UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

In a race with more questions than answers, it seems likely that the Gordon Elliott-trained Mordor will head the market after his 10-length Limerick third, but that form does not look unbeatable. WHATSANOTHERYEAR went into a few notebooks after his debut fifth and he should only have learned from that experience, making him a very interesting contender. Dromineer Smurphy weakened late on over further at Clonmel and could surprise a few with even nominal improvement, despite a rise in class.
Prediction : 1st Whatsanotheryear 2nd Mordor 3rd Dromineer Smurphy

Benjis Benefit once more failed to justify favouritism when runner-up at Downpatrick recently, although a similar performance on his stable bow for Denis Hogan is likely to see him in the mix once more. However, it could be worth taking a chance on UP AND OUT building on her third-placed reappearance at Tramore last month. That marked a return to form for Gordon Elliott's mare and Jake Coen's 5lb claim could prove vital. Forever Frankie and Breagagh also warrant a closer look.
Prediction : 1st Up And Out 2nd Benjis Benefit 3rd Forever Frankie

LOOK TO THE WEST struggled at Grade 1 level on her most recent outing at Fairyhouse in March but her previous third in a Grade 3 contest suggests that she could be hard to beat here. Gold In The Rivers had plenty in hand when getting off the mark at Limerick last time and could prove to be the main threat to the selection, ahead of Born Braver and Rocky's Diamond.
Prediction : 1st Look To The West 2nd Gold In The Rivers 3rd Born Braver

MAGIC TRICKS may have pulled up in the Martin Pipe at the Cheltenham Festival but the fact he contested that race suggests a big chasing debut could be on the cards in this company, as does his Listed hurdle victory at this venue in November. Gordon Elliott's gelding looks the one to beat, although Jimmy Chou Pecos Aa's experience over fences could count for a lot and he must be respected. Fathom Two is no forlorn hope on his chasing debut for Gavin Cromwell.
Prediction : 1st Magic Tricks 2nd Jimmy Chou Pecos Aa 3rd Fathom Two

Several have good chances based on peak performances, however, SWEET WILL is still relatively unexposed over fences and earns the vote based on his potential to find more now he is back beyond 3m, with ground conditions looking ideal. Favori Logique is dangerous to underestimate from the foot of the handicap, while Dorking Cock, Goodnightngodbless and Temptationinmilan all have solid each-way claims. Galon De Vauzellel (third in this last year) and Read To Return would add even more spice to the race if turned out again following their outings at Punchestown on Saturday.
Prediction : 1st Sweet Will 2nd Favori Logique 3rd Dorking Cock

BALLYPHILIP has been in outstanding form between the flags in recent months and the son of Presenting merits the utmost respect in a race of this nature. Focus Point was out of his depth in the Aintree Foxhunters' but his previous point-to-point form gives him a solid chance here. Victor Tango and Bold Fury have both chased the selection home in recent months and are others to note, while Big Girl Betty and Drumnasoo complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Ballyphilip 2nd Focus Point 3rd Victor Tango

With virtually no form to go on, the betting market could prove the best guide here but a bold bid is expected from BOWENSONFIRE. Representing the powerful Gordon Elliott stable, he cost 88,000 euros as a three-year-old and he is a half-brother to a bumper winner. Others to seriously consider are Inoue, who cost 28,000 euros and is a half-brother to three French winners, and the Gavin Comwell-trained Tonaghneave Well, who is a half-brother to six winners. 35,000-euros purchase Kanpai is also respected.
Prediction : 1st Bowensonfire 2nd Inoue 3rd Tonaghneave Well