UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

RYAN'S ROCKET appeared to be crying out for a step up in trip when filling the runner-up spot at Ascot last month. His prominent style of racing will be of benefit around here and although his slight tendency to be keen must be a bit of a concern, it would come as no surprise were he to take the necessary step forward. Resplendent Grey was no match for the classy Handstands in a Sandown Grade 2, but he is of considerable interest back in a handicap. Similar comments apply to Masaccio, who was far from disgraced in the Kauto Star at Kempton.
Prediction : 1st Ryans Rocket 2nd Resplendent Grey 3rd Masaccio

Second-favourite for the Triumph at the time of writing, EAST INDIA DOCK will need to be winning this if he is to cement his place as a live candidate. James Owen's charge bolted up at the November meeting, coming clear in fine style, and it will take a special performance to upset the apple cart today. French recruit Sauvignon is officially rated 1lb higher but although respected, it is hard to gauge what he has achieved so far. Teriferma and Quantock Hills dead-heated for top honours over C&D last month and it is hard to separate the pair again.
Prediction : 1st East India Dock 2nd Sauvignon 3rd Teriferma

Iroko has bundles of ability, but he will need to put an Ascot fall behind him and it might pay to side with IMPERIAL SAINT. A step up in trip appeared to suit the seven-year-old, who powered through the fog when making all at Aintree on Boxing Day, taking his record over fences to three from four. A 7lb rise will ask sterner questions of him, as will the rise in grade, but there may well be more in the locker. Soul Icon landed the Desert Orchid from 3lb lower and he ought to remain competitive.
Prediction : 1st Imperial Saint 2nd Iroko 3rd Soul Icon

Returning to a left-handed course and the scene of his 2022 success in the Brown Advisory are key factors in the favour of L'HOMME PRESSE, who also ran a blinder when fourth in the Gold Cup here last March. A commendable third, despite jumping to the left, in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day should have set him up nicely for another bold showing. Savills Chase third Gentlemansgame is an obvious threat, while the admirable veteran Delta Work has enough course experience to suggest he is still capable of causing an upset if things go his way.
Prediction : 1st LHomme Presse 2nd Gentlemansgame 3rd Delta Work

The defection of 2024 winner Lossiemouth takes a little bit of gloss away from this year's renewal. However, CONSTITUTION HILL readily had the measure of her when completing a hat-trick of Christmas Hurdle victories at Kempton and Nicky Henderson's superstar is impossible to oppose now he has proven his well-being after a troubled past 12 months. Brentford Hope can fill the forecast slot if a tongue-tie/cheekpieces combination helps him quickly atone for last week's below-par effort at Windsor. Fils D'oudairies is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Constitution Hill 2nd Brentford Hope 3rd Fils Doudairies

Crambo returned to form when taking his second Long Walk shortly before Christmas and he has to be respected on the back of that performance. However, the strength of that form can be questioned and a chance is taken on STRONG LEADER. Olly Murphy's gelding disappointed when last at Ascot, but a subsequent wind operation suggests that better can be expected. The eight-year-old was an eyecatching third in this race 12 months ago and he is the one to beat if back to his best. The rest all need to improve, but Gowel Road and Monmiral are capable of making the frame.
Prediction : 1st Strong Leader 2nd Crambo 3rd Gowel Road

POTTERS CHARM readily took the Grade 1 Formby over just short of 2m1f at Aintree on Boxing Day, confirming the promise he showed when easily winning a Grade 2 over 2m5f here in November. This is arguably a tougher test for the six-year-old than either of those events, but it would be no surprise to see him prove too good once again. Bill Joyce was no threat to The New Lion when third in the Challow, but he could give the selection plenty to think about. Cases can be made for most of the remainder, although Quebecois and Wade Out are the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Potters Charm 2nd Bill Joyce 3rd Quebecois