Saturday ITV Racing Tips & Preview

Backing Buveur D'Air at long odds-on holds as much appeal as cutting Donald Trump’s hair, but the switch to hurdles looks a smart move by connections and this looks an obvious stepping stone to the Champion Hurdle. Irving sports the cheekpieces for the first time as punishment for his demise at Haydock, but he too won’t be any value in the ‘without Buveur D’Air’ market so the front-running RAYVIN BLACK (Best price 9-4) is put forward in that market in the hope that those in behind play jockeys and he is able to establish a handy lead at a track which clearly suits him well.

No one could accuse DANCING SHADOW (Best price 13-2) of being a profit machine, but victory at the 19th time of asking could see the gelding turn the corner now connections have worked him out. A test of stamina on decent ground appear to be the selection’s optimum conditions and his wide-margined victory at Doncaster has already been boosted with runner-up, Fort Worth, going in since to enhance the form. The booking of Noel Fehily also appeals on a horse that is arguably better cajoled than bullied.

Runners are scarce here but there is no doubting the quality of the five that tackle this Grade One event. CLAN DES OBEAUX (Best price 2-1) is the youngest in the field but arguably boasts the greatest potential even if he lines up for this afternoon’s examination on the back of a narrow Cheltenham defeat on New Year’s Day. Clan Des Obeaux was forced to cut out his own running that day which wasn’t ideal but he looked to be relishing the task until his momentum was halted by the seismic error at the penultimate fence. In the circumstances, he did well to rally and finish within half a length of Whisper and he should relish the likelihood of a decent gallop today with the likes of Amore Alato and Baron Alco likely to attempt to dominate.

CAPTAIN CHAOS (Best price 13-2) is owned by a husband and wife team who live in close proximity to the Yorkshire venue so it seems safe to assume this race has been the target for their six-year-old for a while. The Newboulds have enjoyed a fair amount of success at their local venue in recent seasons, including this year, and their gelding holds a bright chance of improving their statistics in a race where the market may be incorrectly biased in favour of Calett Mad and Missed Approach. A good third behind American at Warwick last time, the selection’s chance was enhanced when fourth-home Chef D’Oeuvre hacked up at Hereford during the week.
Tipping two horses in a six runner field is inviting criticism when they both finished tailed off! However, those that back DELUSIONOFGRANDEUR (Best price 7-1) should at least get a good run for their money as he is a bold front-runner who is reported in great form by connections. Sue Smith’s horses are tough to overhaul at Wetherby if they find some early rhythm as the likes of Hainan have proved this term and their seven-year-old will expose any weaknesses in his rivals if he establishes a lead early on.  

ROLLING DYLAN (Best price 11-2) sports the cheekpieces for the first time and the headgear may help the selection who rather lost concentration at Chepstow last time when picked off late by the useful Shantou Bob. The six-year-old ploughed through the mud to score readily at Uttoxeter on his previous start and, with that race working out well, he is fancied to come out on top in an interesting three-mile handicap hurdle.
I will be having a small saver on DESERT SENSATION (Best price 7-1) who paid for chasing a strong gallop that day at Chepstow when third and is a useful horse going right handed (2-4 that way round).

The well-handicapped Drumcliff will be very popular given he looked an extremely unlucky loser at Kempton last time when a late error robbed him of success. Unfortunately, that error was picked up by everyone and Harry Fry’s gelding is also likely to be well supported on the back of that display meaning his odds may well be on the cramped side. There should be plenty of pace to run at given the presence of Dominada and Optimus Prime, both of which like to dominate, and that should suit TRADITIONAL DANCER (Best price 8-1) who can be a shade keen in his races, but again ran well on decent ground last time in a course and distance handicap behind Superb Story who is as short as 20-1 for the Champion Hurdle next month. The selection’s stable won this last year with Shrewd and the gelding should give a good account.   

The step upto three miles should suit ROCK THE KASBAH (Best price 9-2) who dips into handicap chases for the first time on a realistic mark. The selection has faced some stiff tasks in novice chases this term behind the likes of Politologue and O O Seven and it’s worth recalling he beat Our Kaempfer comfortably at Chepstow last October and that horse has routed a decent field of handicappers at Kempton since. This looks a good race for Rock The Kasbah providing a lack of experience doesn’t catch him out and he could be a bit fresher than the likes of Otago Trail who underwent a gruelling examination at Haydock behind Bristol De Mai a fortnight ago.

Read Sam Turner's tips every day in the Daily Mail or at www.dailymail.co.uk/racing