UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Morning Mayhem has continued to improve since his Cartmel victory in August, with runner-up efforts in more competitive events at Market Rasen and Chepstow. That said, the step back up in trip could prove to be a concern and CROOKED PATH, who was third at the Lincolnshire venue, has every chance of reversing the form. James Owen's gelding won over 2m3f at Fontwell last week and a 2lb rise may well be on the lenient side. John Barbour and Sunny South West appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Crooked Path 2nd Morning Mayhem 3rd John Barbour

Bowensonfire improved plenty over hurdles last season, with a couple of victories at Leopardstown, and the six-year-old has shown promise since being switched to fences. Third in a Grade 3 at Gowran, the drop in trip is unlikely to be an issue but the progressive ICE JET may serve it up to him. Dan Skelton's charge got off the mark over fences in style at Uttoxeter last month and it is hard to know where his ceiling lies. Jarrive De Mee appears likely to benefit from cutting back in distance on his second run after a break.
Prediction : 1st Ice Jet 2nd Bowensonfire 3rd Jarrive De Mee

Loriko has enjoyed a progressive year, winning four times since May, but it has to be a concern how badly right he hung when third on his most recent start at Kelso. With that in mind, the claims of WONDERING WHY are difficult to ignore. Successful on his handicap bow at Warwick, the form of that contest has worked out particularly well and he arrives 2lb well-in compared to future events. Wild Goose and The Hardest Geezer are others who must enter the reckoning.
Prediction : 1st Wondering Why 2nd Loriko 3rd Wild Goose

Having won all three previous starts in a comfortable manner, PLANTERS PUNCH is a progressive hurdler with stacks of potential. This is by far his stiffest test so far and Scott's Legacy, Cooltobecareless - whose yard has won the last two renewals - and the hat-trick seeking Bells Grove can all make it a good test. Each warrants close inspection in the betting, with the first-named, a ready winner at Newton Abbot, suggested as the biggest danger with his yard in excellent form.
Prediction : 1st Planters Punch 2nd Scotts Legacy 3rd Cooltobecareless

Calico bids for a third consecutive win in this race and his proven liking for Cheltenham is a major factor in his favour. However, the handicapper appears to be in charge now and running off 6lb higher than 12 months ago leaves him vulnerable. SKY LORD, on the other hand, is not fully exposed over fences and may be worth chancing from a more attractive mark. JPR One has a mixed record at this venue, but won't need to find much to be on the premises. In The Air and Traprain Law complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Sky Lord 2nd Calico 3rd JPR One

MR HOLLYWOOD's last three starts on the Flat have come in the Queen Alexandra at Royal Ascot (third), the Ebor at York and the Group 1 Prix du Cadran in France. Not many, if any, of these are good enough to contest those types of races on the level, and he won a maiden hurdle at the Galway Festival, form which was franked by his stable companion in third when she bolted up at Listowel next time. Providing this doesn't come too soon after his Longchamp exertions, he could prove too classy for Kingstonian, who performed well in a Killarney maiden hurdle and has since contested the Irish Cesarewitch on the Flat. Cosmos D'ainay and Datstheholyallofit are also noted.
Prediction : 1st Mr Hollywood 2nd Kingstonian 3rd Cosmos Dainay

Fairlawn Skipper is race-fit and arrives in good form following a Kelso success which suggested going back up in trip would suit. He's also got a top amateur in the plate and makes plenty of appeal but slight preference is for LITTLE LEDGEND, who is unbeaten in two starts since going chasing and has created sound impressions at Worcester in recent months. Brandt won narrowly at Galway and commands respect, as does Youdecide.
Prediction : 1st Little Ledgend 2nd Fairlawn Skipper 3rd Youdecide