UK Horse Racing Tips: Wincanton

ETON MES, At The Oche and Star Of Diamonds share the burden of top weight and are the trio to focus on. The latter stopped quickly after a mistake late on at Chepstow most recently but might do better dropping in class and back over hurdles. At The Oche has been consistent in this sphere and should progress now he steps up in trip. However, ETON MES has the more proven stamina and shades preference with a 5lb rise for winning at Uttoxeter readily manageable.
Prediction : 1st Eton Mes 2nd At The Oche 3rd Star Of Diamonds

BLUEY was convincing when she won gamely at Windsor last month and with that being her first start since having a wind operation, it would be no surprise to see her kick on and take this step up in class in her stride. Followango was a well-held sixth in that race and has something to prove, despite successfully stepping up in trip at Ffos Las. As a result, Queens Gamble, who is already a winner at this level and dropping back down in trip, can emerge as a bigger danger.
Prediction : 1st Bluey 2nd Queens Gamble 3rd Followango

This is a good opportunity for ALEXEI, whose third-placed finish in a premier handicap at Ascot confirmed he is capable of holding his own in good company. His win in the Greatwood at Cheltenham on his penultimate start also carries bags of substance and Joe Tizzard's gelding looks the one to beat. Rubaud, who won a below-par renewal of the Elite over C&D in November, is feared most. Subsequently third in the Christmas Hurdle, he must be taken seriously. Secret Squirrel should see off Intellotto to claim third.
Prediction : 1st Alexei 2nd Rubaud 3rd Secret Squirrel

Fourth in last year's Champion Bumper at Cheltenham, CABALLERO CLIFF has proved a disappointment in a couple of starts over hurdles subsequently. Saying that, he's undergone a wind operation since he was last in action at Leicester and Robert Stephens' charge could be worth another chance. The Egyptian Ginge is not out of it if rediscovering the form of his fifth at Cheltenham in October, while Full Force Gale is another looking to bounce back.
Prediction : 1st Caballero Cliff 2nd The Egyptian Ginge 3rd Full Force Gale

MUTLEY CREW has recorded both wins over fences so far on heavy ground, including last month's C&D success. She remains unexposed despite her age and may well defy an 8lb hike, given the underfoot conditions are in her favour once again. it was also testing ground when Saint Cyr De Pail won nicely at Exeter and he could have a say in proceedings, while Pedley Wood is also noted.
Prediction : 1st Mutley Crew 2nd Saint Cyr De Pail 3rd Pedley Wood

BETTER OFF ALONE showed the benefit of wind surgery when posting a much better effort on the heavy going at Uttoxeter. He could go close off an unchanged mark with the addition of blinkers promising to bring about further improvement. Royal Mer is mostly consistent and could land a blow, despite the burden of carrying top-weight, while Jack Black may cope with the testing conditions underfoot better than Joe Cotton.
Prediction : 1st Better Off Alone 2nd Royal Mer 3rd Jack Black

Camulus completed a double at Taunton when last seen and is noted but, with his stable currently out of form, preference is for CONCETTO. The nine-year-old finished a long way clear of the third when filling the runner-up spot in this grade at Market Rasen and a similar display might be good enough. C&D scorer Take Your Time is another to note.
Prediction : 1st Concetto 2nd Camulus 3rd Take Your Time

CALL ME LEGEND ran a career best when victorious at this level at Exeter last month and, based on that performance, he will relish this extra yardage. Off just a 4lb higher figure, he could prove tough to beat. Despite taking a keen hold, Don't Tell Rosie did well to finish a creditable third at Chepstow but will definitely need to settle better over this longer trip. Seatoit completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Call Me Legend 2nd Dont Tell Rosie 3rd Seatoit