Angus McNae: four fancies for Down Royal on Sunday

A quiet day on Racing TV with just Down Royal to concentrate on. I have four selections and will hopefully find a winner or two.

Charles Byrnes looks to have this horse primed and ready to strike. He hinted that there was a lot more to come when staying on well in the closing stages at Naas last time out.

He was set a tough task having been held up a long way in rear, but he did enough to suggest he can win a handicap off his current mark. He steps up three quarters of a mile in trip which is an interesting move and may well see him improve considerably.

This horse ran a solid race when third at Cork last time out. That effort came off a lay-off and he seemed to benefit from the step up to 2m 4f.

He hit a bit of a flat spot that day but rallied well and I can see him being suited by going up another two furlongs in trip. This is only his sixth start over hurdles and improvement is on the cards.

A drop back to 2m did not suit this horse last time out on his first start over fences and a return to further can see him get back in the winner’s enclosure.

He was impressive in winning his previous two starts over hurdles, routing a field at Haydock before winning eased down at Fairyhouse. He is clearly a strong stayer who stays 3m and this return to 2m4f on soft ground will suit him.

On his return from a lay-off last time out he ran a respectable race over and inadequate 2m 6f. He steps up to a much more suitable trip here.

Both of his career wins have come over trips in excess of 3m and he looks sure to be seen at his best here. He has shown a bit of temperament in the past but this looks to be an easier task for him, and his stamina can be seen to good effect here.