Epsom Races & Results with ratings from TomForm.
There were 393 Races on across 47 meetings. There was 8 races at Auteuil first race 12:24, 7 races at Bangalore first race 09:00, 8 races at Belmont first race 3:49 (BG), 10 races at Belmont Park first race 18:00, 8 races at Bendigo first race 3:06 (BG), 6 races at Broome first race 6:22 (BG), 7 races at Cairns first race 4:22 (BG), 4 races at Canterbury Park first race 23:07, 8 races at Charles Town first race 01:02, 3 races at Club Hipico first race 01:00, 7 races at Darwin first race 5:21 (BG), 8 races at Delaware Park first race 17:30, 8 races at Doncaster first race 14:15, 9 races at Eagle Farm first race 2:43 (BG), 8 races at Epsom first race 12:50 Downs, 9 races at Flemington first race 2:50 (BG), 7 races at Gold Coast Poly first race Dindas Mdn Hcp, 10 races at Golden Gate Fields first race 01:06, 11 races at Gulfstream first race 17:50, 12 races at Hanshin first race 01:50, 7 races at Hexham first race 13:05, 19 races at Hipo Chile first race 16:45, 7 races at Lingfield first race 17:35, 7 races at Listowel first race 14:25, 10 races at Lone Star first race 19:35, 8 races at Lyon Parilly first race 15:22 Lyon-Parilly, 7 races at Mannheim first race 13:00, 11 races at Maronas first race 18:00, 12 races at Monmouth Park first race 17:40, 9 races at Morphettville first race 3:02 (BG), 7 races at Musselburgh first race 13:15, 7 races at Newcastle (Aus) first race 3:30 Newcastle (BG), 5 races at Penn National first race 01:15, 9 races at Pimlico first race 17:25, 8 races at Pontchateau first race 10:30, 6 races at Quirindi first race 3:56 (BG), 10 races at Rosehill first race 2:00 (BG), 11 races at Saga first race 07:25, 9 races at Santa Anita first race 01:21, 9 races at Scottsville first race 10:45, 7 races at Stratford first race 17:45, 12 races at Tokyo first race 02:05, 7 races at Toowoomba first race 7:39 (BG), 7 races at Tramore first race 17:30, 8 races at Vichy first race 17:25, 9 races at Woodbine first race 18:10, 7 races at Worcester first race 14:00, no doubt Tomform helped you find a winner. TomForm.com uses a custom rating system for each runner.
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4th (1)  Escobar |  | |  | | | 9 | Jason Watson | David O'Meara | Good performer down the years but his best winning form has come in competitive handicaps and this small-field stakes scenario probably isn't ideal, as two defeats in this contest demonstrate (fifth in 2021, fourth in 2022). | ||
(3)  Imperial Fighter | | | | | | 4 | Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding | 0-8 since debut win but capable of very useful form, notably third in last year's Irish 2,000 Guineas, and two below-par efforts this term can be excused to an extent (raced alone in Group 2 latest); trainer won this race in 2004, 2012 and 2016; interesting contender, assuming he's on song. | ||
(4)  Marie's Diamond | | | | | | 7 | Hollie Doyle | Roger Fell | Nearly made all in York handicap (1m2f) two weeks ago, posting his clear best effort of 2023; however, he's now 0-20 for current yard and faces a harder task back at Group level; sixth in this race in 2021. | ||
1st (5)  Regal Reality | | | | | | 8 | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute | Solid Group 3 performer, successful four times (over 1m/1m2f) at this level, most recently at Windsor last August; seemed to need his Newmarket reappearance (behind Highland Avenue) and should be closer to concert pitch now; big chance on peak form and his age looks no barrier to Diomed success, as 8yos have won this race six times this century. | ||
3rd (6)  Kolsai | | | | | | 3 | David Egan | Roger Varian | Unexposed 3yo who has a solid record, with form figures of 2122; met some traffic on his way to finishing second in a conditions stakes at Goodwood (1m) most recently and held Group 1 entries at the time of that effort behind a smart-looking winner who has St James's Palace hopes; bred to rate higher still, being from an excellent family; hood (worn all starts) is removed; gets a big weight-for-age allowance and commands respect. | ||
2nd (2)  Highland Avenue | | | | | | 5 | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | Progressive for much of his 2021 season then had a dip in his form; finished third to high-class stablemate Adayar in the rescheduled Gordon Richards Stakes at Newmarket (1m2f; back from 14-month absence) on 2023 reappearance, showing that he retains plenty of ability and shaping as if this drop back in trip will prove ideal; leading player if building on that effort. |
