UK Horse Racing Tips: Bellewstown

The top three are the ones to focus on and while the lowest rated of those with a mark, CHORTAL might be able to register a second course and distance win. Third at Ballinrobe on his latest National Hunt start, he had a good pipe opener when fourth in a Corinthian Challenge race at the Curragh last weekend. Successful on the level here in April, Mick Collins is likely to go off favourite. Disappointing on his first two tries over flights, he made the breakthrough at Punchestown last month, beating Luker's Tipple into second. Winning two of his last three, Autumn Twist is the other leading hope, and it'll come as no surprise if he manages to follow-up on his recent Flat win.
Prediction : 1st Chortal 2nd Mick Collins 3rd Autumn Twist

Odds-on and beaten on recent starts at Fairyhouse and Limerick, a first time hood may have the desired effect on De Temps En Temps, but he is difficult to fancy with any great confidence. Not seen since registering a second successive win at Galway in September, it might be worth taking a chance on AVONDALE. He was a respectable fifth on his sole previous effort over flights and had no less than five subsequent winners behind. Beaten by just half-a-length at Listowel in May, Encosta will be well-fancied to go a place better, while Faithful Follower and five-time Flat winner El Bello are others of note.
Prediction : 1st Avondale 2nd Encosta 3rd De Temps En Temps

A fiercely competitive affair, with the prize fund for this feature contest up on last year. Gavin Cromwell saddles three leading contenders, with BLACK HEATHER the selection. A bit disappointing since his easy debut success over flights at Naas in April, he starts off in handicap company now, with Paddy O'Brien claiming a valuable 7lb. Ballysax Hank and Listowel winner Stuntman Steve are the other Cromwell representatives and both are sure to have plenty of supporters. A fast-finishing second in that Listowel heat, First Dare is of definite interest with Barry Stone aboard, while the Gordon Elliott pair of Bowensonfire and Raydamann are other leading hopes.
Prediction : 1st Black Heather 2nd First Dare 3rd Ballysax Hank

Fillusin sets the standard on a mark of 110. Placed five times from six previous efforts over flights, another bold bid can be expected from the Gordon Elliott-trained six-year-old. Gavin Cromwell saddles both Hillhead Runner and Whiskey Serenade, with the former the winner of a bumper when in the care of Peter Fahey. Since finishing a solid fourth on her hurdles debut at Listowel, it'll come as no surprise if she manages to go a few places better now. For a selection, MOON ECLIPSE gets the nod. Successful on debut in a Leopardstown bumper, she had two subsequent winners behind. Related to some useful performers, the Getaway chestnut could prove a class above these. Third and fifth at Limerick in May, Mrs Mc Go and Iamyouare are others capable of making an impact.
Prediction : 1st Moon Eclipse 2nd Hillhead Runner 3rd Fillusin

Although yet to get his head in front from 15 attempts, KLASSMAN came very close when narrowly denied at Limerick last time. Despite being raised 3lb for that effort, the Shane Nolan-trained seven-year-old appears to have every chance of finally gaining that breakthrough success. A stronger traveller, who stays further, the gelding should be suited to a track such as this where they tend to get racing early. Avandra, who showed promise when fifth in a stronger race last time, has to be of interest in first-time cheekpieces. Trainer Philip Rothwell continues to be amongst the winners. Cois Fharraige, who has only had two starts for Gavin Cromwell, remains open to improvement.
Prediction : 1st Klassman 2nd Avandra 3rd Cois Fharraige

OUR SOLDIER has every chance of overturning course and distance form with Aspurofthemoment. When the pair met here in April, the latter came out on top to the tune of four-lengths. However, having only had to concede 1lb on that occasion, Aspurofthemoment now has to give Our Soldier 10lb. While there is again unlikely to be that much between these two in-form horses, the Edward O'Grady-trained six-year-old just gets the verdict. A winner over fences at Kilbeggan subsequently, Aspurofthemoment commands maximum respect in his bid for a four-timer. Boston Jury, who finished third on his most recent start at Ballinrobe in May, should be all the better for his first run in handicap company.
Prediction : 1st Our Soldier 2nd Aspurofthemoment 3rd Boston Jury

Runner-up in the corresponding race last year, JACKSON LAMB can go one better. Having landed a Downpatrick bumper on his seasonal reappearance 12 months ago, it is surely significant that trainer John McConnell has elected to keep the six-year-old fresh for this contest. Connections have also resisted the temptation to resume hurdling, another indication that they must feel the gelding is capable of further success in this sphere. Kilbeggan winner Minella Emperor has every chance of confirming that form with runner-up Stede Bonnet. The latter, who went on to land his bumper at Clonmel last time, was beaten cosily by the Emmet Mullins-trained six-year-old. Noble Name is also not without her chance, having slipped up early last time.
Prediction : 1st Jackson Lamb 2nd Minella Emperor 3rd Stede Bonnet