Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I am looking at the best of the handicap action at Epsom on Tuesday.
The Listed Blue Riband Trial (2:10) headlines a strong card at Epsom on Tuesday. Aidan O’Brien, who won this race in 2019, sends over recent Naas scorer Trinity College. John and Thady Gosden, with four wins in this race since 2015, saddle Godolphin’s Devil's Advocate. Andrew Balding, last year’s winning trainer, relies on The Cursor, who will be ridden by Oisin Murphy. The last Blue Riband Trial winner to go onto win the Derby was Blue Peter in 1939.
The seven-race card also features two notable handicaps: the City and Suburban Handicap and the Great Metropolitan Handicap. While these races have seen a decline in prominence, the City and Suburban still offers a substantial purse of £50,000. Historically, the Great Metropolitan was run over 2 ¼ miles across Epsom Downs but is now contested over the Derby distance.
Fairyhouse’s Saturday card, which was abandoned due to waterlogging, has been rescheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Curtis and Bowen Guide Haiti Couleurs to Fairyhouse Glory
Haiti Couleurs delivered another outstanding performance to win the BoyleSports Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, following his impressive victory in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Under a well-judged ride from Sean Bowen, the eight-year-old showcased his exceptional jumping ability and stamina to secure the win. Trainer Rebecca Curtis deserves credit for bringing him over to compete against strong Irish contenders on their home turf.
Last year's runner-up, Any Second Now, ran a commendable race to finish second once again, marking a fitting end to his distinguished career.
Musselburgh Notes
I was out and about over the Easter Weekend but managed to catch the ITV races from Musselburgh on Queen’s Cup Day.
Silver Arrow Handicap (7f)
Diligent Resdev, who achieved a career-best RPR when winning Ayr’s Bronze Cup last season, returned with a promising third-place finish behind Persuasion. Equally effective over 6f or 7f, this was a solid start to his campaign. With only eight career starts, he has the potential to secure more victories this season.
Scottish Sprint Cup (Handicap)
American Affair, a progressive handicap sprinter last season, looked better than ever when winning on his seasonal reappearance. Despite encountering traffic issues one furlong out, he quickened impressively to win by more than the official half-length margin suggests. If his improvement continues, he could reach Group standard this year. Jer Batt, who finished third, shaped well on his return and can win another sprint handicap this season.
Queen’s Cup (Handicap)
Kihavah claimed victory by taking advantage of the fair rail, which appeared beneficial on the day, narrowly defeating the rallying top-weight Aimeric. Horses racing wider in the straight deserve credit for their efforts. Loughville (third), returning on better ground, finished strongly and remains on a competitive mark. Wise Eagle (fourth), the 2023 winner, performed best among the held-up horses, finishing well despite never threatening the winner. He seems to require two miles at this stage of his career.
Overall, the meeting provided a few insights into horses to follow as the flat season progresses.
Epsom – Tuesday Preview
I haven’t looked at Blue Riband Trial, but I have delved into two of the Epsom handicaps.
2:45 – City & Suburban Handicap (1m 2f)
City Of Delight returned to action in fine form, winning a Doncaster handicap (1m 2f) 23 days ago. The second, Magico, fourth, Stressfree, and fifth, Rathgar, all reoppose. Stressfree didn't get the clearest of runs inside the final furlong and was entitled to have got closer to the winner. That said, there could be more to come from City Of Delight, and he's the pick for a trainer who won this race in 2022.
3:20 – Great Metropolitan Handicap (1m 4f)
Master Builder improved for the step up to 1m 6f last season, finishing third in the Melrose Handicap at York before winning a Haydock handicap. The drop back to 1m 4f might not be ideal on seasonal return, but he looks the sort to have improved from three to four.
Kotari appears handily weighted based on last season's form, including a 4¾-length fifth of 14 in a C&D handicap on Derby Day. Just 1lb above his last winning mark, he can go well for last year's winning yard, which also saddles dual C&D winner Miller Spirit and Small Fry, who also won over C&D last September. Miller Spirit was an improver last autumn on testing ground. Although he's 7lb above his last winning mark, he could go well if as effective on drier ground.
In Wednesday's column I'll be looking ahead to Saturday's Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John