UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

CREST OF FORTUNE proved to be very consistent over hurdles, with his best run coming on his final start when third in the Sefton at Aintree, and the five-year-old appeals as the type to progress now sent chasing. Double Powerful completed a six-timer over the smaller obstacles here last November and continued to improve with a string of placed efforts in competitive handicaps. Newton Tornado is another with solid credentials on his first attempt over fences, while West Away and Zurich are respected most of the Irish challenge.
Prediction : 1st Crest Of Fortune 2nd Double Powerful 3rd Newton Tornado

Pour Les Filles got off the mark over timber at Downpatrick and backs up quickly considering his profile of appearing to need plenty of time between his races. With that in mind, it might pay to to follow MINELLA SUPREME. John McConnell has a fine record at the October meeting and the five-year-old made amends for falling on his hurdling bow when scoring at Kilbeggan. Conman John made a winning start to his hurdling career at Kelso and is expected to appreciate stepping up in trip. Keep an eye on Catchintsavo, who finished ahead of Conman John when third in a bumper at the Punchestown Festival.
Prediction : 1st Minella Supreme 2nd Pour Les Filles 3rd Conman John

Hyland enjoyed a solid first season over fences before finding the Grand National a step too far. Although he won on this card 12 months ago, the forecast rain and him possibly needing the run ahead of his potential first big target at Newbury next month temper enthusiasm. Rock My Way was runner-up in the National Hunt Chase when having Transmission behind in fifth and the pair are likely to make their presence felt, especially the former after a wind operation. The vote, though, goes to last year's runner-up THE SHORT GO. Things didn't quite go to plan after that, but his fifth in the Ultima was a fair effort considering his jumping let him down and the yard bids for a third consecutive victory in the contest.
Prediction : 1st The Short Go 2nd Rock My Way 3rd Hyland

Gordon Elliott landed this contest last year with a progressive type and he looks to have a similar sort on his hands in the shape of WINNING SMUT, who was impressive at Galway. An 11lb rise might prove lenient and he is narrowly preferred to Long Draw, who has scored on his last two visits to Cheltenham. A taking winner on his first start for the Dan Skelton team at Newton Abbot, Prince Zaltar is of interest on the step back up in trip, as is Chance Another One, who goes back hurdling after a comfortable success over the larger obstacles at Ballinrobe. Others to note include Chart Topper, Ma Shantou and Moon D'orange.
Prediction : 1st Winning Smut 2nd Long Draw 3rd Prince Zaltar

GIVE IT TO ME OJ landed a valuable handicap hurdle on the final day of last season at Sandown and looks like an exciting prospect. He should be primed for this assignment after a double on the Flat at Epsom last month and may have too much quality for Hamlet's Night, who has improved with each jumping start and was impressive in scoring at Warwick. French recruit Loriko showed promise on his British debut when third at Uttoxeter and improvement is likely, despite the step up in class.
Prediction : 1st Give It To Me Oj 2nd Hamlets Night 3rd Loriko

Jockey bookings suggest that Pied Piper is probably the pick of Gordon Elliott's two entrants, while Galway winner Intense Approach and Baltic Bird enhance the possibility of an Irish-trained winner emerging. However, LEAVE OF ABSENCE looks a fair prospect for staying events in this discipline and the lightly-raced eight-year-old could be tough to deal with if replicating the dominant effort he posted at Newbury when last seen.
Prediction : 1st Leave Of Absence 2nd Pied Piper 3rd Intense Approach

CHICKER looked a decent prospect when he quickened up nicely to win cosily on his introduction at Worcester in August. The Fergal O'Brien-trained four-year-old picks up a 4lb penalty and will need to raise his game, but that was a very promising display and he readily looks the pick of those with experience. Le Beau Madrik, Bells Grove and Collanisi are all works in progress and warrant betting checks, while Antarctic Legend is an attractively-bred newcomer to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Chicker 2nd Le Beau Madrik 3rd Bells Grove