UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

Tempest Star was touched off on her debut at Naas and must enter calculations, but TOMMY MCJOHN's second to Make Haste at the same venue is arguably stronger form and he gets the nod. Although Make Haste subsequently disappointed in the Queen Mary, there is no doubt that she is held in high regard by her connections, and it's interesting that the selection was sent off a short-priced favourite against her first time out. Ace King Queen wasn't devoid of promise at Navan and should go well here.
Prediction : 1st Tommy McJohn 2nd Tempest Star 3rd Ace King Queen

For all that he merits respect having opened his account at Navan recently, an 8lb rise in the ratings may be enough to prevent Reinforce from following up. With that in mind, fellow last-time-out winner HAVANA NOTION makes most appeal. The John James Feane-trained gelding scored a shade cosily in an apprentice handicap at Tipperary and Hugh Horgan's 5lb claim can now be used. Hero Of The Hour also enters calculations after a promising third on his stable bow at Bellewstown.
Prediction : 1st Havana Notion 2nd Reinforce 3rd Hero Of The Hour

KING THISTLE took a pleasant step forward from his debut effort to finish third over an extended 6f at Listowel, just behind a subsequent winner. The son of Ardad could improve further for this slight step up in distance and he just shades the vote ahead of Heishybrid. Noel Meade's juvenile was only beaten a neck over a mile at Bellewstown earlier in the month and has to be respected down in trip. Devine Genius is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st King Thistle 2nd Heishybrid 3rd Devine Genius

APERCU improved with each start in maiden company before getting off the mark over an extended 1m2f at Dundalk in December. The four-year-old was a promising fourth over 1m1f on her handicap debut at the Curragh last month and that form gives her a big chance. Masoun is another who arrives with strong claims and he should not be discounted, while God Knows and Enough Already complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Apercu 2nd Masoun 3rd God Knows

Slightly unlucky at Roscommon in May, JABBAR still did well to run on for third and, granted more luck on this occasion, he can notch up a fourth win in his last six starts. The five-year-old is entitled to improve for going up in trip and is preferred to recent course runner-up Dabana, as well as Not Just Any Eagle (fifth), who has a length and a half to make up from that contest. Vidisha and Whatcouldhavebeen are fancied to be thereabouts as well.
Prediction : 1st Jabbar 2nd Dabana 3rd Not Just Any Eagle

No Niki No served it up on the front end when caught in the dying strides at Ballinrobe and she has to warrant plenty of respect once again, with the handicapper only raising her 1lb. The eight-year-old is expected to confirm the form with Fairytale Princess, who was back in fourth on that occasion, but the pair face an interesting contender in the shape of NEW YEAR HONOURS. Gordon Elliott's mare may prove happier returning to the level after a couple of below-par hurdle outings.
Prediction : 1st New Year Honours 2nd No Niki No 3rd Fairytale Princess

EMPRESS ALMA impressed when scoring cosily over an extended 1m2f at Naas earlier this month and, with the promise of more to come over this extra yardage, a 6lb rise may not be enough to anchor her. Glimmerglass showed enough when finishing third over 1m1f at Tipperary recently to suggest that she can play a hand in a race of this nature, and she is respected stepping up in trip. Benvoy represents an in-form stable and he is also noteworthy.
Prediction : 1st Empress Alma 2nd Glimmerglass 3rd Benvoy