SUPREME NOVICES’ HURDLE

1.30: GRADE ONE — 2 MILES 1/2 FURLONG

The decision to remove the hood from Al Dancer and use ear plugs for the biggest race of his season looks a strange move but, providing Sam Twiston-Davies can keep his mount in check, he looks a huge player given he boasts track experience, excellent form in big fields and is a sound jumper. The last 10 winners had run four or five times over hurdles, so experience is a vital asset and the French-bred FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES does not fail on that score given he has jumped fences and hurdles in France before joining Joseph O’Brien (left). Two impressive victories, including at this venue on Trials Day, have stamped him as a class performer for new owner JP McManus and he makes plenty of appeal. The tough Grand Sancy is another to consider.

BEST BETBET: FAKIRFAK D’OUDAIRIES 6-1 NEXT BEST: AL DANCER 9-2