UK Horse Racing Tips: Chepstow

KATATE DORI started the new year with a bang on his chasing bow at Exeter, coming clear of the opposition up the home straight, and a 7lb penalty may not be enough to stop him from making it a quickfire double. Ultra Beat is likely to benefit from the extra couple of furlongs judged on his third at Warwick last month, while Shot Boii is capable of being in the mix too.
Prediction : 1st Katate Dori 2nd Ultra Beat 3rd Shot Boii

Nowmelad bids for a third success over hurdles having been found an excellent opportunity at Hereford in November. That said, this would be the softest ground he has encountered and the vote, therefore, goes to CARISMATIC SOLDIER. Runner-up on his hurdling bow at Leicester, the six-year-old is entitled to be sharper for the experience and may take advantage of the 10lb he receives from his likely main market rival. Boston Boy has the ability to be competitive if producing a clear round after running out on his last couple of starts.
Prediction : 1st Carismatic Soldier 2nd Nowmelad 3rd Boston Boy

CLONDAW GENERAL wasn't at all disgraced when fourth in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham last month and more testing conditions on this occasion are likely to see him in a better light. Prophesea got off the mark over timber at Wincanton but will need to improve on that display against the selection, especially with Chris Down's gelding stepping up in trip. High Joker appears best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Clondaw General 2nd Prophesea 3rd High Joker

Having found two subsequent winners too strong at Carlisle, compensation could be on the cards for ILLICO DE COTTE. A 2lb nudge up the ratings looks surmountable for Dan Skelton's charge and he edges the vote over chase debutant Ballybentragh. The eight-year-old produced some decent efforts in novice hurdle company last season and he's entitled to strip fitter for his eighth-placed reappearance in the Gerry Feilden. Phantom Getaway is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Illico De Cotte 2nd Ballybentragh 3rd Phantom Getaway

The fitting of first-time blinkers could perk Gyenyame up after putting in an inauspicious round of jumping at Wincanton and it's too soon to be writing him off. JEFFERY'S CROSS offered plenty of encouragement when finishing third on his return from a 581-day absence at Windsor, though, and any improvement should make him tough to beat. Dual C&D winner Thor De Cerisy is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Jefferys Cross 2nd Gyenyame 3rd Thor De Cerisy

VALENS BRUYEE just missed out in a conditionals' race on heavy ground at Ffos Las on his return to hurdling. He looks worthy of another chance with Callum Pritchard allowed to utilise his full 7lb claim on this occasion. Risk D'Argent finished a creditable third at Bangor on his seasonal bow and can feature again off his current mark. New Found Fame will likely give another good account, despite a 5lb rise for last month's success at Bangor.
Prediction : 1st Valens Bruyee 2nd Risk DArgent 3rd New Found Fame

MAXIMUM OFFERS ran out of steam in the closing stages when third at Carlisle on his debut under Rules. The son of Getaway displayed enough to suggest he can win at this level and may prove tough to beat. Successful between the flags, Douglas Hyde also showed promise when runner-up at Bangor in October and he rates a threat. Giantsgrave has joined Dan Skelton's yard after finishing second in a point-to-point in Ireland last year and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Maximum Offers 2nd Douglas Hyde 3rd Giantsgrave