Down Royal

Smart fourth in last year's Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham. Useful success in small-field event at Kilbeggan earlier this month before looking in need of a stiffer test over fences at Tramore (2¾m). Cheekpieces may suit given his more workmanlike manner nowadays, and he's the pick at the weights.

Beat Kaka's Cousin (now useful under Rules) in a point prior to going 2-2 in bumpers. Quickly put his hurdling debut disappointment in the rear-view mirror when comfortably landing the odds at Roscommon on return. This is much tougher but he's completely unexposed upped to 3m by powerful yard.

Useful, versatile performer who was unsuited by the run of the race when bidding for a cross-code hat-trick in the Galway Plate last time. He's a better horse than when beaten less than 2 lengths in this corresponding event 12 months ago, for all this is a deeper renewal.

Didn't shape at all badly over an inadequate test when beaten 8 lengths in listed handicap on latest hurdle start in April 2025. Followed that with a career-best second in Group 3 at York last summer. Needed his return on the Flat 7 days ago and could go well back hurdling over this sort of trip.

Some way below his very useful best when beaten 9½ lengths (behind Rocky's Diamond) in a conditions chase at Tramore (2¾m). Hard to make a strong case for him reversing form off the same terms here.

Improving 5-y-o. Made the most of his obvious stamina when landing back-to-back events at Cartmel in May/June this year. Upped in class for his hat-trick bid and Jack Kennedy looks elsewhere.

Veteran finished runner-up in last year's Connacht National. Back to form in first-time cheekpieces when beaten just over 8 lengths in a listed handicap that wasn't run to suit at Galway (2¾m). More needed but the longer trip/booking of good-value claimer can only help.

Well held behind Reverend Hubert on final start for Gordon Elliott last summer. Has since rejoined current yard and faces another stiff task on return.