In receipt of a hefty age allowance, unexposed KOLSAI is taken to become the first 3yo since 1994 to win the Diomed. Very few runners from his age group have tackled this race in recent years, so the barren spell is partly due to a lack of attempts, especially realistic ones. The selection is bred to be a Group performer and may well prove up to the task. Highland Avenue has to be feared and Regal Reality also warrants respect but the second choice from a punting angle is Imperial Fighter, who is better than this year's bare efforts suggest.[Steve Boow]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(5)  Dear My Friend | | | | | | 3 | Andrea Atzeni | Charlie Johnston | Found wanting in Listed and Group races as a 2yo, and although he returned with a Listed AW win at Newcastle (1m) he again showed limitations in this context when eighth of 11 to The Foxes in the Dante at York. | ||
2nd (7)  King Of Steel | | | | | | 3 | Kevin Stott | Roger Varian | Looked a stayer in the making when forging clear on 2yo debut at Nottingham (soft) but no match for Auguste Rodin and others when seventh of eight in a Group 1 at Doncaster (heavy) on final start for David Loughnane; upset in the stalls and withdrawn from the Dante (28-1) on intended reappearance and has it all to prove. | ||
(1)  Adelaide River | | | | | | 3 | Seamie Heffernan | A P O'Brien | Made good impression on AW on debut; found wanting under testing conditions since, finishing a remote third to Dubai Mile and Arrest at Saint-Cloud last autumn and no match for Arrest in the Chester Vase (about 1m4f); however, his pedigree suggests he might have been a fish out of water in the mud and that he will turn his form on its head now switched to quicker ground; might be overpriced. | ||
(13)  Waipiro | | | | | | 3 | Tom Marquand | Ed Walker | Drew away in 1m2f Newmarket novice (good) on reappearance; Lingfield Derby Trial (1m4f, AW) was a bolder move next time and although he briefly threatened Military Order, that rival pulled clear in the closing stages; no obvious reason why he will turn the tables but he has earned his place in the field. | ||
(10)  San Antonio | | | | | | 3 | Wayne Lordan | A P O'Brien | Out of an Irish Oaks runner-up; went through 2yo season without attracting special attention but down to business in 2023 and he followed an emphatic AW win with a pleasing Listed success at Chester (extended 1m2f); should stay 1m4f but all turf runs so far have been on soft ground. | ||
(3)  Artistic Star | | | | | | 3 | Rob Hornby | Ralph Beckett | Very late foal; highly regarded and has done all that has been asked of him in winning a Nottingham maiden as a 2yo and a Sandown novice (1m2f, good to soft) just 18 days ago; however, this race should be beyond him at this early stage in his career. | ||
(6)  Dubai Mile | | | | | | 3 | Daniel Muscutt | Charlie Johnston | Novice winner on good to firm; lost nothing in defeat when second of four to The Foxes in a muddling Group 2 at Newmarket and he was so game when beating Arrest in Group 1 at Saint-Cloud in October (1m2f, heavy); reappeared with a respectable fifth in the 2,000 Guineas and while the recent dry spell has not helped his chance, his fighting spirit could still see him thereabouts. | ||
4th (11)  Sprewell | | | | | | 3 | Shane Foley | Mrs John Harrington | Has raced on only soft and heavy ground; has kept a relatively low profile but is much improved this year and could probably have won by further than the 3l margin in a 1m2f Leopardstown Group 3 in May; has different ground conditions but does not look a typical mud-lover and his dam's best form was a Grade 1 win on firm ground in Canada; good chance of staying 1m4f and a danger to all. | ||
(12)  The Foxes | | | | | | 3 | Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding | Closely related to the yard's Group 2 winner Bangkok who failed to handle the undulations in the 2019 Derby; best 2yo form when beating Dubai Mile in an unsatisfactory four-runner Group 2 at Newmarket and set out stronger claims for this when again showing a will to win in the Group 2 Dante at York (extended 1m2f, good to firm) where the hampered Passenger was just over 1l behind; trainer had early doubts about stamina for 1m4f but is reportedly more confident now; has more obvious claims than three of the yard's contenders in the last three runnings who were in the frame at odds of 50-1 and bigger. | ||
3rd (14)  White Birch | | | | | | 3 | Colin Keane | John Joseph Murphy | Tongue tied all starts; aimed low as a 2yo but is making great strides this year, winning a Group 3 at Leopardstown before again arriving late on the scene to get within a neck of The Foxes in the Group 2 Dante at York (extended 1m2f, good to firm); those very patient tactics will take some pulling off in this race but he has a good chance of staying 1m4f and the best has yet to be seen of him. | ||
