UK Horse Racing Tips: Worcester

DONNIE AZOFF returned from a 229-day break to score readily over hurdles at Stratford last Tuesday and he could prove difficult to beat off a 3lb lower mark back over fences. In This World has finished runner-up in each of his three chase appearances to date and it may well be a similar story here, while Huntingdon second Stumps Or Slips should also give a good account.
Prediction : 1st Donnie Azoff 2nd In This World 3rd Stumps Or Slips

BELLS OF STAMFORD gets a tentative vote in what looks a tricky puzzle for punters to solve. He responded positively to the first-time cheekpieces/tongue-tie combination (both retained) when runner-up at Warwick four weeks ago and should go well off an unchanged mark. Eightytwo Team has placed on her last couple of starts and will likely give another good account, while Dirk Gently and Head On are other names to note.
Prediction : 1st Bells Of Stamford 2nd Eightytwo Team 3rd Dirk Gently

CAPTAIN MORGS wouldn't be the most reliable, but he bounced right back to form on his return to fences at Aintree last month and a 6lb rise might not be enough to stop him if arriving in the same mood. Way Out has the ability, as shown when a close second at Warwick three starts ago, but he needs to brush up on his jumping. Hometown Boy has been dropped 2lb since his latest effort and could also get competitive.
Prediction : 1st Captain Morgs 2nd Way Out 3rd Hometown Boy

Having landed a point-to-point at Cothelstone last month, BORN IN THE WEST made a highly promising debut under Rules when pulling clear with the winner at Newton Abbot earlier this month. David Pipe's charge is expected to progress and put that experience to good use, although Fergal O'Brien is no stranger to success in these types of races and his representative Ahanaglogh must be respected. Archie Watson doesn't have many runners in this sphere and Desert Guest warrants a market check.
Prediction : 1st Born In The West 2nd Ahanaglogh 3rd Desert Guest

After racing keenly on his hurdling bow last month, it is no surprise that Emma Lavelle opts to place a hood on GUARD DUTY. That said, it was a creditable performance to finish fourth and, should the headgear allow him to settle, the Kapgarde gelding could show his true colours. Red Hugh displayed signs of promise in bumpers for Emmet Mullins and is of interest now in the care of Jake Coulson, while others to note include Either Way and Queens Venture.
Prediction : 1st Guard Duty 2nd Red Hugh 3rd Either Way

Having shown a smart level of form on the Flat, BRAVE KNIGHT may prove to be a shrewd acquisition and it would be no surprise if he had enough in the locker to score on his debut for Paul Nicholls. Mokoro hasn't cut much ice in his two starts over hurdles but on his second start after wind surgery, an improved showing is not out of the question. Point-to-point winner Nowmelad found only one rival too good on his hurdles debut last month and he merits respect.
Prediction : 1st Brave Knight 2nd Mokoro 3rd Nowmelad

FADED FANTASY pulled clear with the eventual winner when finishing an excellent second over C&D earlier this month, and Christian Williams' charge gets the vote to shoulder a 6lb rise to go one place better this time around. Glimpse Of Glory bumped into an improver when runner-up on his handicap debut over 2m at Southwell last time and a prominent showing off an unchanged mark looks likely. Beat The Heat responded well to a first-time visor (retained) when winning cosily over 2m3f at Fontwell recently, and he completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Faded Fantasy 2nd Glimpse Of Glory 3rd Beat The Heat