicap company last time and, even though she could only manage fifth of a mark of 104, she sets the standard back in maiden company. However, the vote goes to HARD AS NAILS, who is a dual bumper winner and showed enough ability when third on her hurdles debut at Cartmel last year to suggest a race of this nature would be within her compass. Hurdling newcomers Bellbird and Value Added would be interesting if the market vibes were positive.
Prediction : 1st Hard As Nails 2nd Villainess 3rd Bellbird

The Wise Traveller returned from a 139-day break to successfully record a double by just under a length in this grade at Fakenham recently, and he holds an obvious chance off 5lb higher. However, TWP STORI is the one to side with after his triumph at Fontwell last month. The six-year-old is 7lb higher for that victory, which is unlikely to prevent him from going in again judged on the commanding nature of that performance. Of the remainder, Fantomas makes the most appeal.
Prediction : 1st Twp Stori 2nd The Wise Traveller 3rd Fantomas

EASY PEASY has only tasted defeat once in her career so far and she remains unbeaten over the smaller obstacles after her three-and-a-half-length success at Ludlow earlier in the month. Nicky Henderson's mare could still have plenty more to offer and she could prove hard to beat off an opening mark of 113. The main danger is Finest View, who finished sixth in a class 3 event on her first start for the Alan King yard at Newbury last time. Mighty Moth is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Easy Peasy 2nd Finest View 3rd Mighty Moth

Hilltown made the most of a career-low mark when scoring in ready fashion at Plumpton earlier this month. However, a 9lb rise in the ratings may leave Seamus Mullins' charge vulnerable, with 3m5f winner BALLYRASHANE making most appeal. The seven-year-old would have found 3m on the sharp side when runner-up at Ffos Las latest and compensation could await now he's faced with a stiffer test of stamina. Felton Bellevue and Lightonthewing are also worth a second look.
Prediction : 1st Ballyrashane 2nd Hilltown 3rd Felton Bellevue

Chepstow runner-up LARGY FORCE lost little in defeat when giving weight away to the now 112-rated Love Tree in a novice hurdle last month. An opening mark of 102 looks workable for the Warren Greatrex-trained mare and she's taken to open her account in this sphere. The move into handicap company and wind procedure may see an improved bid from Avada Kedavra. Any market support for the son of Milan would be interesting, while Deerstalker should appreciate this return to a sounder surface.
Prediction : 1st Largy Force 2nd Avada Kedavra 3rd Deerstalker

Denied by just a nose under Jay Tidball in a conditional riders' race at Ludlow in February, CHURCHMAN has a major chance off just 1lb higher, especially as Tidball can utilise his full 5lb claim this time. This longer trip is a further boost for the selection, who has a solid chance of gaining a breakthrough success. Victory Club holds C&D experience and looks the pick of the opposition, although similar comments apply to Raise Your Glass, who posted a personal best over track and trip last month.
Prediction : 1st Churchman 2nd Victory Club 3rd Raise Your Glass

DEISE ABA, who reportedly bled from the nose when last seen under Rules in the 2023 Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, has won all his completed starts in point-to-points since and is hard to oppose back over regulation fences. Rated 145 when at his peak, the veteran has a glaringly obvious chance on these terms and should have too much for the likes of Precious Bounty and What A Glance.
Prediction : 1st Deise Aba 2nd Precious Bounty 3rd What A Glance