UK Horse Racing Tips: Hereford

Just 1lb separates DRACO MALFOY and Big Ticket on official ratings. The latter is favoured in receipt of 7lb but there have to be reservations given that he was pulled up latest, so Kim Bailey and Mat Nicholls' charge is fancied to come out on top. He hit the woodwork under a penalty at Doncaster but had excelled on soft ground prior and that could be crucial today. Handin Manypockets can chase the pair home.
Prediction : 1st Draco Malfoy 2nd Big Ticket 3rd Handin Manypockets

FOLLOWCATO has really gotten the hang of things over fences lately, winning at Ludlow before following up in cosy fashion at Exeter. Ben Pauling's gelding is only 6lb higher and with further progress likely, he is taken to land the hat-trick. Ski Lodge continues to knock at the door and is unlikely to be far away, whilst Risk De Pluie should benefit from a return to further.
Prediction : 1st Ski Lodge 2nd Followcato 3rd Risk De Pluie

ROYAL MER has found it difficult to get his head in front for some time now but it hasn't been for the want of trying. The son of Montmartre had the measure of Passing Kate (fifth) and Wewillgowithplanb (eighth) at Exeter. There are questions mark over the remaining pair too, so with Rian Corcaran removing a handy 7lb this looks a fine opportunity. Hors Jeu was by no means out of it when unseating at Lingfield last month and he could be the biggest threat.
Prediction : 1st Royal Mer 2nd Hors Jeu 3rd Passing Kate

The Evan Williams-trained pair L'astroboy and Out Of Office, who represent the same owners, are lightly-raced types that have recently returned after lengthy absences. As the former sets the standard according to the official ratings and the latter has scope from a handy mark, the betting market should be informative where they are concerned. However, the vote goes to NOWMELAD, who has steadily improved since joining Henry Oliver. He is fancied to build on two second-placed finishes posted in competitive events at Market Rasen and Uttoxeter last month.
Prediction : 1st Nowmelad 2nd Lastroboy 3rd Out Of Office

STATTLER, who won the National Hunt Chase at the 2022 Cheltenham Festival and runner-up in the 2023 Irish Gold Cup when at his peak for Willie Mullins, is very hard to ignore on his debut in a hunters' chase. The obvious concern is the 653-day absence since he last saw competitive action. However, given that last appearance came in the 2024 Grand National, it's safe to say this level is readily eclipsed by his usual standard. Quel Destin's form under Rules is respected and he is suggested as the biggest danger. Snipe is a logical alternative.
Prediction : 1st Stattler 2nd Quel Destin 3rd Snipe

PRINCESS KERI was many lengths clear when her rider became unbalanced and was unseated after an awkward landing at the last at Fakenham eight days ago. Although the Evan Williams-trained mare doesn't have the recognition, she could almost be considered a winner without a penalty and a safe round can see her put the record straight. Gower Spirit and Ezmerellda can fight it out for second place.
Prediction : 1st Princess Keri 2nd Gower Spirit 3rd Ezmerellda