UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Hallelujah U wasn't beaten far in the Queen's Vase and was third behind Scandinavia in the Bahrain Trophy, and his connections have won this race for the past two seasons with Burdett Road and East India Dock. That pair had previous jumping experience, though, something PRECIOUS MAN has from Auteuil, where he had subsequent winners behind when successful in May. He is just preferred to fellow French recruit Parchment, who impressed at Clairefontaine and has since joined David Pipe. Secret Force looked a natural at Punchestown and must be feared.
Prediction : 1st Precious Man 2nd Parchment 3rd Secret Force

Even accounting for the fact that AUREA FORTUNA is 15lb higher than for last month's comfortable Punchestown triumph, he is still 5lb below his hurdles rating. He is unlikely to slip under the radar with punters, but should be open to plenty more improvement. Sound And Fury contributed to Ben Pauling's fine recent run when making a successful comeback at Carlisle. Kelce offered plenty of encouragement when fourth under today's rider over C&D last month, and represents last year's winning stable. Imperial Alex has been freshened up following a Perth victory and commands attention too.
Prediction : 1st Aurea Fortuna 2nd Sound And Fury 3rd Kelce

Dan Skelton treads the same path as he did with last year's winner L'eau Du Sud, with Be Aware arriving after making a successful chasing debut in a Stratford handicap. July Flower also made a seamless transition to fences when scoring at Limerick and is a player in receipt of the mares' allowance, but BURDETT ROAD is a class act. Victorious at this meeting for the past two years, James Owen's five-year-old avoided the Champion Hurdle drama to pick up the silver medal and warmed up for this new test with a solid second behind Rubaud at Kempton.
Prediction : 1st Burdett Road 2nd July Flower 3rd Be Aware

Il Ridoto landed the corresponding event off 1lb lower 12 months ago and he merits respect, although last season's progressive Plate winner Jagwar might still be ahead of the handicapper. The six-year-old, who is four from five over fences, won on his seasonal return last year and is one to keep on the right side of this term. That being said, Henry de Bromhead has made a fine start to the new season and COMING UP EASY could represent some value. An easy winner of a Listed handicap at Killarney in August, completing a hat-trick in the process, there could be a lot more to come. Others to note include Conyers Hill and Vincenzo.
Prediction : 1st Coming Up Easy 2nd Jagwar 3rd Il Ridoto

This could be a fine opportunity for SUPREMELY WEST, who shaped with real promise on his seasonal return/first run following wind surgery over C&D last month. Third and over two lengths ahead of the reopposing Long Draw (fourth), it's quite possible that he could take a considerable step forward. Kikijo has few miles on the clock and any improvement on his recent Aintree fourth would bring him firmly into the reckoning.
Prediction : 1st Supremely West 2nd Long Draw 3rd Kikijo

Jurancon was a promising novice last season and won impressively on his handicap debut at Newbury in March. David Pipe's gelding merits plenty of respect, but his lack of a recent run just gives the edge to FRENCH SHIP. The latter had plenty in hand when winning a similar event over 2m4f here last month and even an 8lb rise may still underestimate him. Royal Infantry is another with strong claims after his third at Chepstow, while Kap Boy and last year's winner Hamsiyann are also noted.
Prediction : 1st French Ship 2nd Jurancon 3rd Royal Infantry

CELESTIAL TUNE has improved with every start and she got off the mark in impressive fashion at Listowel in September. The daughter of Maxios may have more progression left to come and she is arguably the one to beat. Divine Diva won well on her only start between the flags and Dan Skelton's filly should not be underestimated on her Rules debut. Others who make the shortlist are Eremenko, Rock Sensation and Amina.
Prediction : 1st Celestial Tune 2nd Divine Diva 3rd Eremenko