Steve Ryder Saturday Racing Tips

The Gary Moore trained DAREBIN (best priced at 12/1) is a four-time course winner at Sandown and despite all his previous victories coming over 2 miles, it is interesting that they go for this weaker 0-130 handicap over 2m4f than the 0-145 handicap over 2m (the 1:50) that he has competed in for the previous three seasons. His victories at Sandown have come off marks of 118, 119 and 109 so he looks well handicapped off a mark of 115 and he comes into this race off the back of a good 2nd place here in December when only 1 ¾ lengths behind the progressive One True King. 

Darebin won at Fontwell over 2m2f on soft ground which would give encouragement for him getting the 2m4f trip and I am hoping that he hits the frame with a few at the top of the market facing question marks. 

I am a huge fan of the Veterans’ Chase Series and I feel the market could be overlooking the chances of WANDRIN STAR (best priced at 8/1) who won a course and distance qualifier here when last seen in November. The eleven-year-old represents the younger generation in the race and the handicapper has been kind raising him only 3lbs for his 1 ½ length success here last time. Both the second Dancing Shadow and the third Gwencily Berbas reoppose here but I see no reason for them to reverse the form as I do think the softer ground making this more of a stamina test will suit Wandrin Star over his rivals. 
Wandrin Star has a good record fresh with victories following 151, 219 and 248 day breaks so I am thrilled connections have put him away since getting qualified and he should run well with five places on offer for the Kim Bailey yard.

The Donald McCain trained NAVAJO PASS (best priced at 17/2) ran poorly here on his reappearance but the handicapper has generously dropped him 5lbs for that effort and I think he will hold strong claims here now dropped into a 0-145 handicap. Connections have booked the talented Theo Gillard to take off a further 5lbs in this race and have also fitted the six-year-old with first-time cheekpieces.

Navajo Pass won at Musselburgh under Gillard last season by 9 ½ lengths off a mark of 142 (only 3lbs lower) on soft ground before defeating both Buveur D’Air and Ballyandy in the Grade 2 Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock on heavy ground. The ground today will be more testing than the good to soft encountered on his reappearance and he can hopefully capitalise on the handicapper’s generosity in this race.