UK Horse Racing Tips: Uttoxeter

Although unable to justify favouritism when finishing fourth on his hurdles bow at Haydock earlier this month, STAR OF DIAMONDS should have learned plenty from that experience. Any natural improvement should make Emma Lavelle's gelding tough to beat and he is fancied to repel chief rival Grand Geste. He finished ahead of the selection in third at Haydock and is expected to go well, despite being a bit more exposed. Pike Road is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Star Of Diamonds 2nd Grand Geste 3rd Pike Road

A 6lb rise in the ratings for Fresh Speculation's breakthrough victory at Ffos Las last month shouldn't prevent another bold bid, although he may be worth taking on up in class. With that in mind, BENASSI makes slightly more appeal after returning to form when runner-up at Leicester 26 days ago. Olly Murphy's charge scored on his sole visit to this track and a third career triumph could be on the cards. Don Hollow is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Benassi 2nd Fresh Speculation 3rd Don Hollow

Although point-to-point winner HILL OF SCARRIFF hasn't cut much ice in three qualifying runs over hurdles, the daughter of Schiaparelli makes plenty of appeal going up in distance. An opening mark of 83 looks workable and she may have too much for last-time-out winners Twp Stori and All Under Control. The latter is feared most after showing a willing attitude to score at Fontwell earlier this month.
Prediction : 1st Hill Of Scarriff 2nd All Under Control 3rd Twp Stori

An encouraging second when only worn down late in the piece on his handicap debut at Leicester earlier in the month, NEDZOR sets the standard on form and he is taken to go one better off 2lb higher. Placed on three of his four starts in this sphere, Eaton Anne has had wind surgery since his last run at Plumpton and is a key player, along with Dickens. Oneforthefairgreen and Port Or Starboard cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Nedzor 2nd Eaton Anne 3rd Dickens

CROAGH PATRICK deservedly regained the winning thread with a taking performance over further at Carlisle last time out, and an 8lb rise for that success looks manageable. He can follow up, with Dusautior looking best placed to chase him home having undergone wind surgery since a creditable placed effort at Carlisle. A determined winner in March at Chepstow when last in action, Shady B is capable of being in the shake-up as well.
Prediction : 1st Croagh Patrick 2nd Dusautior 3rd Shady B

KNOCKANORE opened his account over fences with an impressive success over course and distance. Ryan Potter's charge has scope for further improvement as a chaser and could prove difficult to beat with a conditional jockey helping to ease the burden of a 10lb rise. I'm Ravenous made a bold bid to land a hat-trick when runner-up at Doncaster and another good account looks on the cards, while Lime Drop is in with a shout too.
Prediction : 1st Knockanore 2nd Im Ravenous 3rd Lime Drop

Annie Hathaway showed plenty of promise when second at Warwick on her racecourse debut. She should confirm superiority over Diamonds Galore, who could only manage sixth on that occasion but is a likely improver. A winner between the flags, LETS MINGLE faced a tough task in a competitive bumper at Aintree in October. This could prove more her level and she gets the vote.
Prediction : 1st Lets Mingle 2nd Annie Hathaway 3rd Diamonds Galore