Uttoxeter free racing tip: Improving youngster can challenge Skelton-trained favourite

16:10 Uttoxeter: Rhys Dolman Birthday Celebration Handicap Chase (2 miles)

The withdrawal of four-time winner Beat Box has diminished the strong hand of Dan Skelton, but with brother Harry Skelton in the saddle of equally strongly-fancied Home Free, he will still be expecting to chalk up another win.

Should the favourite falter in his stablemate's absence, it is very hard to ignore the fact that the youngster of the field, Jeudidee, is likely to put in a much improved effort and has a good chance of giving the Skelton-trained pair a run for their money.

Kim Bailey’s five-year-old gelding gave a glimpse of his capabilities when backing up a bumper success at Worcester in August 2023 with a maiden hurdle success at Exeter almost exactly a year ago.

Jeudidee has yet to convert that hurdling success into similar form in two attempts over larger obstacles, but the scope for progress is clearly there as he returns fresh from a seven-week break, during which he underwent wind surgery.

That should hopefully resolve any breathing issues, while the first-time application of a hood is another move designed to bring out further improvement under the watchful eye of jockey Ciaran Gethings, who has been on board for each of those two recent chasing efforts.

Suggested Bet: Jeudidee in the 16:10 at Uttoxeter

• Tip and preview provided by David Xristo on Tipstrr