UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Kap Vert finished eight lengths clear of the third when second at Fontwell last month and is one to keep a close eye on. However, LUCKY MANIFEST made the perfect start for the Tom Lacey yard when readily taking care of his nearest rival by just under five lengths at Kelso, and is now 9lb higher. With the potential of more to come on just his second start in a handicap, he looks the way to go. Bective Abbey and El Capitaine are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Lucky Manifest 2nd Kap Vert 3rd Bective Abbey

LORD BADDESLEY produced a brilliant performance on his return to action at Newbury last week and, if in the same sort of form, he can defy his penalty to record a quick double. Gunsight Ridge finished a respectable fourth over 2m at Aintree in April and remains on a workable mark, so he has to be of interest for the in-form Olly Murphy team. Fugitif is a two-time course winner who also has a chance.
Prediction : 1st Lord Baddesley 2nd Gunsight Ridge 3rd Fugitif

Wade Out shaped as if crying out for this step up in distance when getting up towards the finish to score by a head over 2m4f at Worcester last month, and he has to be taken seriously. Double Powerful made the frame off a mark of 134 at this track last time and is noted, but LEAVE OF ABSENCE looks the way to go. Anthony Honeyball's charge did it well over track and trip on his return to the fray, beating a 150-rated rival in Pied Piper, and that form sets the standard.
Prediction : 1st Leave Of Absence 2nd Wade Out 3rd Double Powerful

Despite having to give weight to all of his rivals, it would be no surprise to see JONBON add another victory to his record. Nicky Henderson's gelding was a beaten favourite in the Champion Chase here in March, but he still won three Grade 1 events last season and the nine-year-old can make it a hat-trick in this contest. Libberty Hunter may have finished in front of the selection in the Champion Chase had he not fallen three out and he should not be underestimated, especially if more rain arrives. L'eau Du Sud was a useful novice but does need to step forward to beat Jonbon.
Prediction : 1st Jonbon 2nd Libberty Hunter 3rd Leau Du Sud

HEADS UP only found one too good in the Champion Bumper here in March and confirmed his well-being when winning impressively on his hurdling debut over 2m at Listowel in September. This step up in trip may bring about further improvement from the five-year-old and he appears to be the safest pick. Great Fleet chased home an exciting prospect over 3m here last month and this drop in distance should help Dan Skelton's charge, while No Drama This End completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Heads Up 2nd Great Fleet 3rd No Drama This End

It wasn't the strongest Grade 2 that FORTUNE DE MER won over C&D last month but it was still an effort full of promise. With that in mind, an opening mark of 124 over hurdles could vastly underestimate Dan Skelton's gelding and he could prove to be a class above. However, Alphonse Le Grande is very interesting as he has improved significantly on the Flat since he was last seen over hurdles in 2023 and he could be thrown in if transferring that ability to jumps. Others who make the shortlist include Bruant, Katakana and Shade Of Winter.
Prediction : 1st Fortune De Mer 2nd Alphonse Le Grande 3rd Bruant