Hi all,
It’s a big day ahead at Epsom as the Betfred Derby (3:30) takes centre stage. This year’s race honours His Highness Aga Khan IV and boasts the biggest field since 2003 — nineteen runners. Two French challengers have been supplemented, adding an international twist to a wide-open Classic.
Before the Derby, there's a strong supporting card. Group races like the Princess Elizabeth Stakes (1:00), Diomed Stakes (1:35), and the lightning-fast “Dash” Handicap (2:45) all feature. It’s an eight-race card, with ITV showing the first five. Be aware of the early start — the opener is off at 1:00.
Epsom
1:00 – Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3, 1m ½f)
Chic Colombine and Royal Dress were second and third in this last year. Both met trouble in running and might have won with a clear shot.
Chic Colombine hasn’t kicked on and wind surgery doesn’t seem to have helped. First-time cheekpieces need to do the trick.
Royal Dress ran a solid race behind See The Fire in a York Group 2 last month. She drops in trip here and handles soft. With better luck in running, she can go close.
1:35 – Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3, 1m ½f)
Royal Dubai filled the runner-up spot in this last year. He should come on for his recent fourth at Ascot. He’s well drawn, likes Epsom, and should be in the mix.
Royal Playwright, the only 3yo in the line-up, didn’t quite get home in the Dante. This shorter trip should suit, and he gets plenty of weight from his older rivals.
Geography is a three-time Group 3 winner in Germany and made a winning return at Dusseldorf. Gelded since. Soumillon is booked. Interesting runner.
2:10 – Betfred 3YO “Dash” Handicap (Class 3, 5f)
Mademoiselle ran a cracker when second to Ruby’s Profit at Goodwood. That was a career best on her comeback and she should come on for it.
Ruby’s Profit made all that day and had plenty in hand late on. He’s up 6lb but drawn well in stall 18. If he grabs the lead, he’ll be hard to pass.
Naana’s Sparkle ran third in the same race and gets a handy pull in the weights. He’s consistent, though perhaps lacks the upward curve of the other two.
Cape Sovereign is game and knocking on the door. Still a maiden, but a fast-run 5f suits and Hollie Doyle is a plus.
Acrisius has speed to burn. He showed that at Brighton last year. Soft ground is a doubt, but the track will help. Forgive the York flop — he’s better than that.
2:45 – Aston Martin “Dash” Handicap (Heritage Handicap, 5f)
Three drawn low catch the eye here — though that may or may not be ideal.
Jer Batt never landed a blow from a bad draw at Chester. He’s better judged on his Musselburgh third on return to action. Oisin Murphy takes over and 5f suits.
Vintage Clarets was eye-catching at York last month. He’s on a fair mark and won’t mind cut in the ground. Needs a strong pace to run at but can rattle home.
Democracy Dilemma a speedy 5yo and was second in this last year. He ran better than it looked at Haydock last time and could go close.
3:30 – Betfred Derby (Group 1, 1m 4f)
We’ve got a wide-open Derby, and the ground could prove crucial. If conditions stay dry, it might be a big day ahead for Ruling Court. He’s already won the 2,000 Guineas and sets the form standard. However, softer ground would be a concern.
Delacroix was smart at two and gets Ryan Moore. He’s no City Of Troy, but he should stay and must be respected.
Pride Of Arras won the Dante in style, but stall 16 is far from ideal. Still, he’s classy and unexposed. He’s a big player if he overcomes the draw.
Damysus was second in the Dante and will relish this trip. He’s improving and if he handles the track should go close.
Nightwalker looks more of a St Leger type, and the step up to 1m 4f is a positive, The first time cheekpieces will hopefully sharpen him. Each-way chance.
Midak, the unbeaten French raider, has been supplemented after a Saint-Cloud Group 3 win. He’s got more to find but should stay. Pour Moi took the same route to Derby glory in 2011. Not dismissed.
The Derby promises drama, the handicaps are fiercely competitive, and soft ground could swing several results.
Best of luck if you're playing.
John