Epsom Derby Day Saturday Tips and Previews

THE DERBY TAKES CENTRE STAGE! The most prestigious Flat race on the calendar looks as competitive as ever and we have an in-depth preview available.

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ITV Racing Saturday Schedule

2.00 Epsom Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Group 3) 1m1/2f
2.35 Epsom Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3) 1m1/2f
3.10 Epsom Betfred 3YO “Dash” Handicap (Class 3) 5f
3.45 Epsom Aston Martin “Dash” Handicap (Heritage Handicap) (Class 2) 5f
4.30 Epsom Betfred Derby (Group 1) (British Champions Series) 1m4f

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Epsom 1.25

The way PORTSMOUTH won at this track back in April was really impressive. That was his handicap debut and he made light work of an opening mark of just 74. I know he didn’t follow up at Goodwood last time off a 6lb higher mark but that form has been franked since with both the third and fourth winning next time out. He is unexposed over this trip and if improving again should go close.

Persica finished third behind Notable Speech and Valvano at Kempton on return and then was just given too much to do when fourth at Newbury. He has more to come especially over this trip and is the main danger.

Epsom 1.25

Portsmouth 4/1

Main danger Persica

Epsom 2.00

I know it was disappointing to see RUNNING LION pegged back at Newmarket on return given she skipped clear at one stage but that was still a really encouraging run. She is clearly a filly with plenty of talent and down in grade here and under a better ride she should get back to winning ways.

With Astral Beau and Sparks Fly in here they will go quick so she should get a nice toe into the race this time which will be a big help. Chic Colombine disappointed in France last time but could bounce back and be the danger.

Epsom 2.00

Running Lion 7/4 NAP

Main danger Chic Colombine

Epsom 2.35

The money came for EMBESTO on reappearance but he let backers down finishing fifth. He just raced too keenly and failed to hit the line with any real conviction. I’m hoping he can leave that behind now given the promise he showed as a 3yo and if he does he will be a major player here. I’m hoping they ride him on or near the pace as there is potential for him to dictate.

Highland Avenue went down less than a length to Regal Reality in this 12 months ago so they look the dangers. The latter was held up last year and came with a late run. He is a 9yo now but could still be the danger.

Epsom 2.35

Embesto 4/1

Main danger Regal Reality

Epsom 3.10

This is wide open but GRANDLAD is improving fast and I can see him running a big race in his hat-trick bid. He opened his account at Wolverhampton back in April and then followed up on handicap debut at Goodwood making all the running which isn’t easy to do. He is only 3lb higher here so if handing the quick turnaround must have a big shout of going close for trainer James Horton.

Obviously tons of dangers in a race like this and possibly headed by Knicks who showed a good attitude to fend off another improver in Vince L’amour at Chester last time. He can be keen but has tons of speed and it could be catch me if you can. Sturlasson impressed at Navan and is another one to note.

Epsom 3.10

Grandlad 15/2 each way

Main danger Knicks and also look out for Irish raider Sturlasson

Epsom 3.45

I’m hoping it is redemption for LIVE IN THE MOMENT after that controversy from last year. The stall opened late which meant he missed the start and as you know in this race if you fluff your lines leaving the stalls then that is usually race over. He has been busy since but I’m sure they would have had this race mapped out for him again and while he doesn’t come here in the best form his mark has come down plenty as a result. He at least shaped better when fourth at Doncaster last time and I can see him building on that now.

Again there are plenty of dangers against and I can see Looking For Lynda proving popular. He has been knocking on the door and he looks primed to run a big race again off just a 1lb higher mark. Clarendon House also ties in on that form so is another one that enters calculations.

Epsom 3.45

Live In The Moment 12/1 each way

Main danger Looking For Lynda which also brings Clarendon House into it

Epsom 4.30

All eyes on City Of Troy to see if he can bounce back from that Guineas flop. I opposed him that day and I didn’t see anything there to make him a bet in this especially at favourite. I know it is Aidan O’Brien and he can work wonders but I’m definitely taking him on. The one I like is ANCIENT WISDOM for Charlie Appleby. He was an exciting 2yo himself winning 4 from 5 and I thought he shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up to Economics in the Dante last month. He will be a lot sharper this time around and with rain about the ground could be ideal.

If the favourite does blow out then Ambiente Friendly could be the one to give the selection most to think about. He was impressive at Lingfield and looks a colt really coming to hand now. I’m a bit frustrated at the jockey booking though as I thought Callum Shepherd deserved to keep the ride.

Epsom 4.30

Ancient Wisdom 6/1 each way

Main danger Ambiente Friendly

Epsom 5.15

Probably the hardest race of the day now but a tentative vote goes to DREAM HARDER for Ian Williams. This 5yo has been running well off this sort of mark this season and his form has been stacking up so if things drop right with Saffie Osborne booked he should be bang there. There is tons of pace on so it could set up for a closer.

The danger could be the progressive Kotari for Gary Moore who has won his last 3 and still might have more to come as he clocked a decent speed figure the last day. If Not Now at a bigger price is another one that made my shortlist after shaping well in defeat when third to Aimeric on reappearance.

Epsom 5.15

Dream Harder 8/1 each way

Main danger Kotari but also look out for If Not Now at a double-figure price

Epsom 5.50

I’m confident APOLLO ONE can go close in the lucky last. He ran a massive race going down just a length on reappearance in a competitive handicap at Newmarket and given his sole run at this track nearly resulted in a win last year there is lots to like. He will strip fitter now and is versatile regarding the ground too.

Aleezdancer won at York last time and if in that form again must have a live shout in this. At a massive price I’d like to see Flaming Rib run well as he has been freshened up and has won at Group level in the past.

Epsom 5.50

Apollo One 15/2 each way

Main danger Aleezdancer and hopefully Flaming Rib runs well