UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Trainer James Owen landed this contest last year with the talented Burdett Road, and EAST INDIA DOCK looks a similar type having scored comfortably on his hurdling debut at Wincanton last month. The son of Golden Horn has some improving to do in the jumping department, but he should have too much for Irish raider Prairie Angel, who had been in excellent form on the level before a taking success over hurdles at Down Royal. Narrowly denied in Listed company at Wetherby on his first run for the Olly Murphy yard, Static is a key player too.
Prediction : 1st East India Dock 2nd Prairie Angel 3rd Static

A slightly unlucky second when hampered two out behind the reopposing The Newest One over C&D last month, JIMMY THE DIGGER could be primed to regain the winning thread at a track that has mostly served him well. A respectable fifth in this contest last year off 1lb lower, Read To Return is interesting on the back of a decent return run at Punchestown, while the booking of Patrick Mullins aboard the unexposed Transmission looks significant. Narrowly denied at Wincanton last time out, the veteran Deise Aba is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Jimmy The Digger 2nd The Newest One 3rd Transmission

It is difficult to look past L'EAU DU SUD, who in the main jumped impeccably on chase debut over further at Stratford last month when scoring easily. A return to this track should not inconvenience either, having finished runner-up in the County Hurdle in March, and that form should be enough to see off the admirable Lookaway, who landed a two-runner contest at Uttoxeter on chase debut. Neil King's charge was second in the Greatwood at this meeting last year and is noted along with Carlisle scorer Western Zephyr and Petit Tonnerre.
Prediction : 1st Leau Du Sud 2nd Lookaway 3rd Western Zephyr

Paul Nicholls landed this contest last term and his GINNY'S DESTINY looks well capable of giving him back-to-back wins in the race. He enjoyed a productive campaign last season, notching up three course wins before finding only one too good in a couple of Grade 1 assignments at the big spring festivals. Off what looks a workable mark, he can continue the yard's recent good run of form. Lets Go Champ travelled well for a long way before fading into sixth in the Galway Plate over an extended 2m6f last time, and he commands respect easing in trip. Ryanair winner Protektorat has his fair share of weight to carry, but Dan Skelton's classy chaser cannot be overlooked.
Prediction : 1st Ginnys Destiny 2nd Lets Go Champ 3rd Protektorat

Doyen Quest got up late on to score over an extended 2m4f here in the spring and, on the back of a creditable reappearance second at Chepstow last month, he warrants respect off 3lb higher. That said, GOWEL ROAD is preferred. He lost little in defeat when finishing sixth in the Pertemps Final here last season and, after only finding an in-form rival too good here last time, he gets the nod to go one place better. Emailandy is also respected tackling this trip for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Gowel Road 2nd Doyen Quest 3rd Emailandy

A Grade 3 winner at Sandown on his penultimate start, Champagne Twist boasts some solid form. However, returning from a 218-day absence is a concern and with that in mind, the match-fit MAJOR FORTUNE shades preference after an assured success over 2m1f at Newton Abbot 17 days ago. Having previously won over further, stepping back up in trip should be ideal for the Dan Skelton-trained gelding, who appears progressive enough to cope with a 9lb higher mark. Long Draw and Wyenot complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Major Fortune 2nd Champagne Twist 3rd Long Draw

The hat-trick seeking KORINTHIA can lay an early marker for Willie Mullins' team of bumper horses now the NH season really kicks in. After two comfortable wins in Ireland, this daughter of Jukebox Jury seems ready for a deeper test and is an attractive option as her trainer bears down on back-to-back wins in the race. Fellow bumper winners Jasmine D'airy, St Irene and That'll Do Moss are all upwardly mobile and appear capable of making their presence felt.
Prediction : 1st Korinthia 2nd Jasmine Dairy 3rd St Irene