Saturday Racing Tips – Dan James Racing

I have to keep Lulamba firmly onside here. He looks every inch a natural chaser and, receiving the weight for age allowance, he should remain highly competitive even over this minimum trip. His performance at Exeter was particularly striking, he jumped with fluency throughout and quickly put clear daylight between himself and the runner up, Fingle Bridge, with Salver further behind.

Nicky Henderson’s runner is open to further improvement, and this represents a meaningful test with the likes of Be Aware, an excellent second to July Flower despite giving weight away last time in opposition. The Sam Thomas trained pair also contribute depth to the contest, and it will demand accurate, efficient jumping. However, with the weight advantage for the Arkle second favourite and the impression he created last time, it’s genuinely difficult to see Lulamba being beaten here and he would be a strong NAP.

Plenty within the racing world appear ready to give up on Jonbon after his latest run at Cheltenham, but returning to his beloved Sandown, a track where he has excelled and won this race for the past two seasons, he is well worth another chance. This is his second start after a break and his first since a wind operation, and conditions look ideal for a rebound performance. His Sandown form figures read 111112, and he has every opportunity to add another “1” to that sequence.

He was turned over by Il Etait Temps here last season, but that came at the end of a long and demanding campaign. At the current prices, Jonbon appeals far more, Il Etait Temps is a short, priced favourite who may well win, but not at odds that make much appeal. As for L’Eau du Sud, although he got the better of Jonbon last time, he still has it to prove at this level, and I expect he will be facing a very different Jonbon on Saturday.

Once again, he produced a really solid staying-on effort when finishing placed in the Grand Sefton back in November under Robbie Dunne. Much of the pre-race focus that day was on White Rhino with Sean Bowen aboard, but he never landed a blow from the rear. He may improve enough to get involved here. For me, Gaboriot is the one to side with. He’s only been nudged up 1lb to a mark of 125, and the extra distance should be a major positive, he has winning form over much further.

He’s ground versatile, with victories on both good and soft/heavy, so conditions won’t be a concern. Off this mark, if he can reproduce his last run, he looks the definite each way play in the race. These connections love targeting winners over the iconic Aintree fences, and he’ll be staying on strongly when it matters.