UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

GOBI STAR was only denied by a nose when second over C&D earlier in the month and this could be an ideal opportunity for the four-year-old to go one better. That said, Aurora Nova was not far behind the selection on that occasion and appears to be going in the right direction. Hector Berlioz is another with valid form claims, while Echoing and Greek Flower remain unexposed.
Prediction : 1st Gobi Star 2nd Aurora Nova 3rd Hector Berlioz

WAKAI UMI emerged as a convincing winner on her nursery debut and that form suggests that she can cope with a 9lb higher mark this afternoon. It's feasible that All In The Hips will finish closer to the section than she did at Naas 11 days ago and she too merits consideration. Similar comments apply to Distillate, who is likely to be thereabouts if coping with the drop in trip, if making a quick return.
Prediction : 1st Wakai Umi 2nd All In The Hips 3rd Distillate

A few with chances but preference is for MEHMAN, who opened his account at Dundalk on Friday and must carry a 7lb penalty for that success. However, he remains unexposed and should have more to offer, so a mark of 72 could prove well within range. Harmony Rose has been holding a consistent level and form and she's entitled to be in the shake-up, along with Neo Soul. At the foot of the weights, Scarlet Dancer cannot be discounted either.
Prediction : 1st Mehman 2nd Harmony Rose 3rd Neo Soul

ENCOSTA kept on strongly for second on her latest outing over this trip at Naas and, given that she is yet to be out of the frame in two starts, she is entitled to the utmost respect this afternoon. Alabama Pearl steps fractionally up in trip and could prove to be the main threat, while the unraced Perfect Poise boasts an appealing pedigree and is another not to be taken lightly.
Prediction : 1st Encosta 2nd Alabama Pearl 3rd Perfect Poise

FASTMAN has returned to form on his last couple of starts, finishing third at both Leopardstown and Gowran Park, and the six-year-old boasts strong credentials, especially on his most recent effort when only beaten by half a length. Soyounique has been mostly consistent this year and the application of a first-time visor might yield further improvement, while Secret Road, who was unlucky at Fairyhouse last Monday, and Sister Lola appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Fastman 2nd Soyounique 3rd Secret Road

Marginal preference is for FIRSTMAN, who ran well here over further last time out having won at Roscommon the time before. Tony Martin's charge remains on a feasible mark and if handling the drop in trip, he can see off the likes of Cursory Exam and Forgetmenotblue, who is interesting on her return from a summer break. Chutzpal is another who could improve for going up in trip, while Golden Ticket cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Firstman 2nd Cursory Exam 3rd Forgetmenotblue

SERAFINA benefited from the application of blinkers for her most recent run at Clonmel and Dermot Weld's filly is entitled to go well again, given she kept on to win by two and a quarter lengths on that occasion. She is capable of further progression if the headgear, which is retained, has the same desired effect. The Dazzer remains relatively unexposed and could prove a big threat to the selection, while the booking of 7lb claimer Daniel King seems a big positive for Hello Power.
Prediction : 1st Serafina 2nd The Dazzer 3rd Hello Power

Gonetomillgrove demands the utmost respect following his recent Galway success, but preference is for COMO PARK. The Joseph O'Brien-trained colt bumped into some smart types before getting off the mark at Leopardstown in June and, in first-time blinkers, appeals as being fairly handicapped from an opening mark of 82. Melnik ought to be suited by the significant step up in trip and is considered, while Fennor Cross, who remains in good form, can't be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Como Park 2nd Gonetomillgrove 3rd Melnik