Sunday Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

Fakir D’Oudairies looks to have a good chance of going one better than last year but preference instead goes to the Mouse Morris trained FRENCH DYNAMITE (best priced at 13/2) who ran better than his finishing position implies last time. The eight-year-old won here on his reappearance over hurdles before finishing a close 2nd in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham on his next start off a mark of 148. 

French Dynamite looked to be travelling well in the Savills Chase last time but just got outstayed late on over 3 miles at Grade 1 level. This drop back in trip should suit him as will the return to Thurles where he has form figures of 11411. I am not convinced that a step up in trip will suit Chacun Pour Soi and Haut En Couleurs still needs to prove his jumping holds up at this level so he looks the most likely horse to chase home Fakir D’Oudairies if he runs up to form. In receipt of 6lbs from the favourite, French Dynamite only needs to find a few pounds on ratings and I think he holds strong claims of winning this Grade 2.

This Hunters Chase looks to be between Billaway and FERNS LOCK (best priced at 5/4) with preference going to the latter based on race fitness. The David Christie trained six-year-old looks the new up and coming force in hunter chases after winning on his rules debut at Fairyhouse last time by 12 lengths. He had previously won a couple of PTPs before making the switch to running under rules last time. 

The Willie Mullins trained Billaway won at both the Cheltenham and Punchestown festivals last season but his record fresh would be a huge concern for me. The eleven-year-old has been beaten on his reappearance run for the last four years after 283, 248, 242 and 268 day breaks including in this race last season when beaten at odds on. He may struggle again against a younger, race-fit rival and I expect Ferns Lock to remain unbeaten under rules.