UK Horse Racing Tips: Plumpton

Andy Irvine's last two handicap runners have been winners and BIRDMAN BOB, who won nicely over C&D at the start of last month, has an excellent chance of continuing in that vein of form, despite a 7lb rise. King Of Highways ran with credit on his chase debut when third at Lingfield and is likely to be competitive off the same mark. The switch of headgear to a visor might yield some improvement from Atreides.
Prediction : 1st Birdman Bob 2nd King Of Highways 3rd Atreides

FRESH KICKS appears to set the standard based on his first run over hurdles when runner-up at Kempton and Nicky Henderson's gelding looks to have an ideal opportunity to go one better. Hillwalk finished second to a useful prospect at Chepstow in November of last year and that kind of form would give him every chance now running over hurdles for the first time. Crest Of Valour is entitled to step forward from his Fontwell debut.
Prediction : 1st Fresh Kicks 2nd Hillwalk 3rd Crest Of Valour

Cueros made the perfect start to his hurdling career at Newcastle and lost little in defeat at Wetherby next time. He should progress further, but might struggle to give 7lb to CREST OF STARS. The four-year-old landed a Newton Abbot bumper on his return in October but is sure to be better over an obstacle, especially given that he is a half-brother to the smart Ashdale Bob. General Briar is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Crest Of Stars 2nd Cueros 3rd General Briar

JOREBEL has gone from strength to strength since scoring at Fontwell in September, winning three of his four starts, including on his fencing bow at Lingfield. Although he only prevailed narrowly, he should have plenty more in the locker and is fancied to go in again, despite a 6lb rise. Touquet was defeated by the selection at Lingfield, but is 1lb better off. Jackpot Cash has struggled of late, but perhaps the application of a first-time tongue-tie will help him.
Prediction : 1st Jorebel 2nd Touquet 3rd Jackpot Cash

Having notched up a brace of novice victories, Jackstell completed his hat-trick when switched to handicaps over C&D. He is expected to go close again, but GRENADIER JED is preferred. Robert Walford's gelding also registered a three-timer on his return at Fontwell and the manner in which he won would suggest he can cope with a 10lb rise. Believitanducan, Bourbali and Sixty Plus add further intrigue to a competitive heat.
Prediction : 1st Grenadier Jed 2nd Jackstell 3rd Believitanducan

Low Expectations has really turned a corner since returning last month, winning at Fontwell before going in again at Windsor. The penalty shouldn't be any barrier to further success, but the presence of NO MORE BOLERO might be. Officially rated 69 on the level, he made a mockery of a mark of 84 at Ludlow last week and might still have too much under his penalty. Hill Station can chase the pair home.
Prediction : 1st No More Bolero 2nd Low Expectations 3rd Hill Station

A confident vote goes to MESCALERO, who made a pleasing start to his career when second at Worcester in September. Harry Eustace's charge then finished third over the same C&D, but the winner looked useful and the runner-up has since gone one better over hurdles. This might not be the deepest contest and any further progress could suffice. Saint Invictus was a distant second at Sandown but is still one of the likelier candidates, while Jet Steel must also enter the reckoning.
Prediction : 1st Mescalero 2nd Saint Invictus 3rd Jet Steel