Down Royal Racecourse: Preview and Tips for Boxing Day’s Meeting
Racing is back at Down Royal Racecourse on Boxing Day with an exciting seven-race card, which features three races over hurdles, three over fences and concluded with a bumper.
Read on for a full preview of and tips for the Down Royal card, courtesy of BOYLE Sports, who provide all the latest horse racing odds.
Our first race is a two and a half mile maiden hurdle (11.40). The newcomers are Hellfire Hathaway, Dunsy Rock, Bracken’s Jet, Areema Dreamer and Albus. They will have their work cut out for them to beat the promising Miss Doyenne, though, who is already a bumper and point-to-point winner, given five pounds by her rider and running for Henry De Bromhead.
Race two is a maiden hurdle run over two miles and a furlong (12.15). The first-timers here are Live Your Dreams and Large Steps, but Henry De Bromhead looks to have another live chance here with Los Blanco, who has been close on his latest two starts. Gavin Cromwell’s Champagne Jury, though, brings some high class form to the table, having finished close behind Honesty Policy, who has since become a Grade One winner.
The third race is a handicap hurdle run over the same trip (12.48). David Budds’ The Toothpicker should have a chance on this mark, having run well for fifth of 24 last time out, while Back To Cali looks competitive too and might run to a place. Down the bottom of the handicap, though, is Esticky End who, given weight by his rider, could go well too.
A beginners’ chase, run over two and a half miles, follows (1.23). This is quite an open affair, but Gordon Elliott’s Clodders Dream is an interesting addition. The seven-year-old has been pulled up on his latest three starts over further and now back down to his last winning distance, he could have something of a chance if taking to fences, especially given five pounds by his rider.
Race five is a two and a half mile handicap chase (1.58). Baltinglass Hill should be at a more than winnable mark now, but is a low-rated horse who struggles to win. At the top end of the handicap, Tell Nobody Nothin should have a good chance, now down a pound from his latest start, and is given seven pounds by his rider.
Our penultimate race is a three-mile hunters chase (2.33). My Life Be Like is extremely consistent on the point-to-point field, winning all of his most recent completed starts, and he should be involved again, having had time to freshen up. Its On The Line is back, and always shows up in top end hunter chases, so cannot be ignored. The Goffer looks dangerous, though, given seven pounds by his rider. Having finished second of 15 last time out.
Finally, we wrap up with a bumper (3.08). There are lots of newcomers here and this race could go any way, but Boycetown looks worth considering for Gavin Cromwell after a second on Rules debut. Making a start for Simon Munir and Isaac Souede in the famous Double Green colours is Blue Du Neuf, who could be smart, given his nice pedigree.
Watch Down Royal live on Racing TV, where you can also find Cheltenham betting offers.
Down Royal selections – Boxing Day:
11.40 – Miss Doyenne
12.15 – Champagne Jury
12.48 – The Toothpicker
1.23 – Clodders Dream
1.58 – Tell Nobody Nothin
2.33 – The Goffer
3.08 – Boycetown.
