Down Royal

Today, June 20, 2026Flat1m4fSoft

Parading

Verdict

MERGUS SERRATOR has been crying out for this step up in trip and Gavin Cromwell’s charge is taken to find the improvement needed to get off the mark. Similarly unexposed Wyman and recent impressive course winner Harmani head a strong list of dangers in what looks a highly competitive handicap.

Mergus Serrator
Wyman
Harmani

Win or Each Way

Each Way terms: 1/5 odds for first 3 places

6. Mergus Serrator
J: G. F. CarrollT: Gavin Patrick Cromwell
F: 6-44
Price History:
4.20
Age:
3
Weight:
8-10
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
84
Days Since Last Run:
39
Verdict
Has made a bright start to career in maidens, shaping well over inadequate 1m when 3½ lengths fourth of 9 to Alphonsus Liguori at Killarney last time. That form has worked out well and looks a big player now tackling a handicap and upped to a more suitable trip.
4. Harmani
J: R. WheartyT: G. M. Lyons
F: 27-321
Price History:
4.50
Age:
3
Weight:
8-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
85
Days Since Last Run:
22
Verdict
Improved further when winning a 10.5f handicap at this course last month, scoring by 6 lengths from Oust, and with the form working out well and this longer trip likely to suit, he should remain competitive despite a 14 lb higher mark.
1. New Zealand
J: Jack ClearyT: Aidan O'Brien
F: 7145-43
Price History:
8.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-13
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
101
Days Since Last Run:
35
Verdict
Useful Curagh maiden winner who hasn't fired in listed races this year. Switches to handicap company and, though others appeal less exposed, it would be no surprise were he to get back on track in this company. Engaged 7.02 Limerick Friday.
5. Huffnpuff
J: Declan McDonoghT: Henry de Bromhead
F: 6-351
Price History:
8.50
Age:
3
Weight:
8-11
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
85
Days Since Last Run:
33
Verdict
Has improved with each run to date, winning a 13-runner maiden at Roscommon last month by a neck from Changing Lanes. Further progress likely to be required no stepping up in trip and tackling handicaps.
10. Pierre Grosse
J: Keithen KennedyT: Mrs J. Harrington
F: 436-324
Price History:
9.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-5
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
79
Days Since Last Run:
15
Verdict
In frame all 3 starts this year, though unsuited by drop in trip when 9¼ lengths fourth of 13 to Antigua in maiden at Fairyhouse last time, the race all but over by the time he hit top stride. Will relish this step up in trip and return to handicaps for all he's officially 2 lb out of the weights.
7. Bay Of Stars
J: C. D. HayesT: D. K. Weld
F: 6-12
Price History:
7.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-9
Gear:
cheekpieces
Official Rating:
83
Days Since Last Run:
41
Verdict
New Bay colt who confirmed promise of 2-y-o debut when winning 1½m maiden at Dundalk in April and then took another step forward when chasing home Darius Dark in handicap at Leopardstown on handicap debut. Up 3 lb for that effort and first-time cheekpieces applied.
2. Shosholoza
J: J. M. SheridanT: Joseph Patrick O'Brien
F: 15-86
Price History:
8.50
Age:
3
Weight:
9-12
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
100
Days Since Last Run:
28
Verdict
Made a winning debut in 9f Tipperary maiden in October and advanced his form when fifth of 10 in Criterium de Saint-Cloud at Saint-Cloud later that month. Below that level in a pair of Derby trials this spring, however, and needs to bounce back now upped in trip on handicap debut.
3. Trojan Fighter
J: William James LeeT: P. Twomey
F: 4514
Price History:
15.00
Age:
3
Weight:
9-2
Gear:
cheekpieces and tongue strap
Official Rating:
90
Days Since Last Run:
35
Verdict
Opened account at the third attempt when a wide-margin winner of a Ballinrobe (13f, good) maiden in May but came unstuck in listed company at Navan just 8 days later. Wears first-time cheekpieces on handicap debut.
8. Madbadanddangerous
J: G. M. RyanT: Noel Meade
F: 213-27
Price History:
15.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-9
Gear:
-
Official Rating:
83
Days Since Last Run:
35
Verdict
Maiden winner who was beaten only by a stronger another unexposed rival when second of 8 in handicap at Leopardstown (1¼m, soft) in April, but shaped as if amiss when last of 7 at Navan last month. Type to bounce back quickly but far from certain to be suited by this longer trip.
Unnamed Favourite
Unnamed 2nd Favourite

Non-Runners

9. Wyman
J: N. M. CrosseT: Mrs J. Harrington
F: 55-3
Price History:
11.00
Age:
3
Weight:
8-6
Gear:
tongue strap
Official Rating:
80
Days Since Last Run:
66
Verdict
Stepped up on previous maiden efforts when 5¾ lengths third of 11 to Asakir in 1¼m maiden at Leopardstown last time and looks open to further improvement now switching to a handicap, albeit from 1 lb out of the weights.

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