UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Quickly turned out after another easy success at Fontwell last week, DOUBLE POWERFUL continues to go from strength to strength and it is difficult to know where his ceiling lies. Neil Mulholland's charge can bring up the six-timer at the main expense of Plaisir Des Flos, who arrives on the same winning streak. American Sniper could go close off just 1lb higher than when taking this contest last year, while the progressive Il Va De Soi is another to consider, as well as Kempton scorer Rebel Intentions.
Prediction : 1st Double Powerful 2nd Plaisir Des Flos 3rd Il Va De Soi

A comfortable winner on his debut over fences at Chepstow last month in a race that has worked out well since, SPRINGWELL BAY is taken to continue his progression at a track where he scored at this meeting last year over hurdles. The step back up to 3m should aid his cause and the seven-year-old gets the vote ahead of Hyland, who is already two from three over fences and could not have done it any easier when scoring over C&D last month. Resplendent Grey impressed at Uttoxeter and this rise in distance could bring about further improvement.
Prediction : 1st Springwell Bay 2nd Hyland 3rd Resplendent Grey

Already installed as favourite for the Champion Chase next March, big things are expected of JONBON this campaign as he looks to build on a brace of Grade 1 victories in the spring. A winner of nine of his 11 starts over the larger obstacles, it is difficult to look past Nicky Henderson's stable star as Edwardstone aims to close the almost 10-length gap between them in this contest last year. The son of Kayf Tara could be dangerous if left to an easy lead, though, while Boothill looks most likely to capitalise on the back of wind surgery if those two falter.
Prediction : 1st Jonbon 2nd Edwardstone 3rd Boothill

Conflated's presence in this field leaves all but three running from out of the handicap and the dual Grade 1 winner demands respect on his cross country debut, but a chance is taken on the experience of FAMEAFTERTHEGLORY. He represents a Gavin Cromwell stable which has a fantastic recent record at Prestbury Park and he's performed well over the 'banks and hedges' on numerous occasions in the past, including when third over C&D last December. Mister Coffey is interesting on his first start in this discipline, while French raider Sweet David adds further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Fameaftertheglory 2nd Conflated 3rd Sweet David

VALGRAND was mightily impressive when beating the reopposing Gale Mahler by 17 lengths over an extended 2m here last month and it's hard to see how the latter can reverse that form being just 5lb better off at these weights. Dan Skelton's charge could potentially improve again for stretching out in distance and he is fancied to get the better of Potters Charm, who justified favouritism when winning over 2m4f on the same card here three weeks ago. The Twiston-Davies runner certainly wasn't as attractive on the eye, making a number of mistakes on the way round, and the selection could be away and gone if he doesn't jump with more fluency.
Prediction : 1st Valgrand 2nd Potters Charm 3rd Gale Mahler

Fasol is unexposed with only two hurdle starts under his belt and the 100-rated Flat performer is sure to have plenty of supporters on his handicap debut, but BALHAMBAR gets the vote representing the shrewd Harry Derham stable. He has progressed with each hurdle start since joining this yard, chasing home subsequent easy Swinton Hurdle winner Pickanumber last time, and a recent pipe-opener on the Flat should have put him spot on for this assignment. Clap Of Thunder, Belgoprince and Model Approach are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Balhambar 2nd Fasol 3rd Clap Of Thunder