UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

Although PRAIRIE ANGEL must defy a 6lb penalty for her winning hurdles bow at Ballinrobe in August, she has been progressive on the Flat since, with victories at Bellewstown and Roscommon. The daughter of Territories is taken to remain unbeaten in this discipline at the main expense of Lakota Blue. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding scored on his sole start in a French bumper and market support would be interesting now tackling timber. The selection's stablemate Janes Harbour completes the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Prairie Angel 2nd Lakota Blue 3rd Janes Harbour

Runner-up in the Champion Bumper before finishing fifth in another Grade 1 at Punchestown, ROMEO COOLIO looks just the type that could excel over hurdles this season and he can strike on his jumping debut for leading connections. A well-bred sort by Linda's Lad, his stablemate Lygon Lad may be able to give him the most to think about on debut, while Cutthewire is can build upon a promising third at Fairyhouse last month. Harry's Legacy and Viceregent have been plying their trade on the Flat of late and cannot be ruled out either.
Prediction : 1st Romeo Coolio 2nd Lygon Lad 3rd Cutthewire

This looks wide-open and only a tentative vote can go to LIEBER NICC. Henry de Bromhead's gelding won his maiden at Wexford in July before chasing home a now 132-rated rival at Killarney last month, and a revised figure of 119 might prove lenient now pitched into a handicap. Kala Conti claimed Grade 2 honours last Christmas before being far from disgraced in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle. Returning from an opening mark of 130, she looks a player. Others to note include Ninth Titan, Enniskerry and Banana Three.
Prediction : 1st Lieber Nicc 2nd Kala Conti 3rd Ninth Titan

SHAJAK has made a pleasing start to life over the larger obstacles, taking the silver medal on both of his chase starts this term, and this represents a good opportunity for him to go one better. The JP McManus-owned runner looks to be the first string for the powerful Gordon Elliott yard, and an opening handicap mark of 119 doesn't appear out of his reach. Stablemate Valsorpresa is likely to appreciate this extra yardage and he could be on an exploitable mark with Carl Millar's 7lb claim to aid his cause, while Hascoeur Clermont heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Shajak 2nd Valsorpresa 3rd Hascoeur Clermont

GERRI COLOMBE made a winning return in this race last season and went on to fill second place in the Savills and Gold Cup prior to his success in the Bowl at Aintree. The eight-year-old will obviously take plenty of stopping if running to the same high level. Envoi Allen was only a neck behind him 12 months ago and could give him plenty to think about once again. Hewick's best form would also give him a chance and his recent effort at Punchestown should help him here.
Prediction : 1st Gerri Colombe 2nd Envoi Allen 3rd Hewick

Galway Plate hero Pinkerton did nothing but improve last term and, fit from a satisfactory effort when third over 1m6f on the level at Navan recently, another bold bid looks imminent. That said, FOUND A FIFTY edges preference. He lost little in defeat when finishing second behind brilliant Arkle winner Gaelic Warrior at Cheltenham, before justifying favouritism in a Grade 1 over 2m at Aintree. Stepping back up in trip, he should be tough to stop. Lucid Dreams is also noteworthy.
Prediction : 1st Found A Fifty 2nd Pinkerton 3rd Lucid Dreams

The Gordon Elliott-trained duo Classical Creek and KOKTAIL BRUT both won their sole point-to-point starts and are highly noteworthy debutants in the Gigginstown House Stud colours. The former is a half-brother to a bumper winner and can make an impact, but his stablemate set connections back 250,000 euros and is a shade more intriguing at this stage. Mileview and Dance Monkey are a couple of other appealing Rules newcomers to consider.
Prediction : 1st Koktail Brut 2nd Classical Creek 3rd Mileview