Saturday Racing Tips – Dan James Racing

Viyanni, a promising five-year-old under Harry Derham’s care, enters this race with strong credentials after a progressive campaign. Bred from Almanzor and Viyana, he debuted impressively over hurdles at Market Rasen, pulling clear to win convincingly. Subsequent runs at Ascot and Huntingdon saw him compete against higher rated rivals like Lulamba (now at 134), highlighting his potential. Off a mark of 124 following a break, he aligns with trends favouring young horses aged five or under, who have claimed 12 of the last 18 winners, often with one or two prior hurdle victories.

Derham’s stable is firing, and Viyanni’s unexposed profile suggests room for improvement in this winnable contest. Track suitability and stamina for the distance bolster his case, making him a standout in a field including Live Conti and Tutti Quanti.

Javert Allen, a six-year-old chestnut gelding trained by Jane Williams, has thrived since switching to fences, showcasing fluent jumping and tactical speed. Sired by No Risk At All, his recent form includes a dominant Chepstow victory last month, followed by a solid Aintree effort where he shaped as if needing the run. Over this course and distance last season, he fended off subsequent winners like Harpers Brook, proving his affinity for Newbury.

Rated at 126, he fits patterns for horses aged five to seven (12 of last 23 winners) with two to five prior chase successes and marks between 126-136. Williams’ yard boasts a fine record in similar events, and with expected fitness gains, he’s poised to challenge market leaders like General Medrano and Rare Edition in this Class 2 affair.

The Changing Man, an eight-year-old bay gelding from Joe Tizzard’s yard, has been meticulously prepared for this Grade 3 highlight, building on consistent performances. Sired by Walk In The Park, he impressed with a strong Ascot second on reappearance, demonstrating stamina over extended trips. Rated higher than Tizzard’s past winner Sizing Tennessee, his profile matches trends, horses aged six to eight (21 of last 23 victors) with two to five chase wins, a seasonal prep, and marks 140-151. First time cheekpieces aim to enhance focus in this stamina test.

Tizzard’s November form has been excellent, and in a maximum field of 24, he edges contenders like Monty’s Star and Intense Raffles. His traveling ability and staying power make him a prime candidate.