UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

COUGAR made a pleasing start for Padraig Roche when scoring by half a length on his hurdling bow at Gowran Park last month and looks set to follow that up, despite having to shoulder a penalty. He is related to some smart Flat types and can give another good account, as can Old Victoria, who has shown plenty on both career starts this year. New Year Honours could also be in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Cougar 2nd Old Victoria 3rd New Year Honours

Gordon Elliott won this last year with subsequent Grade 1 scorer Mighty Potter and he could have another smart performer on his hands with French recruit FOXFIRE GLOW. Narrowly denied at Compiegne on his latest start, the son of Vadamos can gain compensation at the main expense of stablemate Themanintheboots, who performed creditably in bumpers during the summer. Owner J P McManus has a strong hand in this contest and his newcomers Hands Of Gold and Invictus Machin must also enter calculations.
Prediction : 1st Foxfire Glow 2nd Themanintheboots 3rd Invictus Machin

There could be more to come from Pinkerton now entering the handicap ranks, while Charli Parcs and Ebasari should appreciate this drop in trip after running better than the bare form at Punchestown. However, NIBIRU shaped like a horse who had a fair bit in hand when winning at Navan and the Tony Martin inmate could make light of an 8lb rise. Pats Choice ran with promise when second on his handicap debut and may give the selection most to think about.
Prediction : 1st Nibiru 2nd Pats Choice 3rd Pinkerton

Second to Frodon in this last year, Galvin returned to action with a comfortable Grade 3 success at Punchestown. Gordon Elliott's gelding ought to be capable of another bold showing, but he might come off second best to stablemate CONFLATED. The Irish Gold Cup hero progressed well last season, rounding it off with a good second in the Betway Bowl at Aintree, and official ratings suggest he's the one to beat. Envoi Allen can follow them home, ahead of the admirable veteran Kemboy.
Prediction : 1st Conflated 2nd Galvin 3rd Envoi Allen

A small field for this Grade 2 but still very competitive, as a case can be made for all four runners. Although conceding weight all round, FURY ROAD has won on his only visit to this track and has gone well when fresh in the past, so he edges the vote. Fighter Allen fell at the first at the Punchestown Festival when last seen and, given a clear round this time, he looks the biggest threat. Vanillier is respected but may want further.
Prediction : 1st Fury Road 2nd Fighter Allen 3rd Vanillier

FINAL ORDERS arrives on a hat-trick after victories at Killarney and Cork, and this looks a nice opportunity to continue the winning thread. Gavin Cromwell's charge is having his first handicap start over the larger obstacles and an opening mark of 120 could be within his range. Arctic Ambition has been off the track since January, but has been switched to Gordon Elliott so has to be feared. Union Park does have the benefit of recent match practice and he heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Final Orders 2nd Arctic Ambition 3rd Union Park

KING OF KINGSFIELD won his sole start in the point-to-point sphere by a wide margin in March and, having subsequently joined Gordon Elliott, he could take all of the beating. Willie Mullins' Honky Tonk makes plenty of appeal on paper and he's the one expected to put up most resistance. Although he failed to complete in two point-to-points, Faulty has plenty of winners in his pedigree and he's another who could put up a bold showing.
Prediction : 1st King Of Kingsfield 2nd Honky Tonk 3rd Faulty