UK Horse Racing Tips: Windsor

LAU AND SHAZ accounted for a useful rival when winning on her debut for these connections at Wincanton on Boxing Day and the six-year-old could be hard to beat if repeating that level of form here. Anariza also struck on her most recent outing and may prove to be the main threat, although Getawhisky and Penn Avenue should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Lau And Shaz 2nd Anariza 3rd Getawhisky

MALDINI MILANO had plenty in hand when beating two subsequent winners in a maiden hurdle at Plumpton in November. Given the strength of that form, Paul Nicholls' gelding may be underestimated by an opening mark of 114. Top Jimmy wasn't disgraced in Grade 2 company at Sandown and has to be noted at this level. The progressive Scorpio Rising is another who arrives with strong form claims.
Prediction : 1st Maldini Milano 2nd Top Jimmy 3rd Scorpio Rising

All of these have claims, but marginal preference is for WADE OUT. The seven-year-old took a while to get going but ended up winning impressively at Cheltenham in November. With the prospect of further improvement likely, Olly Murphy's gelding appears to be the safest pick. The return to 3m will suit Jeriko Du Reponet and he should not be written off, despite two underwhelming efforts over fences this season. Moon Rocket and Salver are next best.
Prediction : 1st Wade Out 2nd Jeriko Du Reponet 3rd Moon Rocket

MIRABAD was well fancied on stable debut when pulling his chance away in the Greatwood before making a winning start in this discipline at Exeter. He then wasn't disgraced when third behind Mambonumberfive in the Wayward Lad at Kempton and the switch to handicap company gives him a suitable opportunity to get his head back in front. Mighty Bandit and Highlands Legacy also chased home Mambonumberfive before the pair met at Newbury last month. The former came out on top and is taken to uphold the form, despite being 2lb worse off.
Prediction : 1st Mirabad 2nd Mighty Bandit 3rd Highlands Legacy

Lud'or was very impressive on his return to action at Bangor before acquitting himself with plenty of credit in third when sent off favourite at Newbury. He does need to prove his stamina for 3m, so ROYAL RAMBLER gets the vote. Emma Lavelle's charge finished sixth in the aforementioned Newbury contest before improving plenty for going up in trip when runner-up at Chepstow. That was a career-best effort and a 4lb rise doesn't appear likely to stop him from taking another step forward. Nab Wood, Tranquil Sea and Keable appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Royal Rambler 2nd Ludor 3rd Nab Wood

Last year's winner PROTEKTORAT showed the fire still burns strongly when producing a terrific effort under a big weight for third at Cheltenham in November. Over a trip that may have been considered too far beforehand, he kept on gamely and the conditions of this race suit him ideally. Ben Pauling retains plenty of faith in Handstands, who ran well for a long way in the Betfair Chase, although giving 8lb to the selection will be a tough ask. Matata proved he is finally tractable enough up in trip when impressing at Cheltenham on New Year's Day and a repeat of that performance would put him right in contention.
Prediction : 1st Protektorat 2nd Handstands 3rd Matata

Special John continued on his upward trajectory when completing a double at Wincanton and he must enter calculations off 5lb higher. However, this step into class 3 company asks for more and it could be worth chancing DE LEGISLATOR. The lightly-raced nine-year-old was far from disgraced when third in the Scottish Borders National and won't be found wanting for stamina. Holokea and Jupiter Des Bordes are feasible alternatives.
Prediction : 1st De Legislator 2nd Special John 3rd Holokea

Having backed up his lofty reputation when justifying favouritism in a Listed event, BASS HUNTER could be set to complete a hat-trick under Rules. Although the six-year-old has the burden of top weight, he may have enough class to repel his rivals. Tally Ho Back stayed on well to finish second behind the selection at Ascot last month and isn't taken lightly given he is 7lb better off. He is feared most, ahead of Warwick winner Old Clayesmorian.
Prediction : 1st Bass Hunter 2nd Tally Ho Back 3rd Old Clayesmorian