UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

A contest that has proven to be an invaluable source for finding Cheltenham Festival winners, with four of the last seven scorers going on to complete the double. Anthony Honeyball boasts a strong hand with two progressive types in Jordans Cross and KDEUX SAINT FRAY. The former recovered from falling at the last here when scoring at Doncaster and he remains with significant potential after a 4lb rise. However, the vote goes to his stable companion, who won the aforementioned November contest before filling the runner-up spot at Aintree behind a rival who scored at Windsor last week. The six-year-old would likely need to win well to guarantee his spot at the Festival and this fourth run over fences gives him the chance to run in open handicaps. Barlovento improved from his chasing bow at Exeter to win at Kempton and has to be respected with the likelihood of more to come. Others to note are Califet En Vol and Push The Button.
Prediction : 1st Kdeux Saint Fray 2nd Jordans Cross 3rd Barlovento

Maestro Conti looked a smart prospect on his UK debut when following up his Moulins success with an impressive display at Kempton over Christmas. Prominent in the Triumph Hurdle betting, he commands the utmost respect but having to give 3lb to MINELLA YOGA could be a tough task. Bought for 360,000 pounds after winning at Fairyhouse in November, he managed to get the better of the well-regarded Act Of Innocence (runs 4:10) at Newbury when in receipt of a hefty weight-for-age allowance and that piece of form may be the strongest on offer. The admirable One Horse Town's winning run came to an end here, but he is entitled to be in the mix along with Finale winner Tenter Le Tout.
Prediction : 1st Minella Yoga 2nd Maestro Conti 3rd One Horse Town

JAGWAR was hugely progressive in his first season over fences, which culminated in him winning the Plate over C&D at the Festival. His jumping left a lot to be desired on that occasion, and again when third on his return in the December Gold Cup, but connections still believe he is capable of reaching a higher level and victory here may lead him towards a Ryanair tilt. Booster Bob was a remarkable winner of the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury last March and looked a more straightforward ride when returning to the same venue in November. Despite going up 9lb, he remains capable of further improvement. The shortlist is completed by Triple Trade and Prairie Wolf.
Prediction : 1st Jagwar 2nd Booster Bob 3rd Triple Trade

J'ARRIVE DE L'EST posted a solid effort on his debut for current connections with an encouraging second to Final Orders over C&D last month. That was his first start outside of France and came after a 264-day break. Sure to be wiser to the demands of this course, he can gain his revenge on the reopposing winner. Favori De Champdou was still in contention when he fell in that race, before springing a shock in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown over Christmas, and can go close.
Prediction : 1st Jarrive De Lest 2nd Final Orders 3rd Favori De Champdou

With last year's winner L'Homme Presse potentially gearing up for a tilt at the Grand National and Spillane's Tower having options open to him at the Festival back here, bold showings can be expected from both high-calibre chasers. However, GREY DAWNING is a model of consistency and his return to winning ways in the Betfair at Haydock was a statement performance. This trip seems ideal for Dan Skelton's admirable grey these days and he could be tough to overhaul. Dual Stayers' Hurdle hero Flooring Porter won over fences on the Old Course here as a novice, but he faces a mammoth task on his first run since landing the Kerry National in September 2024.
Prediction : 1st Grey Dawning 2nd LHomme Presse 3rd Spillanes Tower

As events are unfolding, the unbeaten SIR GINO has the potential to rule the roost in the two-mile hurdle division for quite some time and he is very difficult to see beyond. The Nicky Henderson-trained star returned from a well-documented training setback with an exemplary display in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. His cruising speed and jumping efficiency will mean only outstanding performances from The New Lion and Nemean Lion will suffice if he is to be toppled here. Brentford Hope is rated 25lb inferior to Sir Gino and would be a surprise winner.
Prediction : 1st Sir Gino 2nd The New Lion 3rd Nemean Lion

Having got the better of Strong Leader on his last two outings, IMPOSE TOI makes plenty of appeal. The eight-year-old has scored with something in hand in Newbury's Long Distance Hurdle and the Long Walk at Ascot and he's difficult to oppose. Ma Shantou has progressed through the handicap ranks this season and shouldn't be underestimated given that he has won on his last two visits to Cheltenham. Emma Lavelle's charge receives 6lb from the selection and is feared most.
Prediction : 1st Impose Toi 2nd Ma Shantou 3rd Strong Leader

Although turned over at 2/7 when a close-up second at Newbury, Act Of Innocence lost little in defeat against a well-weighted juvenile. Nicky Henderson's gelding is a potential improver stepping up in distance and isn't taken lightly, but the unbeaten TAURUS BAY is slightly more compelling at the forecast prices. The five-year-old has impressed on both outings under Rules and he looks ready for this step up in class. Heads Up is also worth a second look.
Prediction : 1st Taurus Bay 2nd Act Of Innocence 3rd Heads Up