UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

This has gone the way of a five-year-old in three of the last five renewals and FRENCH SHIP is fancied to improve that trend. The son of French Navy was well in contention when falling just after the third-last in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow earlier this month and goes off an unchanged rating. East India Express bolted up at this venue when last seen, to make it three wins from his last four starts, and has to be respected. Jazzy Matty and The Expensive One are just two others to consider.
Prediction : 1st French Ship 2nd East India Express 3rd Jazzy Matty

Alnilam beat Country Mile by over three lengths on his chasing bow at Uttoxeter, making every yard of the running, and Olly Murphy's charge can confirm that form to go close. However, KING OF KINGSFIELD struck in Grade 3 company at Punchestown on his most recent start and sets the standard. Gordon Elliott's seven-year-old has finished in the places at the top level over the smaller obstacles and could be a class above.
Prediction : 1st King Of Kingsfield 2nd Alnilam 3rd Country Mile

Rubber Ball progressed in each of his first five starts under Rules before finding Grade 1 company too big an ask at Aintree in April. He now makes his handicap debut and needs considering, but the vote goes to KING WILLIAM RUFUS. The eight-year-old was successful in this grade here when last seen and returns off just a 4lb higher rating. If he is ready to go, he could prove hard to beat. The hat-trick seeking Torquay Road and Cavern Club aren't ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st King William Rufus 2nd Rubber Ball 3rd Torquay Road

The Twiston-Davies team enjoyed plenty of success in the El Rincon colours last term and they could have another smart novice on their hands in the shape of UN SENS A LA VIE. An impressive winner on his hurdles bow at Market Rasen, he is likely to have plenty more to come and is narrowly preferred to Fortune De Mer, a Listed bumper winner here who is bound to improve for his placed effort at Uttoxeter. Four from six in this sphere and not beaten far on his return at Market Rasen, Sir Galahad completes the shortlist with Irish raider Jackson Lamb.
Prediction : 1st Un Sens A La Vie 2nd Fortune De Mer 3rd Sir Galahad

The value may lie with BROOKIE, who took his form to a new level when runner-up in the Maghull Novices' Chase at Aintree before ending his season with a respectable fourth at the Punchestown Festival. The last time he tackled a handicap, Anthony Honeyball's charge scored comfortably at Doncaster and, despite being 19lb higher, he can get back to winning ways. Calico had Matata narrowly behind when landing this contest last year and he should be able to uphold that form in receipt of 18lb from the top-weight. Jasko Des Dames will need to improve on the jumping front, but he showed up well when second on his return at Listowel.
Prediction : 1st Brookie 2nd Calico 3rd Jasko Des Dames

Arch Empire struggled in Grade 3 company at Tipperary last time, but the Irish raider would have a big chance on the pick of his form. Don Virginia is another with strong claims following his facile success in a valuable handicap at Worcester last month, although he faces a tougher test now. Preference is for DALSTON LAD, who lost his unbeaten record in the Champion Bumper here in March, but his two previous victories under Rules suggest that he has the ability to make his presence felt in a race of this nature.
Prediction : 1st Dalston Lad 2nd Arch Empire 3rd Don Virginia

REGARDE has progressed well over fences and arguably put in a career best when winning at Haydock in March. He was second over 3m4f here on his sole subsequent start and that form was boosted when the winner struck at Chepstow earlier in the month. On that evidence, Jamie Snowden's gelding could take plenty of stopping off the same mark. Kelce has to be noted following his success at Wetherby on his final run of last season, while Harrys Hope and Smugglers Haven have the benefit of more recent outings. Others to note are Solly Attwell, Planned Paradise and Rockinastorm.
Prediction : 1st Regarde 2nd Kelce 3rd Harrys Hope