Horse Racing Betting Tips: Don’t you D’Air desert Buveur in Fighting Fifth Hurdle

IF THE action from Newbury isn’t enough, Newcastle stages its biggest fixture of the season, with the BetVictor Fighting Fifth Hurdle (2.05pm) the highlight.

At the start of the week, plenty were sceptical that the big three of BUVEUR D’AIR, Samcro and Summerville Boy would turn up, but all are set to go to post in what looks a ‘mini’ Champion Hurdle on paper.

Since reverting back to hurdles in 2017, Nicky Henderson’s Buveur D’Air is unbeaten, including landing back-to- back Champion Hurdles.

The seven-year-old might not be the flashiest of performers, but his efficient and slick hurdling means he is an incredibly tough nut to crack.

Samcro looked to have the world at his feet when winning the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last year.

However, two lacklustre performances since, particularly on his seasonal reappearance at Down Royal, have cast doubts about his effectiveness over this two mile trip.

This is a big fortnight for Henderson with Altior reappearing next week in the Tingle Creek and I fancy Buveur D’Air to get things off to the best possible start at 6/4 with Coral.

Later on the card, in the BetVictor Rehearsal Chase (3.20pm), I’m going to give another chance to RAMSES DE TEILLEE at 8/1 with Ladbrokes.

Regular readers of this column will know I put up David Pipe’s runner for the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton, but the ground was too quick.

The six-year-old won a novices’ handicap at Chepstow last year off a big weight on bad ground, so the forecast rain up north is music to the ears of his connections.

He looks nicely handicapped on the best of his old form and should go well if returning to anywhere near his best.

POINTERS SATURDAY

Buveur D’Air 2.05pm Newcastle

Ramses De Teillee e/w3.20pm Newcastle