Sunday Horse Racing Tips from Steve Ryder

This looks a competitive handicap hurdle but preference goes to Shannon Royale (best priced at 5/2) who looks leniently treated off an opening mark of 130. The Gordon Elliott trained five-year-old made all in a bumper at Clonmel in April before disappointing on his hurdling debut when 2nd at Fairyhouse over 2m4f. He then finished 3rd behind subsequent Grade 2 runner-up Lecky Watson at Thurles before getting off the mark last time at Punchestown.

Shannon Royale beat leading novice hurdle hope Tullyhill by 24 lengths last time when fitted with first time cheekpieces. This drop down to 2m4f shouldn’t inconvenience him and he should prove hard to beat off this opening mark of 130.

Christopher Wood is respected after a wind operation for the in-form Venetia Williams stable but preference instead goes to Universal Folly (best priced at 7/2). The Nicky Richards trained eight-year-old has been running consistently well this year with form figures of 2121112 including victories at Market Rasen, Uttoxeter and twice at Hexham.

Universal Folly finished 2nd behind Giovinco at Aintree last time beaten only 2 ¾ lengths off a mark of 124 and that rival has since run well to finish 2nd in the Esher Novices’ Chase at Sandown behind Stay Away Fay. He runs here off the same mark and should prove hard to beat if repeating that effort.