UK Horse Racing Tips: Stratford

Although unable to capitalise since scoring in a selling handicap hurdle at Newton Abbot in September, DICKENS has performed with credit on both runner-up efforts at Sedgefield since. The seven-year-old makes plenty of appeal reverting to selling company and a sixth victory over hurdles may beckon. Mohawk Chief would prove a live threat if recapturing his best form and cannot be dismissed, while Sea Thrift may fare best of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Dickens 2nd Mohawk Chief 3rd Sea Thrift

Followango looked to find 2m too sharp on her return to chasing at Ffos Las in April and she should put her experiences over obstacles to good use. Evan Williams' mare isn't without a chance reverting to a maiden hurdle, but Rules-debutant FIRST CANDIDATE may prove too strong. Dan Skelton's mare ran out a ready winner on her first completed start between the flags in Ireland and market support would increase confidence. A Path To Ronda is also of interest.
Prediction : 1st First Candidate 2nd Followango 3rd A Path To Ronda

WANDERING EGO may not have shown much on his hurdling bow at Perth, but he looked good when scoring easily in a bumper at Worcester and improvement can be expected on his second start in this sphere. A relatively promising third, despite being beaten a long way on his Rules debut at Fontwell, Park Talk is entitled to be thereabouts, as well as French recruit Brace For Landing.
Prediction : 1st Wandering Ego 2nd Brace For Landing 3rd Park Talk

A Listed bumper winner at Cheltenham in January, PRECIOUS METAL looks like a nice prospect for the Henrietta Knight stable and he can strike on his debut over hurdles. Making his first start under Rules after a point-to-point success in February, Taurus Bay is a key player for strong connections, along with Quaviste, who has undergone wind surgery since disappointing in a Grade 2 bumper at Aintree.
Prediction : 1st Precious Metal 2nd Taurus Bay 3rd Quaviste

The Skelton team landed this contest in 2024, and they can do so once more with chase debutant BE AWARE, who was placed in valuable handicap handicap hurdles at Ascot and Cheltenham last season. Range didn't show much after scoring at Chepstow last November, but softer ground should help on his return to action. Cerendipity and Grandeur D'ame are capable sorts on their day.
Prediction : 1st Be Aware 2nd Range 3rd Grandeur Dame

MOTAZZEN ran well on his return to hurdling at Fontwell earlier in the month and has to be noted, despite a 1lb rise. Soldier's Leap showed promise when a close third on his first start since a wind op at Huntingdon in February and he has to be noted on his return, while the unexposed Kalkaroo is the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Motazzen 2nd Soldiers Leap 3rd Kalkaroo

Having hit the frame on his last two outings at Market Rasen, chase/seasonal debutant JOINING FORCE looks to be on a workable opening mark. Fergal O'Brien's charge wasn't disgraced in two outings between the flags and this could prove a suitable opportunity for him to open his account. A 6lb rise in the ratings for Faitque De L'Isle's victory at Uttoxeter earlier this month shouldn't prevent a bold follow-up bid and he's feared most, ahead of Another Folly.
Prediction : 1st Joining Force 2nd Faitque De LIsle 3rd Another Folly

Princess Of Ballea displayed promise on her opening third at Huntingdon earlier this month and she merits respect as the only one with race experience. However, there are some intriguing newcomers on show, with a tentative vote for BROKEN VOW. The daughter of Decorated Knight boasts plenty of speed in her pedigree and market support would increase confidence. Galaxy Star and Doobeedee are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Broken Vow 2nd Princess Of Ballea 3rd Galaxy Star