Derby Day at Epsom

Derby Day at Epsom is on our doorstep but who knows what the weather will decide to do on the big day...will we get the torrential rain some are forecasting or will the unique venue dodge the water from the sky? As we stand the ground is good racing ground, however this could quickly turn soft if the rain does come and we must consider this as we ponder selections for the big day at the Surrey venue.

2.05 Woodcote stakes, a listed race over 6f

Here we are starting off with a horse who has form behind recent Sandown winner Tiggy Wiggy, recent Yarmouth winner Patience Alexander and a second place at Goodwood, proving a capability of handling an undulating track. That form behind two really highly rated horses looks very good and yet this horse is availiable to back at 10/1 for this 2.05 - Exentricity is the selection here. He handles good and soft ground, has the speed for 5f and lasts the 6f trip, I really think he is overpriced here for the Mick Channon team and he is the selection to take a step up in class with a listed victory at Epsom.

2.40 Coronation Cup, a Group 1 race over 1 and 1/2 miles

This race is all about the lovable and admirable Cirrus Des Aigles for me, and I'm really surprised to see quotes of odds against here for my selection who has lbs in hand of all the others in opposition here. Cirrus has started this season in great form, beating Treve and Olympic Glory on his previous two starts, and rocks up here over a distance he is proven over, on ground he will handle and with his biggest rival (Ruler of the World) taken out of the race. I can't see beyond him here and think that is the rains come you could do worse than a Cirrus/Talent forecast as rain would be against Flintshire, another French raider. Flintshire was highly fancied for the Arc last year but ultimately disappointed and I don't think he would appreciate any soft ground, whereas Talent will need every yard of this trip and could do with the extra emphasis on stamina. If it stays dry take Cirrus to beat Flintshire, if the heavens open put Talent in 2nd spot instead.

3.15 Epsom Dash, a 5 f handicap

Step forward the speedballs as this 5 furlong sprint is the quickest in the world, and that's official! You pays your money you takes your chance in this mad dash for the finish line, and there are plenty you could make a case for without coming close to getting the winner! Smoothtalkinrascal is the selection here, he is a horse from the red hot David O'Meara stable who has the proven speed for this test, acts on good and soft ground and is drawn highly which is helpful on the sprint course at Epsom. 

4.00 Epsom Derby, a Group 1 race over 1 and 1/2 miles and the 2nd Classic for Colts and Fillies of the season

We have already put forward Arod as a selection in the ante-post piece (Ante-Post advice) and will hope the rains stay away for that selection. If they do I really think he has a great chance, however if it gets really wet I would get concerned regarding his chances. If this is the case then Ebanoran from the John Oxx stable could be the answer. He was first past the post in the Derrinstown stud Derby trial, however was disqualified later for drifting and causing interference. Don't let that put you off though, he has a great turn of pace as was seen that day and the drifting may have been the result of inexperience or being in front too soon. However with that run under his belt, and a bigger field in the Derby meaning he should have cover for longer in the race, he will handle any cut in the ground and could spring somewhat of a surprise at decent odds. Lets not forget John Oxx certainly knows how to train a winner of this race with his masterful handling of the wonderful Sea The Stars, and I'm surprised that Ebanoran has gone quietly un-noticed in the build up to the big Middle-Distance Classic especially after being first past the post in a big trial race over in Ireland. Don't let that put you off though, if the rain does come Ebanoran will be a big contender.

 5.25 Investec Stakes, a 6f Handicap

Arctic Feeling is the selection in this closing race despite racing from 2lbs out of the handicap. Fahey, his trainer, has been saying all year that this race has been the target and the visor goes on for the first time tomorrow in the hope that they can eek out the extra improvement from this horse to get him across the finish line first. Arctic Feeling won this race last year off a 2lbs higher mark so really should be capable of going close again if Fahey has him spot on for this race. With Course and Distance form in the book as well as form on soft ground in case the rain comes, the selection in the closing race is Arctic Feeling.

Once again thanks for reading and best of luck!