UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

DOCTOR BRAVO hit the woodwork on his hurdling debut, bumping into a potentially smart type from the Willie Mullins yard, and he's fancied to go one better with improvement likely. The Big Doyen has been largely consistent in recent starts and he's likely to be in the thick of things once again, while Bellaney Lord, who finished half-a-length second to recent Grade 1 winner Champ Kiely on his debut in May 2021, is another to consider. Others to note include Figaroc and The Wallpark.
Prediction : 1st Doctor Bravo 2nd The Big Doyen 3rd Bellaney Lord

AN MHI has lost little in defeat when twice finishing runner-up behind two smart prospects from the Willie Mullins yard and, with nothing of that calibre lurking in here, a first success under Rules could be on the cards. Whilst Champella isn't certain to prove as effective down in distance, she arrives at the top of her game and may prove the chief threat. Fellow last-time-out winners Marelly and Kashi also appear to be improving and can't be ruled out.
Prediction : 1st An Mhi 2nd Champella 3rd Marelly

A case can be made for most of these but none more so than KALANISI DUBH, who broke her maiden tag in impressive fashion over course and distance last month. Even a 7lb rise for that success may not be able to stop the seven-year-old. That said, Thefaithfulindian is an obvious threat having made the frame in a competitive event at Punchestown last time. Others to note are Knocknagappagh, Trishknowsbest and Galactica.
Prediction : 1st Kalanisi Dubh 2nd Thefaithfulindian 3rd Knocknagappagh

LIMERICK LACE ran her best race to date over fences when runner-up at Limerick last month and looks more than capable of successfully conceding weight to the rest of the field. Although Alko Rouge was ultimately well beaten at Cork in November, the nine-year-old may gain an easy lead in this race and shouldn't be underestimated. Chameron may not be the force of old, but he wasn't disgraced when placing at Thurles and makes more appeal than the Gordon Elliott pair Irish Blaze and Slige Dala.
Prediction : 1st Limerick Lace 2nd Alko Rouge 3rd Chameron

KINGS HALO bounced back to form when second at Tramore at the beginning of the month and he merits plenty of respect, despite a 2lb rise in the ratings. Finnians Row has a similar profile to the selection and has to be of interest following his placed effort over course and distance last time. Spancil Hill is more than capable of making the frame, while Bidentime and Garrai Phaidin are the pick of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Kings Halo 2nd Finnians Row 3rd Spancil Hill

The consistent Ballykeel appears likely to throw down a stern challenge, along with Archies Charm, who ought to appreciate the return to 3m having finished second over 2m5f at Leopardstown last month. That said, ANGELS DAWN edges the vote after Sam Curling's mare was narrowly denied at Punchestown on New Years' Eve off 4lb lower. Cian Quirke negates that rise with his handy 7lb claim and a similar performance might be enough to land the spoils.
Prediction : 1st Angels Dawn 2nd Ballykeel 3rd Archies Charm

Macdermott is an intriguing newcomer for Willie Mullins and requires respect on his racecourse debut. However, preference is for NO TIME TO WAIT, who was a promising third on his Rules debut in a bumper at Leopardstown last month and, with experience on his side, a first win looks like a distinct possibility. Soldante must bounce back after being well beaten at Limerick, but he merits consideration on previous efforts. Soldier Solid placed over hurdles on New Year's Day and completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st No Time To Wait 2nd Macdermott 3rd Soldante