UK Horse Racing Tips: Cheltenham

Rockonliam landed a hat-trick when maintaining his unbeaten record over fences at Wexford. The six-year-old produced a career-best display on that occasion, although the combination of an 11lb hike and a drop back in trip requires more from him. Therefore, the vote goes to SPECTACULARSUNRISE, who got off the mark on his chasing debut at Perth and a 5lb rise seems more than fair. Lisbane Park is open to plenty of improvement going chasing for the first time, while similar comments apply to De Temps En Temps.
Prediction : 1st Spectacularsunrise 2nd Rockonliam 3rd Lisbane Park

ROAD TO WEMBLEY appeared to have a valid excuse when struck into on his handicap hurdle debut at Worcester. Olly Murphy's gelding had won his three outings prior and the step up to 3m may unlock further improvement. Newbrook Diamond was behind the selection at the aforementioned venue in August but is more than capable of being in the mix, while Kashchei is unlikely to have any issue with the trip based on his latest second at Clonmel.
Prediction : 1st Road To Wembley 2nd Newbrook Diamond 3rd Kashchei

Ace Of Spades was progressive last season until his form tailed off at the spring festivals. Dan Skelton's charge is 4lb higher than for his last victory at Huntingdon in January and has to enter the reckoning. Idaho Fire seeks a hat-trick of victories after benefiting from a step up in trip at Uttoxeter in July, but preference is for SEANIECON. The five-year-old did well in the circumstances to finish fifth at Punchestown and appears to be on a workable mark.
Prediction : 1st Seaniecon 2nd Ace Of Spades 3rd Idaho Fire

A chance is taken on KATATE DORI making a winning return. Better judged on a good second on the New Course in January than his most recent start when he pulled up in the Scottish National, the Sam Thomas-trained gelding is an effective stayer who should appreciate every drop of rain that falls. Mt Fugi Park is an obvious danger having won three of his last four starts, while Here Comes Georgie is also noteworthy on his debut for the Skeltons and first go after wind surgery.
Prediction : 1st Katate Dori 2nd Mt Fugi Park 3rd Here Comes Georgie

LORD BYRON was a respectable fifth in last season's Triumph Hurdle when a few of the others were beating a retreat while he was running on at the finish. The return to Prestbury Park might just pique his interest and a better effort can be expected than he posted when sixth in the Persian War at Chepstow. North Shore was two places ahead of the selection in that Grade 2 event, but will need to significantly better his 12th-placed finish in the Triumph. Indian River and One Horse Town are others to bear in mind.
Prediction : 1st Lord Byron 2nd North Shore 3rd Indian River

Anthony Honeyball trained the winner last year with Leave Of Absence and he has a solid chance again with the consistent CATCHINTSAVO, twice a winner over hurdles and second in the Sefton at Aintree in April. Likely to be well schooled, he looks set for a good season and is preferred to Butch Cassidy. The winner of his last two, Henry de Bromhead's six-year-old has an experience edge but may fall a fraction short under his penalty. Derryhassen Paddy is another to consider in an intriguing contest.
Prediction : 1st Catchintsavo 2nd Butch Cassidy 3rd Derryhassen Paddy

Fergal O'Brien targets this race, winning four of the last nine runnings, and although he has three declared in 2026, point-to-point second Freetobe may be the pick. He is worth a market watch, but Dan Skelton's NEWGROVE gets the nod. Successful between the flags in March and part-owned by the trainer, his breeding suggests he will have the speed needed for this trip. Ask Millie sold for 40,000 euros after landing an Irish point so makes the shortlist, as does dual bumper winner I've Got A Friend.
Prediction : 1st Newgrove 2nd Freetobe 3rd Ask Millie