UK Horse Racing Tips: Chepstow

Julius Des Pictons justified his short odds to score at the second time of asking for Jamie Snowden at Plumpton and he should mount another bold bid, despite his 6lb penalty. However, the vote goes to SHADE OF WINTER, who made the frame on his first start in this sphere over C&D and is likely to have plenty more to offer. With normal improvement, he can get off the mark. Clap Of Thunder is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Shade Of Winter 2nd Julius Des Pictons 3rd Clap Of Thunder

PASSING KATE returned to winning ways in smart style at Leicester on her comeback and she is only 8lb higher for that triumph. Matt Sheppard's seven-year-old is fancied to complete a double, with her main threat possibly recent Ascot scorer King William Rufus, who carries a 7lb penalty but it would be no surprise to see him get into contention. Gold For Alec is the best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Passing Kate 2nd King William Rufus 3rd Gold For Alec

NOCTE VOLATUS failed to complete the hat-trick when filling the runner-up spot behind a subsequent winner at Ascot, but goes off an unchanged rating. Tom Lacey's nine-year-old has Stan Sheppard taking over in the plate and he could continue his fine form to make it three wins from his last four starts. Lowry's Bar struck by a neck at Exeter and would be foolish to dismiss off a 4lb higher mark, while Georges Saint is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Nocte Volatus 2nd Lowrys Bar 3rd Georges Saint

Nietzsche Has found only one too strong in a Grade 1 at Auteuil last month and the French raider looks likely to launch a serious challenge, but is taken on with OPEC. James Owen's progressive filly won a Listed race in fine style at Newbury and is a full-sister to the smart Allmankind, who won this contest in 2019. Static went agonisingly close in Listed company at Wetherby before chasing home Triumph Hurdle fancy East India Dock at Cheltenham, while Hot Fuss is not totally discounted either.
Prediction : 1st Opec 2nd Nietzsche Has 3rd Static

A winner at Ffos Las in November, Woodie Flash ran well again when second in a competitive handicap at Newbury but has been raised a further 5lb. Major Fortune is another with a bit to prove off his current mark, so a chance is taken on PHANTOMOFTHEPOINTS. The David Pipe-trained six-year-old finished a creditable third in a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Haydock last time and a repeat effort could see him bang there at the finish. Tune In A Box may prove best of the rest.
Prediction : 1st Phantomofthepoints 2nd Woodie Flash 3rd Major Fortune

Runner-up last year behind a runaway winner, IRON BRIDGE returns off 6lb lower and may be value for a trainer who has won this twice. The eight-year-old's return third at Carlisle was encouraging and he gets the vote ahead of Galia Des Liteaux, who is much better than she showed in the Coral Gold Cup. She shaped well for a long way in the Grand National and finished second in the Classic Chase at Warwick last term. Unbeaten in three starts at this track and a stablemate of the selection, Monbeg Genius is 8lb better off with his Haydock conqueror Fontaine Collonges and could have a say. Jubilee Express was last seen scoring comfortably at Haydock in March, while Troytown winner Stuzzikini looks the pick of the Irish.
Prediction : 1st Iron Bridge 2nd Galia Des Liteaux 3rd Jubilee Express

DAVID'S WELL could not have done much more when landing the odds on his chase debut at Leicester and a 7lb rise may not be enough to prevent him from going in again. Chris Gordon's charge is narrowly preferred to Dr T J Eckleburg, who drops in class having scored at Haydock last time out. Last year's winner Zambezi Fix and recent Carlisle scorer King Of Tara are capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Davids Well 2nd Dr T J Eckleburg 3rd King Of Tara