Saturday Racing Tips – Dan James Racing

Honesty Policy, a promising five-year-old bay gelding trained in Ireland, has shown remarkable progression in his hurdle career. Sired by Jukebox Jury out of Molo, he boasts a strong pedigree suited to staying distances. Last season, he secured a notable Grade 1 victory over 2½ miles at Aintree, demonstrating his class and stamina. His most recent outing at Punchestown in April, saw him finish competitively in another high-level contest, confirming his adaptability to testing ground conditions expected at Ascot.

With a rating that positions him favourably against rivals, Honesty Policy thrives in open company, particularly on soft surfaces where his fluent jumping and powerful finish come to the fore. Recent trends favour young, improving hurdlers in Grade 1 events like the Howden Long Walk Hurdle, and his form lines have been boosted by subsequent performances from beaten rivals. As a lightly raced contender with untapped potential, he enters this three-mile test with every chance to build on his novice achievements and claim a prestigious win.

Supreme Malinas, a five-year-old bay mare under Dan Skelton’s guidance, exhibits potential as a staying hurdler on heavy ground. Sired by Malinas out of Native Supreme, her breeding favours stamina laden contests. She notched a Listed bumper win and has shown promise in hurdles, most recently finishing respectably in a two-mile Listed mares NH Flat at Sandown after a layoff, beaten by 10 lengths but hinting at further improvement.

Her latest victory at Huntingdon in December 2024, and was over hurdles, underscoring her progression with three career wins now under her belt. Trends prioritise mares with progressive profiles and affinity for testing conditions, which Supreme Malinas relishes. From a yard noting her readiness for longer trips, this step up in grade aligns with her development. Expect her to thrive at Haydock, where soft going enhances her grinding style, positioning her for a strong challenge in this demanding event.

Alexei, a five-year-old bay gelding trained by Joe Tizzard, has rapidly ascended the handicap ranks with impressive hurdle form. Bred from Tai Chi and Andromeda, his flat pedigree aids speed on softer surfaces. A standout victory came in the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, storming clear off a mark of 140 to win convincingly, marking him as a graded contender. Prior to that, he won his two preceding starts, including a dominant display that hiked his rating to 147.

Recent trends in Class 2 graduation chases highlight improvers with strong hurdle backgrounds, and Alexei’s solid Ascot effort earlier finishing second at Chepstow bodes well for this venue. Suited to testing ground, his versatility and current peak condition make him a prime candidate for this chase over extended trips. With the yard enjoying a hot streak, expect a bold showing as he transitions smoothly to fences.