UK Horse Racing Tips: Newbury

HARBOUR ISLAND won two bumpers last season before chasing home the exciting Mydaddypaddy on his hurdling debut at Carlisle earlier in the month. Based on that evidence, Olly Murphy's gelding appears to be the safest pick in a competitive event. Act Of Innocence was fourth in a Listed bumper here in February and won at Taunton the following month. He has to be noted on his debut for Nicky Henderson, while Sinnatra completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Harbour Island 2nd Act Of Innocence 3rd Sinnatra

MAMBONUMBERFIVE created a big impression when making a winning debut over fences at Aintree three weeks ago and Ben Pauling's four-year-old can defy a 5lb higher mark on this occasion. Palacio bolted up on his fencing bow at Chepstow and he should not be underestimated. Most of the remainder also have claims, but Secret Des Dieux and Captain Bellamy are the pick of them.
Prediction : 1st Mambonumberfive 2nd Palacio 3rd Secret Des Dieux

HIGHLAND CRYSTAL could hardly have been more impressive when winning on her racecourse bow at Punchestown a couple of weeks ago and Gordon Elliott's filly may be hard to stop, despite this step up in grade. Kate O'Riley was not disgraced when third against geldings in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham recently and she is likely to be in the mix once again. Others to consider are Tralee Girl, Sopelana and Wonderfulwonderful.
Prediction : 1st Highland Crystal 2nd Kate ORiley 3rd Tralee Girl

Wendigo may have been pipped by Wade Out on his chasing debut at Worcester, but that form looks better in hindsight thanks to the winner following up in Listed company. The smart six-year-old was ahead of REGENT'S STROLL when beating all bar The New Lion in last year's Challow, but Paul Nicholls' expensive purchase improved as the season went on and was only just denied in Grade 1 company at Aintree. Better is expected of him now he tackles fences and the stable won this with a chasing newcomer two years ago. Kingston Pride is another force to be reckoned with.
Prediction : 1st Regents Stroll 2nd Wendigo 3rd Kingston Pride

Filanderer picked up where he left off last term when strolling away from his Ffos Las rivals, but he faces a different calibre of opponent and must compete from out of the handicap. Telepathique is 20lb higher than when last seen in handicap company, while American Mike hasn't lived up to the expectations set by beating Fact To File two years ago, although the switch to Olly Murphy could help rejuvenate him. Heltenham showed more at Wetherby and has had wind surgery since, but TWINJETS had him 12 lengths back in third when making a successful comeback at Fontwell and can go in again.
Prediction : 1st Twinjets 2nd Filanderer 3rd American Mike

Strong Leader made a successful return to action in this last year and has a run under his belt this time after his Wetherby win. He had to dig deep to deny Take No Chances, though, and Doddiethegreat wasn't that far behind them. IMPOSE TOI could be an exciting new addition to the staying hurdling division because he handled the step up to an extended 3m with aplomb at Aintree. Last season's Coral Cup runner-up could have even more to offer and gets a handy 6lb from Strong Leader.
Prediction : 1st Impose Toi 2nd Strong Leader 3rd Take No Chances

Harry Cobden has struck up a good partnership with J J Moon and the six-year-old made a successful handicap debut at Newton Abbot, but BLUE CARPET is the one who steps outside of maiden/novice company now and has any amount for scope for improvement. He hardly broke sweat to land the odds at Wetherby and an initial mark of 118 seems generous. Diamond Ri remains a smart prospect and returns from the sidelines for an in-form stable, while Thunder Rock is well treated in this sphere and can go well fresh.
Prediction : 1st Blue Carpet 2nd J J Moon 3rd Thunder Rock