UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Wingmen is an interesting contender following his hurdling debut success at Navan, but he will need to improve in the jumping department and may prove better going the other way around. Country Mile finished runner-up in a Grade 2 at Haydock and commands the utmost respect, but THAT'S NICE might have the measure of him. An impressive winner at Warwick, the form has a solid look to it with the runner-up landing a Listed contest at Sandown and she can take advantage of the 7lb she receives from all of her rivals.
Prediction : 1st Thats Nice 2nd Country Mile 3rd Wingmen

Caldwell Potter justified odds of 2/11 at Carlisle on his first attempt over fences and is expected to appreciate stepping up in trip. However, all of his best form has come with plenty of cut in the ground and a lack of rain in the forecast would have to be a concern. With that in mind, SPRINGWELL BAY is taken to gain a second victory over fences to complement his Listed success at Chepstow in October. He didn't seem to quite see out an extended 3m at the November Meeting and the return to this distance is likely to see him in a better light. Jango Baie was a smart hurdler who has the scope to go far over the larger obstacles and may end up being the main threat to the selection.
Prediction : 1st Springwell Bay 2nd Jango Baie 3rd Caldwell Potter

Nico De Boinville partners Willmount instead of the same owner's Bo Zenith of the Nicky Henderson pair, with the former making his first appearance since pulling up in last season's Challow. It remains to be seen if he is well handicapped or not off a mark of 130, while his stablemate returns from an even longer layoff having gone close in a Grade 1 juvenile event at Aintree when trained by Gary Moore. Wreckless Eric went up 8lb for scoring here last month and is capable of taking another step forward, as is the four-timer seeking To Chase A Dream, but TINTINTIN may offer some value. A C&D winner in April, he was far from disgraced when fourth in a strong renewal of the Greatwood and the switch to the New Course promises to bring about further improvement.
Prediction : 1st Tintintin 2nd Wreckless Eric 3rd Willmount

CHIANTI CLASSICO goes from strength to strength over fences and carried 12st to victory at Ascot in good style on his reappearance. A winner at the Festival here back in March, Kim Bailey's charge may prove tough to beat once again. King Turgeon completed a double in the Grand Sefton at Aintree and he rates a threat, despite an 8lb rise, while Java Point could feature on the back of a second here, where The Newest One was fourth. Last year's Becher winner Chambard is also worth noting on his reappearance.
Prediction : 1st Chianti Classico 2nd King Turgeon 3rd Java Point

Shakem Up'arry recorded a C&D double in the Plate here back in March, but was then disappointing in the Topham off this 6lb higher mark so TORN AND FRAYED makes more appeal. Nigel Twiston-Davies' 10-year-old won a competitive veterans' chase at Warwick with plenty left in the tank and can confirm superiority over runner-up Eldorado Allen, despite the worse terms. Dashel Drasher returned to chasing with a creditable third at Ascot and is not without a chance off his current rating. Copperhead is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Torn And Frayed 2nd Shakem Uparry 3rd Dashel Drasher

Although competing from 11lb out of the handicap, there is plenty to like about the chances of ICEO MADRIK. The ex-David Pipe inmate arrives following two wins at Compiegne, including in a Listed cross country event last time, and ground conditions look set to be in his favour again. It's also worth remembering that another French raider in Sweet David won impressively from 17lb out of the handicap in the cross country race at the November Meeting here. Stumptown had Three By Two (second), Coko Beach (fifth) and Vanillier (sixth) all behind when winning over the banks at Punchestown last month and he looks a big danger, while Mister Coffey may stick on for a place like he did behind the aforementioned Sweet David four weeks ago.
Prediction : 1st Iceo Madrik 2nd Stumptown 3rd Mister Coffey

DOYEN QUEST accounted for Gowel Road when readily justifying favouritism at the November Meeting here and, despite a 10lb hike in the ratings, this progressive six-year-old looks like the one they all have to beat again. Gowel Road is just 2lb higher than when filling the runner-up spot that day and will likely run his usual honest race, while Long Draw and Wonderful Eagle appear closely matched on their clash at the same fixture. Might I also warrants respect following his comeback victory at Bangor.
Prediction : 1st Doyen Quest 2nd Gowel Road 3rd Long Draw