Hi all,
The Epsom Derby Festival kicks off today, with the Betfred Epsom Oaks headlining a good seven-race card that also features the Group 1 Coronation Cup at 3:10 PM. You can catch the first five races on ITV this afternoon.
Track Conditions:
As of Thursday morning, the going at Epsom had improved slightly from soft too good to soft. However, with 5mm of rain forecast for Thursday afternoon, conditions are likely to be on the soft side of good by the start of racing.
Epsom Oaks Day Preview
For readers looking for Epsom Oaks betting tips, here’s my quick preview of the card.
2:00 – Betfred British EBF Woodcote Stakes – 6f
The day kicks off with the Betfred British EBF Woodcote Stakes. Ten juveniles are set to compete, promising an exciting start. Megalithic, well-backed and showing promise on racecourse debut at Salisbury, looks likely to improve and can win this.
2:35 – Trustatrader Handicap (Class 2) – 1m ½ f
Al Mubhir, who showed good form at Leicester and York, is expected to perform well back on softer ground. Dutch Decoy, last year’s runner-up and his stablemate Finn’s Charm are also strong contenders. Orbaan, despite on losing run that goes back to August 2022, is well-handicapped and could surprise.
3:10 – Holland Cooper Coronation Cup (Group 1) – 1m 4f
This historic race features only five runners but promises plenty of intrigue. Emily Upjohn, last year’s Oaks runner-up, is the standout on official ratings but wouldn’t favour very soft ground. Luxembourg, Hamish, and French contender Feed The Flame add to the race's competitiveness. Luxembourg might be better over slightly shorter but is likely to get an uncontested lead. Hamish gets his underfoot conditions and if the veteran is to win a Group 1 today is chance. Feed The Flame won the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris (1m 4f) last season and remains capable of better as a 4-year-old.
3:45 – Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f
Bolster, impressive on testing ground when winning on return at Pontefract, and stablemate Liberty Lane, who won at Newmarket last time, lead the contenders. Irish challenger Derry Lad and Sweet Reward also have good chances in an open looking race.
4:30 – Betfred Oaks (Group 1) – 1m 4f
I previewed the race in Thursday’s column so I don't need to go over old ground. I'm still with Ylang Ylang and Ezeliya so nothing original from me. Ylang Ylang is a boring selecion but looks fair value at 2/1 & bigger. If Ezeliya drifts out to 5/1 I would be interested.
5:10 – Aston Martin Surrey Stakes (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 7f
Balmacara, progressive this season winning both stars, and Evade, now with Archie Watson, are strong contenders. But Zoum Zoum runner-up in the Greenham Stakes, is the one to beat.
5:40 – Molson Coors Handicap (Class 2) – 7f
Spanish Star, last year’s winner (1lb lower here), and Darkness runner-up 12 months ago, are strong contenders. Mission To Moon, undefeated on both handicaps starts, takes on the older horses, and Marlay Park, a four-time course winner, also have good chances.
Friday Selection:
4:30 – Ylang Ylang – 2/1 & bigger.
Most of my bets will be in the handicaps over the two days and if you want my Epsom Oaks Betting Tips you can get them here.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John