UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

After returning from a break, SPARTAN ARMY (third) finished just behind A Shin Undine (second) in a maiden at Sligo last month but, with that run under his belt, Joseph O'Brien's colt, wearing a tongue-tie for the first time, can reverse the form. A Shin Undine still showed inexperience on that occasion and should make another bold bid, while newcomer Calvesi, who represents the same stable as the selection, can also have a say.
Prediction : 1st Spartan Army 2nd A Shin Undine 3rd Calvesi

Highland King is an obvious starting point here as Johnny Murtagh's charge was nicely clear of Golden Ticket when second at Leopardstown last time. That appeared to show his aptitude for this sort of trip, but he may have to settle for second best behind ROCK OF CANDY today. Jessica Harrington's filly was off the bridle early at Gowran last time, but flew home once she picked up over that slightly shorter trip and she could be better here. Chaos Control completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Rock Of Candy 2nd Highland King 3rd Chaos Control

PRIME CHIEF made little of a 234-day break to land this contest last year and he can defy an absence once more, despite being 13lb higher this time around. The recent form of his stable is another plus and he can see off the in-form Fennor Cross, who goes in search of a fourth win in his last five starts. The well-handicapped Prince Of Verona is another to note, along with the improving Dudley's Bar and the very capable All Class, although she probably wants further ideally.
Prediction : 1st Prime Chief 2nd Fennor Cross 3rd Dudleys Bar

GRADULATIONS makes her handicap debut following an impressive win in an auction maiden last month. She seemed to appreciate a step up in trip, having run on well in second on her two previous outings, and gets the vote ahead of Atavique, who has gone up 7lb for her latest win. Others to note are Coill Na Sionainne, although she is burdened with top-weight, and the unexposed Eclat De Lumiere.
Prediction : 1st Gradulations 2nd Atavique 3rd Coill Na Sionainne

An intriguing contest in which Manu Et Corde is of interest after a foray in Group company, while, at the other end of the scale, Darraby is respected despite incurring a hefty rise for exploiting a low opening mark at Roscommon. The two to concentrate on, however, could be handicap debutants Shajak, a good winner at Tipperary last month, and COUGAR, who, despite not having won a maiden, looks underestimated by this opening mark of 84 with the step up in trip likely to suit.
Prediction : 1st Cougar 2nd Shajak 3rd Manu Et Corde

STORM STEPS bounced back to form when third at Gowran last month and showed he is in fine fettle when landing the spoils at Fairyhouse last time. Patrick Martin's gelding is up 5lb here, but could continue his good form. Wild Shot's Flat form isn't the strongest, but he has won back-to-back races over hurdles most recently, including in handicap company off a mark of 116, so he could be well treated off 57 in this sphere. Nailed Down and Loudest Whisper are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Storm Steps 2nd Wild Shot 3rd null

Dancila produced a creditable effort when runner-up behind a smart prospect at Fairyhouse on his latest start and can produce a bold showing. However, he may have to settle for minor honours behind talented chaser BUSSELTON, who has his first run on the Flat for Joseph O'Brien after posting some useful performances over obstacles. Royal Romeo brings solid bumper form to the table and is worthy of consideration, while Scenic Look, who has shown potential in this sphere, cannot be dismissed either.
Prediction : 1st Busselton 2nd Dancila 3rd Royal Romeo