UK Horse Racing Tips: Nottingham

James Tate has been amongst the winners of late and he appears to have found a great opening for STORM FREE, who has earned a rating of 83. If improving from two to three years, he will likely get the better of Dan Tucker. Jedd O'Keeffe's charge is rated 4lb below the selection and has had one more run, but a gelding operation since finishing second at Redcar in October could potentially unlock another gear. Sharp Call is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Storm Free 2nd Dan Tucker 3rd Sharp Call

Counsel remains in fine form despite his winning run coming to an end at Southwell, while Ziggy's Missile also warrants respect. However, a chance is taken on past C&D scorer LOOKING FOR LYNDA. The five-year-old, who has spent most of his career competing at a higher level, is entitled to improve for his comeback effort at Musselburgh last week and it's interesting that blinkers are now fitted.
Prediction : 1st Looking For Lynda 2nd Counsel 3rd Ziggys Missile

Cameron Highlander made a pleasing debut when third over 1m at Newcastle last month and he looks best of the experienced runners, but at least one or two of the newcomers might prove to be better than him. The one who makes most appeal is Harry Eustace's SEA OF KINGS, who cost 250,000 euros as a foal and is certainly bred to have plenty of ability being a full-brother to dual Group 1 winner Sea Of Class. Munsif must enter calculations representing Roger Varian, while Belaya River is also of interest.
Prediction : 1st Sea Of Kings 2nd Munsif 3rd Cameron Highlander

A few to consider with the likes of Dream Illusion, Bear Island and Lever Up all having the potential to improve now sent handicapping, but IT'S ONLY FUN gets the vote. Jennie Candlish's gelding made a mockery of an opening mark of 67 when bolting up at Musselburgh on his reappearance recently and a 6lb penalty shouldn't be any barrier to further success on that evidence.
Prediction : 1st Its Only Fun 2nd Dream Illusion 3rd Bear Island

A chance can be taken on OLIVIA JANE, who is better than she showed at Kempton last month having got upset in the stalls. Eased 3lb in the handicap, a switch to turf ought to suit the daughter of Dark Angel and with fitness on her side, she could find the necessary progress. Zarathos shaped with promise when third at Southwell in February and is unlikely to be far away, along with the consistent Antiquity.
Prediction : 1st Olivia Jane 2nd Zarathos 3rd Antiquity

It is difficult to oppose AL QAREEM, who, although having to concede weight all round, is 10lb clear of his nearest rival on official ratings. The gelded son of Awtaad should come forward from a recent spin at Saint Cloud and is taken to repel the challenge of Real Dream. Align The Stars has some strong handicap form in the book and is no back number.
Prediction : 1st Al Qareem 2nd Real Dream 3rd Align The Stars

GENTLE WARRIOR impressed when winning by nine and a half lengths over C&D when last seen and could have plenty more to offer now he has proven himself capable over this distance. The handicapper dished out a 9lb hike for that but he's still lightly raced and might be able to kick on. War Hawk is feared most, turned out under a penalty after last week's Lingfield triumph. Handicap debutants Anglophile, Epimeteo and Sourdough also command respect.
Prediction : 1st Gentle Warrior 2nd War Hawk 3rd Anglophile

In handicapping terms, Ring Of Gold is notable back on turf off 17lb below his last winning mark on the all-weather. Green Power and Born A Rebel have also won off higher ratings and are dangerous to underestimate. However, BALLSBRIDGE was dependable at this level last season and this one-time inmate of Aidan O'Brien's could be the one to beat.
Prediction : 1st Ballsbridge 2nd Ring Of Gold 3rd Green Power