Steve Ryder Saturday Racing Tips

The Gordon Elliott trainer Fil D’Or (best priced at 11/8) is unbeaten so far in his career under rules and he holds strong claims of adding this Grade 1 prize to his previous Grade 2 and 3 victories. The four-year-old won by 16 lengths on his hurdling debut at Down Royal before winning a Grade 3 at Fairyhouse on his next start. 

Fil D’Or won the Grade 2 Frank Knight Juvenile Hurdle by seven lengths last time in impressive style and should be able to take this step up in class in his stride. The Willie Mullins pair Vauban and Icare Allen deserve respect but I expect the Gordon Elliott trained runner to remain unbeaten over hurdles. 

Willie Mullins has won this race a record seven times and he looks to hold strong claims with his trio Blue Lord, Saint Sam and Haut En Couleurs (best priced at 4/1). The five-year-old ran a fantastic race to finish 3rd in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival on his stable debut before once again finishing 3rd at Punchestown. 

Haut En Couleurs jumped like a natural on his chasing debut over this course and distance last time when he won by 5 1/2 lengths from stablemates Gentleman De Mee and Mt Leinster. It was notable how strong in the market he was that day being sent off 1/3 and I think he can win this before heading to the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.

Willie Mullins holds a strong hand in the Irish Gold Cup this year but preference goes to last year’s winner Kemboy (best priced at 7/2). The ten-year-old shows his best form at Leopardstown and comes into the race having finished 3rd in the Savills Chase last time. He finished less than a length behind Galvin and A Plus Tard and if he were to repeat that form then he should prove hard to beat.

The presence of Frodon should mean this is ran at a strong pace and that will suit Kemboy who stays this trip well. Asterion Forlonge deserves respect but is unpredictable and Kemboy looks the solid option.