UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

ASHWIYAA may have done too much in the blinkers when weakening to finish last in a Listed event at the Curragh last time out, and a breakthrough success could be on the cards now returned to maiden company. Grand City Hall ran well when third in a 23-runner maiden at the County Kildare track and should give the selection plenty to think about, along with Back Down Under, who may appreciate the return to 5f.
Prediction : 1st Ashwiyaa 2nd Grand City Hall 3rd Back Down Under

It is hard to oppose SMULLEN'S PRIDE, who put in a promising display when third on her seasonal return at Cork in June. The daughter of Exceed And Excel is a consistent performer at this level and could get off the mark here. Cross Border may prove to be the main threat based on his encouraging effort at the Curragh last month, although Roman Harry is also unexposed and should not be discounted.
Prediction : 1st Smullens Pride 2nd Cross Border 3rd Roman Harry

BRIGHT STRIPES improved to finish third over 6f on his latest outing at Naas and the son of Starspangledbanner could progress further for the step up in distance. The main threat looks to be Sli Na Ghealai, who has hit the frame the last twice at Tipperary and she is likely to have a say. Of the remainder, newcomer Volto Di Medusa makes the most appeal, especially if he attracts any market support.
Prediction : 1st Bright Stripes 2nd Sli Na Ghealai 3rd Volto Di Medusa

There were plenty of positives to be taken from VELVET SKIES' fifth-placed finish on his nursery debut at the Curragh recently, and the combination of a return to 7f and 6lb lower mark gives the Buratino gelding leading claims. Poppadom should also enjoy the stiffer test of stamina and is dangerous to discount on his first appearance since a gelding operation, while Hasshoffman is bred to be a lot better than his opening mark of 62.
Prediction : 1st Velvet Skies 2nd Poppadom 3rd Hasshoffman

BARNACULLIA (second) had Crassus (third) in behind at Bellewstown last time and the son of Ocovango has few miles on the clock in this sphere. The six-year-old is fancied to confirm that form en route to victory here. Rich Belief hit the frame in this 12 months ago and is interesting from a competitive mark, while No Thanks must be of interest with Frankie Dettori booked to ride. Others to note include Pretty Soldier and Curious Bride.
Prediction : 1st Barnacullia 2nd No Thanks 3rd Rich Belief

In a wide-open event marginal preference is for GOD KNOWS, who was not beaten far on her handicap bow in a competitive event at the Curragh last month. Off a 2lb lower mark, the four-year-old could be very hard to stop here. That said, Evening's Empire is an obvious threat following her narrow defeat over 1m 5f at this venue last time. Others to include on the shortlist are Who Not What, Neverfindanother U and Barrys Rock.
Prediction : 1st God Knows 2nd Evenings Empire 3rd Who Not What

Texas Sun struck over an extended 1m2f at Sligo on his latest outing and he looks an interesting contender as he steps up to this distance for the first time. However, preference is for CHARLIE DARLING, who outran big odds to score at Navan by half a length recently and he looks sure to go very close once more off a 3lb higher mark. Theresathought has run well enough this year to suggest that she could grab a place in this contest.
Prediction : 1st Charlie Darling 2nd Texas Sun 3rd Theresathought