UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

A fairly open contest in which marginal preference is for the Gordon Elliott-trained STUZZIKINI. Runner-up on his last two starts, he is expected to improve after getting closest to a smart prospect of Willie Mullins' at Fairyhouse on his latest outing. The Mullins-trained Macdermott showed some promise with his third in a bumper here on his racecourse bow in January and is feared most, while Marronstown completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Stuzzikini 2nd Macdermott 3rd Marronstown

Favourite-backers were made to sweat when THECORNERHOUSE met trouble at Thurles, but Evan Dwan kept his cool and they got up close home. Julie Cashin's mare has been bumped up 7lb but she is clearly going the right way, and the drop from 2m7f shouldn't bother her. Duffys Getaway built on his ordinary comeback when making the frame at Fairyhouse, while So Ladylike took a big step forward over fences at Wexford but isn't as well treated here.
Prediction : 1st Thecornerhouse 2nd Duffys Getaway 3rd So Ladylike

Luimneach has been raised 9lb for winning at Naas, and the six-year-old looks to be on the improve so should not be discounted. However, OTTOMAN STYLE won over this distance at Gowran Park in testing conditions last time and has been put up 6lb for that success. He kept on well to beat two subsequent winners and that form could prove to be the best on offer in this contest. Others to note are Dartan and Connors Cross, who both make their first start in handicap company.
Prediction : 1st Ottoman Style 2nd Luimneach 3rd Dartan

A competitive renewal with some potential clues towards both the major Nationals. LONGHOUSE POET's initial preparation for heading back to Aintree saw him unseat at the first fence in the Bobbyjo, so connections opt to come here ahead of next month's assignment. Usually a very sound jumper, the nine-year-old is capable of making amends on this occasion. Pencilfulloflead (fifth) wasn't at his best in the aforementioned contest when behind Now Where Or When (third) and the pair both command respect, while last year's winner Roi Mage isn't discounted lightly.
Prediction : 1st Longhouse Poet 2nd Pencilfulloflead 3rd Now Where Or When

Prior to pulling up at Fairyhouse in November, THE GREEK had impressed with win and placed efforts at Perth and over an extended 2m here. The form of that runner-up performance looks strong in the context of this race (winner since placed in Grade 3 company) and he could bounce back on his return from a break. Chameron, Carrig Sam and Peaceful Sunday all have jumping concerns but, equally, the trio are capable if putting it all together.
Prediction : 1st The Greek 2nd Chameron 3rd Peaceful Sunday

This can go the way of ULTIMATE OPTIMIST, who graduated from the point-to-point field with a taking success on his Rules debut at Limerick over Christmas. There should be plenty more improvement forthcoming from the seven-year-old and he can get the better of the far more exposed, but capable, Lord Schnitzel. Not beaten far when third in this contest last year, Er Dancer must enter calculations as well.
Prediction : 1st Ultimate Optimist 2nd Er Dancer 3rd Lord Schnitzel

Cuta Des As merits the utmost respect on her debut for Willie Mullins following an impressive win between the flags last year. That said, marginal preference is for SILVER LARK, who was narrowly denied on her racecourse bow at Thurles last month and she is entitled to improve for that experience. Her stable companion Charity Barnum is another with valid form claims, while Im Here Now is a newcomer to note.
Prediction : 1st Silver Lark 2nd Cuta Des As 3rd Charity Barnum