UK Horse Racing Tips: Sedgefield

REHILL RELIC improved from his fourth at Southwell to gain a first victory over the larger obstacles at Huntingdon just before Christmas. A 4lb rise seems more than fair and he is capable of taking another step forward. Largy Train was a beaten favourite here in November, but the drop in trip is likely to benefit him. Others for the shortlist include Dixie Cowboy and Huit Reflets.
Prediction : 1st Rehill Relic 2nd Largy Train 3rd Dixie Cowboy

LA ZOUBIDA won her first two starts over hurdles, including over C&D, before struggling in Listed company at Haydock. Nicky Richards' mare has to contend with a 12lb penalty, but this appears a fine opportunity for her to bounce back. Rosie Baloo has been knocking on the door and finished second at Wetherby on Boxing Day. She enters calculations along with Laffer Curve, who was back in fourth on that occasion.
Prediction : 1st La Zoubida 2nd Rosie Baloo 3rd Laffer Curve

With most of these having questions to answer, the clear pick is KAZAR FOREZ. The six-year-old won on his third start for Micky Hammond at Newcastle and a 4lb rise for that success may not be enough to stop him from following up in this company. The switch to handicaps should help My My My Delilah, while Expelliarmus is next best.
Prediction : 1st Kazar Forez 2nd My My My Delilah 3rd Expelliarmus

Having won both starts over hurdles to date, Indian River has to be respected on his handicap bow. That said, he is a four-year-old now taking on older rivals and marginal preference is for GHASHAM. Dan Skelton's gelding has been running well in defeat and remains on a workable mark. The in-form Chase A Fortune is another with strong claims.
Prediction : 1st Ghasham 2nd Indian River 3rd Chase A Fortune

As all of these have something to prove for one reason or another, ITURGEON DU BREUIL could provide some value off bottom weight. The eight-year-old is not without risk, but he has undergone wind surgery so improvement is anticipated. Tom Creen is a five-time course winner, although never over this far. Therefore, Delgany Deadline and Scottish King, who both run in first-time cheekpieces, are higher on the shortlist in their quests for first career successes.
Prediction : 1st Iturgeon Du Breuil 2nd Delgany Deadline 3rd Scottish King

KAVIAR WOOD has proven stamina from his time on the point-to-point scene and can build on a promising second over C&D. That was just his second start in a handicap and a 3lb nudge up the ratings looks manageable in this company. Livano Bello was almost three lengths behind him on Boxing Day, but is dangerous to ignore on more favourable terms. Imperial Rule is a potential improver now back over hurdles on his second run after wind surgery.
Prediction : 1st Kaviar Wood 2nd Livano Bello 3rd Imperial Rule