UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

MY MATE ALFIE produced a creditable effort when third at the Curragh over 6f on his most recent outing. He kept on the one pace inside the final furlong that day, which suggests a stiffer stamina test will aid his cause, and he is taken to get the better of King Of Gosford, who sports a first-time tongue-tie and can step up on his Curragh debut. Starliner represents powerful connections and Battle Cry will likely show up better than he did at Navan.
Prediction : 1st My Mate Alfie 2nd King Of Gosford 3rd Battle Cry

A 3lb drop in the ratings for PEERLESS' second-placed effort in an 18-runner affair at Fairyhouse looks potentially lenient and the five-year-old is fancied to record a first success of the season. Eruption appeared to pay the price for going for home too soon when a head second at Bellewstown earlier in the month and she may reverse form with the reopposing winner, Zig Zag Zyggy, now 2lb better off at the revised weights. Spirit Of Eagles and Conversant also look capable of winning at this level and are others to note in a competitive event.
Prediction : 1st Peerless 2nd Eruption 3rd Spirit Of Eagles

TOMMY THUG showed improvement from his debut with a good second in a decent looking maiden at Leopardstown last week, and rates as a solid option on this quick return to action. The son of Churchill is likely to be a lot wiser and another step forward can bring about a breakthrough success. Rhodesia actually finished a place ahead of him at the Curragh on her reappearance and she is feared most. Nakassama and Golden Spangle complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Tommy Thug 2nd Rhodesia 3rd Nakassama

EASTERN LEGEND was not beaten far when fifth off this mark over a mile at Leopardstown a couple of weeks ago and a reproduction of that level of form would give him a big chance here. The unexposed Hutton Glen has shown plenty of ability in maidens and could prove to be the main threat to the selection now switched to handicaps. That said, the likes of Boher Road, Alma Libre and Spy should not be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Eastern Legend 2nd Hutton Glen 3rd Boher Road

Zola Sakura has been mixing it up in Listed company on her last three outings and she now has her sights lowered, so she should go well. However, the vote goes to GRADULATIONS, who was possibly unlucky to go down by half a length when second at the Curragh last month, as her jockey dropped the whip with a furlong to go, so she did well to finish where she did. She could make amends this time around off a 3lb higher mark, while Humtaza warrants a market check on her handicap bow.
Prediction : 1st Gradulations 2nd Zola Sakura 3rd Humtaza

NO MEMORY returns from a lengthy spell off the track, with her last appearance being in a Grade 3 hurdle at Punchestown, but her most recent Flat effort was a victory at Galway in October 2021 and conditions are likely to suit the daughter of Westerner. Blackstone Cliff performed with plenty of credit to finish third on his return at Navan and he is entitled to be in the mix. Herculaneum is capable of stepping forward after his placed effort at Tramore, while Pretty Soldier and Galactica complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st No Memory 2nd Blackstone Cliff 3rd Herculaneum

With a few potential improvers lining up here, it might be worth taking a chance on MASTER DUNRAVEN. The gelded son of Mastercraftsman kept on to hit the frame over 1m4f at Roscommon last time out, suggesting he could fare even better over this longer trip and a bold bid is expected. Slaney Tide merits the utmost respect raised 7lb for her recent Naas success, while others to note include Bright N Shine, Siouxanne and Rauzan.
Prediction : 1st Master Dunraven 2nd Slaney Tide 3rd Bright N Shine