UK Horse Racing Tips: Wetherby

PIONEER PETE didn't appear to see out a step up in distance when weakening into third at Catterick on New Year's Day and better is expected reverting to 2m. The son of Frontiersman has recorded some respectable form over this trip and this could prove a suitable opportunity to open his account. Galway bumper winner Our Guide is a potential fly in the ointment on his hurdling bow and market support could prove significant, while it is too soon to write off King Esoteric.
Prediction : 1st Pioneer Pete 2nd Our Guide 3rd King Esoteric

Although pulled up on his latest outing at Kelso, a return to a sounder surface could be enough for SLANEY OPERA to get back on the scoresheet. The eight-year-old had previously scored at Sedgefield and his current mark doesn't look beyond him. Youdecide arrives on the back of a respectable fourth at Kempton and must enter calculations in a first-time visor, while Holeshot lurks on an attractive figure.
Prediction : 1st Slaney Opera 2nd Youdecide 3rd Holeshot

Given she was seven lengths clear of the second, a 1lb nudge up the ratings for Miss Cynthia's fortuitous victory at Fakenham appears fair and she merits respect in her follow-up bid. However, DUEL AU SOLEIL's latest runner-up effort behind a subsequent winner at Ascot looks stronger form and a return to the scene of his sole previous triumph may prove fruitful. Last-time-out course winners Daylatedollarshort and Just Call Me Lucy are two others to consider in an open contest.
Prediction : 1st Duel Au Soleil 2nd Miss Cynthia 3rd Daylatedollarshort

GAELIC RAMBLER has made steady progress since unshipping his rider on his chasing bow and it was probably a career-best effort when filling the runner-up spot at Stratford earlier this month. Cheekpieces now compliment the tongue-tie which has been used throughout his fledgling career and they might help eke out further improvement. Koapey drops in class having been pulled up at Newbury in November, while Zero Tolerance is likely to be on the premises too.
Prediction : 1st Gaelic Rambler 2nd Koapey 3rd Zero Tolerance

It looks best to stick with ESCAPOLOGIST, who must shoulder a penalty having won at Market Rasen. James Owen's charge faces a few with something to prove, not least Grade 2 winner and 2022 Champion Bumper second American Mike. Jalisco Star won against her own sex two starts ago but needs to bounce back from a lacklustre Newbury effort, and don't rule out the lightly-raced Jupiter Des Mottes.
Prediction : 1st Escapologist 2nd American Mike 3rd Jupiter Des Mottes

Having relished a step up in distance when scoring at Ayr, Ck O'mara should have more to come over this sort of trip. However, the five-year-old is effectively 12lb higher in the ratings without Ben Smith's 7lb claim, which could leave the door open for YUMMY. The Order Of St George gelding posted a staying-on fourth on his handicap bow over an extended 2m at Doncaster and this marked rise in distance could work the oracle. Jonquilla, Farmer Jimmy and Rapid Mission are others of interest.
Prediction : 1st Yummy 2nd Ck Omara 3rd Jonquilla

Noble Way is entitled to improve for the experience that he gained on his racecourse bow at Doncaster a month ago. That said, preference is for A SIGHT TO SEA, who won an Irish point-to-point in November and was purchased for 190,000 pounds later that month. On that evidence, the Dan Skelton-trained five-year-old could take plenty of beating on his Rules debut. Matador St Georges is related to plenty of winners and is another to note.
Prediction : 1st A Sight To Sea 2nd Noble Way 3rd Matador St Georges