Richard Hoiles' top tips for Tuesday: Ripp Orf rates value bet

Top presenter and commentator Richard Hoiles reflects on the end of the jumps season and has four tips for Tuesday's action.

It was entirely appropriate that it was in Ireland where the most dramatic events were played out in the final days of the jumps season.

After Cheltenham retirement had seemed more likely for Faugheen than him suddenly reinventing himself as a stayer, while equally unexpected were the independent capsizes of Samcro and Melon just as the Punchestown Champion Hurdle was hotting up.

That was nothing however to the earlier drama on the Tuesday when Paul Townend inexplicably tried to steer Al Boum Photo around the final fence carrying Finian’s Oscar out in the process.

In leaving the way clear for a Gordon Elliott 1-2-3 it appeared this brainstorm could have cost Willie Mullins the title only for the Closutton maestro to come roaring back to such effect that he had wrapped up his retention of his trainer’s crown going into the final day.

He and Elliott deserve lavish prize for setting the standard this jumps season and the challenge will be for British trainers to raise their own game to launch more of a meaningful challenge next campaign.

To be honest the more routine events at Sandown made that look unlikely with Altior, while again strong at the finish, continuing to look ever more lethargic.

All of a sudden he looks vulnerable against Footpad in the Tingle Creek, which will be one of the most anticipated races of the year, especially if Douvan turns up as well.

Time now however to concentrate on the Flat with the Guineas on the horizon and for today’s selections we start with:

Placed on both his starts over course and distance, Oceanus should appreciate the return to turf with his yard in decent form.

The last of those two placings came off a 3lb higher mark so he looks reasonably treated as well as being able to handle the underfoot conditions.

The main question here is whether he can reproduce his all-weather form on turf but he has a nice progressive profile and there is nothing in his pedigree to suggest it will be an issue.

Very much in his favour is the booking of champion jockey Silvestre De Sousa whose record for the yard is 20 wins from 102 rides.

Mick Channon has his horses well forward and is a great supporter of sire Sixties Icon.

Iconic Belle has yet to win a race but has placed for today’s rider on soft ground at Doncaster off a 2lb higher mark and ran creditably enough in a big field at Windsor last time.

Should get the run of the race on his second run for David Simcock after a disappointing spell in Australia for Chris Waller.

His fifth in the Grade One Woodbine Mile, behind subsequent Breeders Cup Mile scorer World Approval, suggests Arod may still have something to offer even at the age of seven and he should be able to dictate his own gallop here.

Richard's top tips for Tuesday: