Horse Racing Tips: Katie Midwinter's best bets on Sunday including Cheltenham pick

• Katie Midwinter has selections at Navan and Cheltenham on Sunday

• Top weight is one to note at Navan

• Alexei can continue progression in Greatwood

Navan, 12:47 - Back St Denis's Well @ 7/18.00

Top weight St Denis's Well could run a big race in the hands of 5lb claiming James Smith for Ian Patrick Donoghue. He has the stamina the stay further than this two mile trip, but has winning form over course-and-distance and is proven in testing conditions. 

The seven-year-old gelding hasn't been seen to best effect in recent outings this season, but has been dropped 5lb in his hurdling mark and is now 6lb higher than his last success over timber when partnered by the same rider. 

St Denis's Well has won from a similar rating over fences previously and, from a workable mark over hurdles, could be able to pose a threat in this contest. He's a likeable performer who is versatile, and, if he can bounce back from his latest effort, has the ability to put in a competitive performance.

Navan, 14:32 - Back Where It All Began E/W @ 25/126.00

Where It All Began should thrive in softer conditions on track at Navan, and has plenty of stamina which should see him to good effect late on in this competitive three mile handicap.

He's only 7lb higher than his previous success when a convincing 16-length winner of the Grand National Trial at Punchestown last year, and, although unable to land another victory from a 12lb higher mark in his subsequent races, although did finish fourth to a future Cheltenham Gold Cup winner in Inothewayurthinkin in the Kim Muir, should prefer this challenge on his seasonal reappearance.

His effort at the Cheltenham Festival was a creditable one particularly considering he was slightly hampered by a faller late on. It was a competitive race but he was able to put in a respectable effort and was staying on in the closing stages.

The nine-year-old is a likeable type for whom conditions should be perfect. He could run a big race in the hands of Sam Ewing for Cullentra, making each-way appeal at the prices.

Navan, 14:32 - Back Pied Piper E/W @ 14/115.00

Pied Piper is another Gordon Elliott-representative to consider in the race as he is a classy performer who possesses plenty of ability on his day. He coped well with the step up in trip at Cheltenham when last seen, travelling best of all into the race but had to settle for second best behind Leave Of Absence with a number of obstacles omitted.

Although a sounder surface may be preferable, he has run well in testing conditions previously. When trained by John and Thady Gosden on the Flat, the son of New Approach landed a Leicester handicap by four-lengths in heavy going, and beat Vauban in his maiden hurdle in similar conditions. He also finished third to Absurde in ground described as heavy in the County Hurdle at last year's Cheltenham Festival.

Cheltenham, 15:30 - Back Alexei E/W @ 8/19.00

Joe Tizzard-trained Alexei emerged onto the hurdling scene in great style with a 24-length victory at Taunton twelve months ago. He backed up that debut effort with another convincing success at the same venue, but wasn't in the same form in his subsequent two starts, including in Listed company. 

There were excuses to be made, however, as he often raced keenly and appeared to be a horse learning with experience. He clearly possesses plenty of raw talent and was a four-time winner on the Flat in Germany, too, therefore should have the scope for further improvement over obstacles as he matures. 

On his reappearance at Chepstow in the Welsh Champion Hurdle last month, Alexei travelled into the race best of all and looked a serious threat to eventual winner Celtic Dino. He made a late error, however, and lost some momentum, which ultimately scuppered his chances, but was able to finish second at odds of 10/111.00 in a competitive race. 

From an unchanged mark of 127, Alexei comfortably landed his third hurdling success at Ascot when last seen, and a 7lb rise may not be enough to deter his progress. 

The five-year-old is a progressive gelding on an upward trajectory, and, should he cope with the expected softer conditions at Prestbury Park, may be able to land this valuable prize.

Cheltenham, 15:30 - Back Dedicated Hero E/W @ 28/129.00

Dedicated Hero landed Grade Two success at Haydock last season in softer conditions, and, with the benefit of a recent run, could be able to outrun his odds from a mark of 129.

The son of Shirocco, who once finished third to Romeo Coolio in a point-to-point, shaped with promise during his novice hurdle campaign last term, winning twice, adding to his previous two bumper successes. 

He performed with credit in a Listed novice hurdle at Perth in his final start of the season, finishing fifth at odds of 40/141.00 when upped to three-miles for the first time under Rules. 

Considering he has winning form over a similar trip in a tough novice contest in testing ground, Dedicated Hero is likely to enjoy this challenge and has that extra stamina in reserves which should help late on in this contest. 

Making each-way appeal at the prices, this unexposed contender can put in a competitive effort and warrants consideration for Sandy Thomson.

Now read Sam Turner's latest tips here!