UK Horse Racing Tips: Down Royal

BARLEY LANE was an eye-catcher in second on hurdles debut at Punchestown. He kept the winning favourite honest in the closing stages and that horse followed up at Clonmel. Barley Lane wasn't as good when third on his next start in Naas, but that was a hot maiden. Powerful Paddy is an obvious threat after finishing runner-up in Thurles on stable debut for Willie Mullins. Out Of Aces ran well for a long way before dropping to fourth in an academy hurdle at Cork, while the 120-rated Combs has plenty of experience over flights. Carrig Padraig has switched to Gavin Cromwell after easily winning a ladies' bumper at Fairyhouse in October to add more depth to a good contest.
Prediction : 1st Barley Lane 2nd Powerful Paddy 3rd Out Of Aces

NEEDS MUST could pick up compensation after falling two out when still in with a chance at Punchestown. His maiden hurdle victory in Fairyhouse showed what he is capable of. Long Branch faced a stiff task in a novice hurdle at Thurles, but kept on well for third. On his previous start, he took a rated novice hurdle in Thurles and Sean Cleary-Farrell's 7lb claim has him on a mark he should be a factor off. Campbell Black landed a gamble by a neck in a ladies' handicap hurdle at Thurles last month and can go well off 6lb higher. Welluknow was victorious in two of his last three starts and is a trip-versatile sort who can get into the mix.
Prediction : 1st Needs Must 2nd Long Branch 3rd Campbell Black

ASWELLASABENTLEY travelled well before finishing third over a shorter trip at this track in January. He's bred to appreciate further as a half-brother to Spinningayarn, who finished fifth in the Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival last week. Jaynemax ran a cracker in second in a higher grade at Leopardstown this month, so his turn may not be far away. Sunwalk showed marked improvement to take the runner-up berth here over Christmas which gives him claims, while first-reserve Somersby Roost would merit a second glance, for an in-form stable, if getting a run.
Prediction : 1st Aswellasabentley 2nd Jaynemax 3rd Sunwalk

KANOG BAY disappointed at Thurles but, prior to that, won smartly at Fairyhouse and could bounce back to form. Rebel Cowgirl enjoyed herself off the front at Punchestown and similar tactics could see her involved once again. Pleasureofpressure has been placed on his last two starts and is on a mark he can be effective off. Others pitching for prize money include Gordon Elliott's Button Rock and Limerick-third Dolly Watkins.
Prediction : 1st Kanog Bay 2nd Rebel Cowgirl 3rd Pleasureofpressure

GERRI COLOMBE showed some of his back class when runner-up in the Bobbyjo at Fairyhouse last month. He returns to a venue where he is two from three and he ought to give Jack Kennedy a good spin. Nick Rockett needs this run to qualify for the Grand National at Aintree which he memorably landed last year. It is reasonable to assume that he will come on for the run as he hasn't been out since that famous Aintree success. Perceval Legallois looks clear next best in this small field.
Prediction : 1st Gerri Colombe 2nd Nick Rockett 3rd Perceval Legallois

Stuart Crawford's AYIKO is unexposed over fences and could have a bit more upside than others. His second place in a beginners' chase at Haydock in December was a creditable effort and that form gives him a big chance. Gordon Elliott's Slanagaibhgoleir won a beginners' chase over a similar trip at this venue over Christmas. The form of his third on handicap debut at Gowran Park last month received a boost when the winner followed up in a handicap hurdle at Clonmel. Elliott also saddles Lucky Lyreen, who has Jack Kennedy's assistance and is a double winner at Down Royal.
Prediction : 1st Ayiko 2nd Slanagaibhgoleir 3rd Lucky Lyreen

CAUSE FOR COMMENT's 12-length success in a Punchestown point-to-point last month gives him bright prospects of following up. That was his first run since runner-up spots in hunters chases at Downpatrick and Tipperary last year. Dora D'or won nicely in a Carrigarostig point-to-point in January and receives a stone from the selection with Lee Shanahan's claim factored in. Focus Point has been off for a long time, but is worth a market check given his excellent record in point-to-points.
Prediction : 1st Cause For Comment 2nd Dora Dor 3rd Focus Point

VIVA LAA VIDA has a smart pedigree and the assistance of a vastly experienced 7lb claimer for her debut. The selection is the second foal out of a Grade 2 winner and while she lacks experience, it is encouraging she represents a leading yard. Surfin Usa has been absent since finishing a 20-length second at Sligo in August 2024 and looks vulnerable on reappearance. Belladaball was supported on debut last December and can progress.
Prediction : 1st Viva Laa Vida 2nd Belladaball 3rd Surfin Usa