Racing Tips – Top Tipster Templegate’s best horse racing selections for Saturday, February 4

GET the latest tips ahead of a busy day of racing from across the country.

Top tipster Templegate guides you through the cards from Sandown, Wetherby and Musselburgh on Saturday, February 4.

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SANDOWN TIPS

1.50

TAKE a chance on RAYVIN BLACK in the Betfred Contenders Hurdle.

He has plenty to find with both Buveur D’Air and Irving on official figures but there are reasons to hope he can pull off a shock win.

Oliver Sherwood’s ace likes this track, goes well in testing ground and is likely to be allowed to do what he wants when setting the pace.

Buveur D’Air has looked good over fences this season and he had some smart form in novices’ hurdles last season. He was third behind Altior in the Supreme at Cheltenham before landing an Aintree Grade 1.

The muddy waters of the Champion Hurdle have prompted Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus to return Buveur D’Air to the smaller obstacles but I’m not interested in backing him at long odds-on.

Irving is smart on his day. But he’s never been the most reliable and he needs to bounce back from an early fall at Haydock two weeks ago.

2.25

TUNE into CLAN DES OBEAUX in the Scilly Isles Chase.

He was sixth in the Triumph Hurdle last year and always looked likely to do better when switched to fences. Paul Nicholls has wasted no time going chasing and it paid off when he was most impressive at Newbury in November.

It was a little disappointing to see him turned over in the Dipper Chase at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. But he had looked in control for much of the race before a mistake two from home gave useful Whisper a crucial advantage. Today’s track should suit and there are no worries about the testing ground.

Stablemate Le Prezien has notched up wins at Cheltenham and Exeter. It’s hard to know what the form is worth and my fancy looks a stronger stayer.

Top Notch has taken well to fences but faces a step up in class today. I’m more worried about Baron Alco. He hasn’t much to find with Clan Des Obeaux on a line through Whisper and could easily get the run of the race out in front.

3.00

GET in front with BEHIND TIME in the Betfred Heroes Handicap Hurdle.

He bolted up over 2m5f at Cheltenham in November in a race that has worked out nicely. His Newbury run less than two weeks later probably came too soon and he’s had a nice break since.

This trip shouldn’t be a problem and he handles testing ground well. With trainer Harry Fry in great form he should bounce back to his best.

Rolling Dylan was mugged by strong stayer Shantou Bob at Chepstow over Christmas. An 8lb rise is not ideal but he does look the type to respond well to cheekpieces.

Mr Mix has the potential to be pretty good. I wouldn’t rule him out despite shouldering top weight after his success at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

Lord Of The Island, El Terremoto and Kk Lexion are others in with a shout.

3.35

IT’S time to follow OTAGO TRAIL.

He was no match for Gold Cup hope Bristol De Mai at Haydock two weeks ago but plugged on well enough to claim second spot. He had beaten Nigel Twiston-Davies’ ace at Newcastle earlier in the season and he has a great record on testing ground. This is likely to turn into a dour battle and my fancy should be in the right place to take advantage.

Antony has had a nice break since bombing out at Newbury in November. His earlier wins at Ascot and Fontwell were good and I would be surprised if he didn’t have more success in him.

Rock The Kasbah has come up short in good novices’ chases. He’ll win races but I’m a little worried this sort of test might be too much for him.

Wetherby Tips

2.45

DON’T Miss out on the Totepool Towton Novices’ Chase.

MISSED APPROACH looked really good when making all the running to see off Label Des Obeaux at Lingfield three weeks ago. That was his first start after having breathing operation and he jumped really well. It was much better than his laboured chasing debut and he has the potential to keep progressing.

Calett Mad bolted up at Taunton last time. They went a bit quick up front that day and the race fell nicely for him. There’s no doubt he’s useful but this is likely to be a different test.

The Dutchman interests me. He looked in need of a return to today’s sort of distance when not quite managing to get past Oldgrangewood over 2m3f at this track last time. There’s more to come from him.

Musselburgh Tips

2.05

THE Edinburgh National looks to have been lined up for FIVE IN A ROW.

He was a bitter disappointment at Sandown last time. That was clearly not his form and he’s had a two-month break since. His comeback second at Sedgefield suggests there’s a race like this in him and trainer Brian Ellison has been banging in the winners.

Itstimeforapint is not the quickest but has done well since stepping up to marathon distances. The forecast rain will suit him a lot better than most of his rivals. Trainer Lucinda Russell won Warwick’s Classic Chase three weeks ago and she has her team in decent form.

Alvarado – placed in two Grand Nationals – has claims. But he’s been off since getting kicked in the head after falling in the Becher Chase.

Just A Par and Dancing Shadow are among those who would like the rain to stay away.

3.15

DRUMCLIFF will take some beating.

He was desperately unlucky not to win at Kempton over Christmas and I’m convinced he’s still well weighted. With Harry Fry’s team going so will he looks to have a great chance.

Dominada won well when making all the running over 2m3f at this track on New Year’s Day. He’s gone up 11lb but does have a bit of class.

He’ll find it tough getting to the front with Optimus Prime and Aristo Du Plessis but he doesn’t have to make the running.

Iain Jardine won this race 12 months ago and his Traditional Dancer put in a career best behind smart Superb Story over track and trip last time.

More selections

Lingfield
12.50 Fire Diamond
1.25 Byron Flyer (treble)
2.00 Lancelot Du Lac
2.30 Fly True
3.05 Battalion
3.40 Hamish McGonagain
4.15 Darebin

Musselburgh
12.25 Gaitway
12.55 Landmarque
1.30 Project Bluebook
2.05 Five In A Row (nb)
2.40 Bistouri D’Honore
3.15 Drumcliff
3.45 Wonderful Charm
4.20 Superior Command

Newcastle
5.45 Mystique Moon
6.15 Alkashaaf
6.45 Table Manners
7.15 Touch Of Paradise
7.45 Young John
8.15 Veena
8.45 Commanche

Sandown
12.40 Coeur De Lion
1.15 Grey Gold
1.50 Rayvin Black
2.25 Clan Des Obeaux
3.00 Behind Time
3.35 Otago Trail
4.05 Druid’s Folly

Wetherby
1.05 Tearsofclewbay
1.40 Oldgrangewood
2.15 Catamaran Du Seuil
2.45 Missed Approach (nap)
3.20 Ami Desbois
3.55 Galway Jack
4.25 Oscar Mor