UK Horse Racing Tips: Hexham

Although he was unable to complete a double when a close-up second over C&D earlier this month, BETTER BE DEFINITE lost little in defeat in that 16-runner affair. A 5lb rise in the ratings looks workable for Nick Alexander's gelding and compensation could await. The biggest threat may emerge from handicap debutant Didnt Ask, who posted a solid third over track and trip in a maiden hurdle recently, while Reagrove Lord should enjoy the return to a sounder surface.
Prediction : 1st Better Be Definite 2nd Didnt Ask 3rd Reagrove Lord

Little separates Rumble B (third) and Dillarchie (fourth) on their recent encounter over C&D, with the pair likely to be involved once more if running to a similar level. However, they could prove vulnerable to something unexposed, and ITURGEON DU BREUIL fits the bill. Barry Murtagh's charge caught the eye when a staying-on third on his handicap bow at Ayr in March and 1lb nudge up in the ratings is unlikely the ceiling of his ability.
Prediction : 1st Iturgeon Du Breuil 2nd Rumble B 3rd Dillarchie

BREIZH RIVER has posted several creditable efforts in defeat in novice/maiden hurdle company this year. Connections have wasted little time in sending the son of Stormy River over fences for his handicap debut and the six-year-old could take all the beating if taking to this discipline. Fellow chasing newcomer Royal Rhythm has enjoyed a respectable campaign and is feared most, while an improved bid from C&D scorer Rollerruler wouldn't surprise on his return to this track either.
Prediction : 1st Breizh River 2nd Royal Rhythm 3rd Rollerruler

WARRIORS STORY returned from a 138-day break to reach the frame over track and trip earlier in the month and he now goes off a 3lb lower rating. The son of Midnight Legend lurks on an appealing mark and he gets the nod. The main danger might be Miss Wachit, who failed to fire over the smaller obstacles at Perth in September but the return to this sphere and booking of Brian Hughes suggest an improved performance may be on the cards. Hey Brother completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Warriors Story 2nd Miss Wachit 3rd Hey Brother

DR SHIROCCO had West Lawn (fourth) behind when accounting for his nearest rival by a length in a class 4 event over C&D recently and he is only 3lb higher for that success. Sandy Forster's nine-year-old looks the one to beat again, with his main threat possibly being Coolmoyne, who himself went in over track and trip earlier in the month and it would be no surprise to see him involved off 6lb higher. Of the remainder, Royle Steel makes the most appeal.
Prediction : 1st Dr Shirocco 2nd Coolmoyne 3rd Royle Steel

Roccovango sets the standard in this contest with a rating of 116 after his victory at Huntingdon in March, but he could find it tough to give his 7lb penalty away to REFORME. Lucinda Russell's five-year-old wasn't disgraced in third over an extended 2m1f at Musselburgh last time and he can improve for this step up in trip to get his head in front for the first time. Conquer The Breeze was beaten 10 lengths into second over 2m here earlier in the month and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Reforme 2nd Roccovango 3rd Conquer The Breeze

HARTUR D'OUDAIRIES seems to have turned a corner on his last couple of starts after joining Brian Ellison at the start of the year, with his penultimate second at Musselburgh followed by the seven-year-old getting back to winning ways here over 2m earlier in the month. Stepping up in trip might yield further improvement and he is fancied to handle a 3lb rise from the handicapper. Les's Legacy is expected to be competitive once again after his recent C&D second, while The Churchill Lad is clearly better than his Haydock effort in March suggests.
Prediction : 1st Hartur Doudairies 2nd Less Legacy 3rd The Churchill Lad

For Three returned from a break to score at Sedgefield and is likely to enter calculations once again. However, a 5lb rise may well be enough to stop him from making it a brace of victories and a chance is taken with INDIAN LOUIS. Lucinda Russell's gelding shaped with promise when switched back to hurdles here over 2m4f earlier in the month and the drop in trip may see him in a better light. Jumping Jupiter and Brian's Jet are others capable of a decent showing.
Prediction : 1st Indian Louis 2nd For Three 3rd Jumping Jupiter