UK Horse Racing Tips: Wetherby

A half-brother to the high-class pair of Jonbon and Douvan, WILSTAR will likely prove a smart recruit to the hurdling ranks. He easily won a bumper at Perth in April and Olly Murphy's yard remains in fine form. Kadastral is another to note hurdling for the first time having won a valuable bumper at Newbury, while Cave Bridge has the more recent form arriving on the back of last month's hurdling debut success at Carlisle and he could feature.
Prediction : 1st Wilstar 2nd Kadastral 3rd Cave Bridge

The progressive LIGHTNING FLASH looks to have a leading chance. He made a winning start over fences last month with a cosy win at Chepstow and there should be plenty more to come over the larger obstacles. A dual winner over fences at Perth, Glen Cannel beat a subsequent winner last time and warrants respect on that form, while Ninth Loch is preferred to Top Target of those chasing for the first time.
Prediction : 1st Lightning Flash 2nd Glen Cannel 3rd Ninth Loch

This looks an ideal chance for GOLDEN ACE to resume winning ways. Left in the lead at the last when a fortunate winner of the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, Jeremy Scott's charge subsequently finished a determined runner-up in the Punchestown equivalent and looks a cut above today's opposition. Second in a Grade 2 hurdle at Doncaster in January, Kateira should have the measure of Dysart Enos of the remaining pair.
Prediction : 1st Golden Ace 2nd Kateira 3rd Dysart Enos

Winter Fog posted a personal best with a surprise third in last year's Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. However, it's worth remembering the Willie Mullins-trained gelding has winning form over 3m and could be a player back up in trip. However, STRONG LEADER is a more proven stayer and the 2024 Liverpool Hurdle winner could be difficult to overhaul with his suitability for a flat galloping course lay-out assured. Take No Chances won on this card 12 months ago and is feared more than Potters Charm, who resumes after wind surgery and a 234-day break.
Prediction : 1st Strong Leader 2nd Winter Fog 3rd Take No Chances

Protektorat hasn't been tried over 3m for a couple of years but is proven over the distance at the top level and his official rating of 165 suggests he has every chance of being heavily involved. However, Paul Nicholls has his runners in fine form just now and PIC D'ORHY looks an ideal type to relish a new trip to grant his trainer a sixth winner in this prestigious event. Last year' victor The Real Whacker is another serious player with a tongue-tie and cheekpieces combination tried.
Prediction : 1st Pic DOrhy 2nd Protektorat 3rd The Real Whacker

Go Dante ended his last campaign with a win in the Imperial Cup at Sandown and the nine-year-old has to be respected on his return. That said, preference is for DON'T MIND IF I DO, who makes his handicap debut after three promising starts in maiden/novice hurdles last season and a mark of 120 should be workable for Alan King's gelding. Others to note in a competitive event are Pure Gold, Half A Chance and Max Of Stars.
Prediction : 1st Dont Mind If I Do 2nd Go Dante 3rd Pure Gold

Plenty with chances, but none more so than RIBEYE after his success over 3m at Hexham last month. The veteran had plenty in hand that day and can defy a 5lb rise to add another victory to his record. Red Delta has also won impressively in recent weeks and remains open to improvement, while Wa Wa edges out Halpha Soleil and Yes Day to be pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Ribeye 2nd Red Delta 3rd Wa Wa