Epsom Preview

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I’m analysing Friday’s Oaks at Epsom and taking a closer look at Thursday’s most valuable race at Ripon.

I'm out to dinner on Wednesday evening so I've got Thursday's piece out good and early.

I mentioned at the end of Wednesday’s column how refreshing it has been to take a break from the daily racing action. However, that doesn’t mean I haven't been looking ahead. I've been closely studying Friday’s Epsom Oaks card and have some strong fancies. Now, I'm just waiting for the final declarations, the draw, and, of course, the going. Currently, the going at Epsom is soft, but not much rain is forecast, and it could be close to good to soft come the start of the meeting.

If you want my Epsom Derby Festival previews and selections, you can get them here.

Reliving Derby Glory Days

These days, the Derby doesn’t have the same allure it once did. Let's rewind to 1974, an era when the Derby still captured the public's imagination. Over half a million people gathered on the Epsom Downs to watch the race.

Check out this video from that day: 1974 Epsom Derby. Yes, the narrator indeed says, “And the reports are the ground is firm and fast…very fast.”

The Derby demands it all—speed, stamina, pedigree, and class. It’s a race that creates champions and has produced many great contests. Fans have their favourites. My all-time favourite is from 1984. Why? As a teenager, I had a £1 each way on the winner, and I still can’t believe he emerged victorious. You can watch the race here.

Reflecting on the Diminished Allure of the Derby

The crowds no longer flock to the race, and it seems the Derby is no longer woven into the fabric of society.

I can't recall a more uninspiring Derby or indeed Oaks lineup than this year's races. Has there ever been a more lacklustre buildup to a Derby?

The Derby once had that special something—a Wednesday slot that granted it the stage to itself, with ample press coverage building up to the event. Newspapers dedicated generous space to it in the Sunday editions preceding the race. Some argue that moving the race to Saturday has breathed new life into it, but if it has, I must have missed it.

Back then, the Derby also had Lester Piggott, a household name. Today, outside the racing bubble, who even knows who Ryan Moore, William Buick, Tom Marquand, or James Doyle are?

Reflecting on Secreto’s win in 1984, it remains a captivating occasion. Anyone watching the sport for the first time back then would have come away thinking, “This game is pretty good.”

Unfortunately, another ordinary renewal won't win over any new fans. For a larger percentage of the public than ever before, the race will silently and invisibly pass them by.

Sure, there's still a chance we could see high-class winners of both races—perhaps City Of Troy will blitz his rivals and shine. But I'm not holding my breath.

If there is any consolation, it's that both the Derby and the Oaks are more intriguing betting contests this year.

Epsom: A Unique Equine Challenge

Epsom is a left-handed track renowned for its distinctive, undulating layout. The course features a significant uphill section, a downhill run, and a pronounced camber in the straight, making it a true test of balance and agility for the horses. You get some idea about course layout from the Racing Post’s course map.

Source: Racing Post.

One of the most famous aspects of Epsom is Tattenham Corner, a sharp left-hand turn that often plays a crucial role in the outcome of races.

The final furlong includes an uphill run to the finish line, which tests a horse's stamina, particularly in races like the Derby and the Oaks.

Yes, Epsom is a unique racecourse and thus a unique test for a horse and indeed jockey.

Epsom Oaks Preview

The final declarations for Friday’s Oaks were released on Wednesday, revealing a field of twelve fillies. Aidan O’Brien trains six of the runners: Ylang Ylang, Rubies Are Red, and four are trained by Ralph Beckett: Forest Fairy, Seward, Treasure, and You Got Me.

Here’s my race tissue, with the best available odds in brackets:

• Ylang Ylang – 7/4 (2/1)
• Ezeliya – 3/1 (4/1)
• Forest Fairy – 9/1 (8/1)
• Rubies Are Red – 10/1 (7/2)
• You Got Me – 12/1 (14/1)

For me, it's 20/1 bar those five.

Oaks Verdict:

I believe both Ylang Ylang and Ezeliya are slightly overpriced. Rubies Are Red has come in for money in recent days but Ryan Moore opts for Ylang Ylang. Others might disagree, which is what makes the sport so engaging, but I don’t think Epsom suits Rubies Are Red and she would be a lay all day for me at 7/2. Ezeliya falls into the “could be anything” category. I missed out on backing her at 12/1 but there remains some juice in her price. That leaves ante-post favourite, Ylang Ylang. If there's any 5/2 available, I’ll be happy to snap it up. There should be more to come from her stepped up in trip and her 1000 Guineas performance was a good an Oaks Trial as we have seen this spring.

Thursday Racing

After a couple of days away from the day-to-day racing, I'm back with a look at Ripon's feature race.

Ripon Cathedral Handicap (4:20)

The Ripon Cathedral Handicap, run over one mile and two furlongs, is the day's most valuable race.

Rogue Sea: This 4-year-old looked promising when winning a novice race here over 1m 3f last June. However, he failed to build on that promise in three subsequent starts last season. Now with Bryan Smart, Rogue Sea makes his seasonal return after a gelding operation.

Baryshnikov: A former course and distance winner, Baryshnikov won at Redcar earlier this month on soft ground. He seems likely to get similar underfoot conditions here, which he hasn't had in his last two starts.

Titian: On a 12-race losing streak but Titian has dropped down the weights and looks interesting back at 1m 2f. However, his yard is currently struggling for winners.

Cockalorum: A three-time course and distance winner, Cockalorum has been below par on both his starts this season. However, he’s now 2lb below his last winning mark and will appreciate the soft ground.

Verdict: The Ripon Cathedral Handicap promises an intriguing contest with several contenders having favourable conditions and the potential to bounce back to form.

Rogue Sea, the least exposed of the eight runners, commands respect. However, the veterans Baryshnikov and Cockalorum, both proven over course and distance, shouldn’t be overlooked.

Baryshnikov has winning form this year, which is a plus, but he needs a strong pace to chase. Cockalorum, on the other hand, is down to a winning mark and could be poised to return to form.

Cockalorum -– 6/1 @ William Hill (only firm to price up the race at the time of writing).

Good luck with your Thursday bets.

John