UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Maughreen has won both outings to date (one bumper and one hurdle) by a combined total of 16 lengths and she is a fascinating runner for Willie and Patrick Mullins, while it is interesting that Paul Townend instead rides Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle scorer Aurora Vega. Galileo Dame was narrowly defeated in Grade 1 company at the Dublin Racing Festival and can go close with any further improvement, but preference is for Gavin Cromwell's SIXANDAHALF. This high-class Flat performer, and impressive Punchestown Festival bumper winner, looked a natural when bolting up on her hurdling debut at Fairyhouse in January and she should have a lot more to come in this sphere. Karoline Banbou is another with a chance for team Mullins, while Diva Luna and Jubilee Alpha look the pick of the English runners.
Prediction : 1st Sixandahalf 2nd Galileo Dame 3rd Jubilee Alpha

Fourth in last year's Supreme, Asian Master has yet to score in three starts over fences, but is expected to improve for this extra distance. The latter comment also applies to Nurburgring, who finished strongly for fourth in last year's Triumph Hurdle, although he jumped poorly over fences when disappointing at Leopardstown in December. Firefox finished a creditable third in the Irish Arkle last time and was beaten less than a length in the Drinmore at Fairyhouse earlier in the season. A bold bid is anticipated from Gordon Elliott's charge, although it's the highly-progressive SPRINGWELL BAY that makes most appeal. He finished runner-up here in December before returning the emphatic winner of a competitive handicap over C&D and is taken to defy a 9lb rise. Moon D'orange was a less impressive winner over these fences in January.
Prediction : 1st Springwell Bay 2nd Firefox 3rd Asian Master

Although the Irish have dominated this contest recently, the home team managed to fill the first six places last year. With that in mind, there is a sneaking suspicion that we've yet to see the best of second-season hurdler JERIKO DU REPONET. A novice chase campaign was soon shelved after an inauspicious round of jumping at Sandown in November, but the six-year-old offered plenty to work with when a staying-on third over 2m7f at Exeter last month. That was his first attempt beyond 2m1f under Rules and this extra furlong could unlock more potential. The reopposing winner Catch Him Derry must enter calculations off a 6lb higher mark and the son of Milan isn't taken lightly. The hat-trick seeking Will The Wise made a winning handicap debut at Naas last month and Gavin Cromwell's gelding is feared most of the Irish contingent, ahead of Win Some Lose Some and Karl Des Tourelles.
Prediction : 1st Jeriko Du Reponet 2nd Catch Him Derry 3rd Will The Wise

It seems a logical step for FACT TO FILE to avoid taking on his nemesis/stablemate Galopin Des Champs in the Gold Cup and this presents last year's Brown Advisory winner with a more likely path to gaining back-to-back Cheltenham Festival successes. Dropping back down in trip shouldn't be an issue for the still low-mileage eight-year-old, who has a massive chance of securing a fourth Grade 1 triumph. Protektorat comes into the race in better form that he did when winning this 12 months ago and is a must for consideration. Il Est Francais also rates an ideal type for this event and his game second in the King George is a rock-solid piece of form. Djelo and the lightly-raced Jungle Boogie command respect too.
Prediction : 1st Fact To File 2nd Protektorat 3rd Il Est Francais

Teahupoo comfortably justified favouritism 12 months ago and has to be respected as he bids to defend his crown. However, he was readily swept aside by Lossiemouth on his first and only outing of the current campaign at Fairyhouse in December and it could be worth taking him on. Home By The Lee has looked a rejuvenated character this term, winning the Lismullen and Savills Hurdle, and he should be heavily involved if on another going day, while the form of The Wallpark's handicap victory here in October gives him a chance. Gowel Road never seems to run a bad race and merits consideration, as do Bob Olinger and Rocky's Diamond. The vote, however, goes to LUCKY PLACE. He caught the eye when a staying-on fourth in last season's Coral Cup, particularly as the Nicky Henderson stable was under a cloud at the time, and he has taken a step forward this term, winning at Ascot and on New Year's Day here. With this extra yardage expected to unlock further improvement, he is fancied to go very close.
Prediction : 1st Lucky Place 2nd Home By The Lee 3rd Teahupoo

Connections waited as late as possible before deciding where JAGWAR would take his chance and the decision to go against more seasoned handicappers appears to be the correct move. He was brought along steadily as a hurdler and has really taken off over the larger obstacles, winning three of his four chase starts, including over C&D in January when Masaccio was back in third. Despite Alan King's grey being 6lb better off and sporting cheekpieces for the first time, the selection doesn't seem to have reached his ceiling in terms of his potential and his course experience has to be a huge positive. Jordans has to enter calculations having chased home Impaire Et Passe in the Faugheen over Christmas, while others for the shortlist include 2023 winner Seddon and Personal Ambition.
Prediction : 1st Jagwar 2nd Masaccio 3rd Jordans

Derek O'Connor carried the JP McManus colours to victory in this contest last year and the leading amateur partners Johnnywho this time. The latter finished last of three at Windsor in January, but was eased down on the run-in and much better is expected from him. Sa Majeste also sports the McManus colours and just prevailed at Fairyhouse last time. There looks more to come from Willie Mullins' inmate over this extra distance, while Midnight Our Fred has finished second over these fences three times now and faced a stiff task when runner-up in a Listed handicap at Leopardstown on his latest start. Nine Graces is 13lb higher than when scoring at Punchestown, but MINT BOY looks potentially well treated representing last year's winning trainer. Gavin Cromwell's improving chaser is only 4lb higher than when third over 2m7f at Punchestown last month and should prove a more potent force here with his stamina brought into play.
Prediction : 1st Mint Boy 2nd Midnight Our Fred 3rd Sa Majeste