(9)  Passenger | | | | | | 3 | Richard Kingscote | Sir Michael Stoute | The dogs failed to bark before Newmarket debut (1m, good) in April as he was only sixth in the betting of the eight runners but he was an impressive winner; had an unhappy experience in the Dante at York (extended 1m2f, good to firm) where his path was blocked wherever he looked, eventually dead-heating for third behind The Foxes; it's hard to get a clear idea of his ability but his famously patient trainer, who has won this race six times, has recommended he be supplemented; has a very bright future. | ||
1st (4)  Auguste Rodin | | | | | | 3 | Ryan Moore | A P O'Brien | Out of triple Group 1 winner Rhododendron and has a stellar pedigree; the third highest-rated 2yo in Europe last year after a performance in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, heavy) that was hard to fault; made favourite for the 2,000 Guineas on reappearance but showed no sparkle and looked a tired horse in the closing stages; it's hard to put that out of mind even though all the signals from the trainer and the betting earlier this week suggested something special is expected today. | ||
| (8) Military Order | | | | | | 3 | William Buick | Charlie Appleby | Scopey type whose brother Adayar won this race and the King George; first two successes came in minor company but he was relentless when winning Newbury novice (1m2f, soft) in the second of them, on reappearance, and he sent out a strong stamina signal when drawing away from Waipiro late on in the Lingfield Derby Trial (1m4f, AW); improving and this long straight can suit; has plenty to recommend him. | ||
(2)  Arrest | | | | | | 3 | Frankie Dettori | John & Thady Gosden | Best 2yo form when just getting the worse of a tussle with Dubai Mile in a Group 1 at Saint-Cloud (1m2f, heavy); won his maiden on good to firm but said to have enjoyed the soft ground when coasting home in front in the Chester Vase (1m4f); very promising and stamina is the least of his problems but another drying day looks the main one. |
Cheeky upstarts such as the King George and Arc have threatened this race's prestige but, for many, Epsom on Derby day will always be racing's green, green grass of home. Auguste Rodin headed the betting two days ago but however strong the general vibes are for him, it's hard to square his depressing Guineas run with being favourite for this race. MILITARY ORDER (nap) showed superior stamina late in the day when beating Waipiro in the Lingfield Derby Trial and this long straight can see him to good effect, as it did with his brother Adayar when he outgalloped his Derby rivals two years ago. The improving Sprewell is a big danger as the quickest ground he has faced so far could well suit him, if anything, while Passenger, unlucky behind The Foxes and White Birch in the Dante, can justify the decision to supplement him. Passenger still needs to show he can settle well enough to cope with the step up in trip, however. The Foxes and White Birch have good runs in them but Arrest and Dubai Mile would have made more appeal with rain about. Of the big outsiders, Adelaide River has a chance of improving on his turf form now that the sun has come out.[Emily Weber]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2nd (1)  Random Harvest | | | | | | 5 | Saffie Osborne | Ed Walker | Finished behind two of these rivals at Newmarket on seasonal debut; bagged Group 3 honours at San Siro (1m) last October but this is a better race for the grade and the task is made even harder by a 3lb penalty. | ||
4th (6)  Shaara | | | | | | 4 | Jim Crowley | John & Thady Gosden | Listed winner; soft ground was perhaps partly to blame for big defeat (behind a few of these opponents) on reappearance; record stands at 4-7 and, as a low-mileage filly from a powerful yard, she may yet resume her progress. | ||
(5)  Roman Mist | | | | | | 5 | Oisin Murphy | Archie Watson | Looked better than ever in Listed event at Goodwood (1m, heavy) on stable/seasonal debut, gamely making all; good third in this contest (on good ground) 12 months ago for Tom Ward and looks set for another big run. | ||
3rd (2)  Astral Beau | | | | | | 4 | Shane Kelly | Pam Sly | Has gained most wins on slow ground and it was soft when she ran respectably in Newmarket Group 2 most recently; the return to a forecast faster surface isn't ideal but she's progressive and impossible to dismiss. | ||
(3)  Potapova | | | | | | 5 | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute | Good second in this race last year then went one better in similar event at Sandown (1m, good) in August; pulled up (had irregular heartbeat) in the Goodwood race won by Roman Mist on reappearance; major contender provided she's back in top order. | ||
1st (4)  Prosperous Voyage | | | | | | 4 | Frankie Dettori | Ralph Beckett | Usually races at a higher level; found the 1m1f trip on soft ground beyond her in Newmarket Group 2 on seasonal debut; close second in the 1,000 Guineas and winner of the Falmouth last season; cracking chance on those pieces of form. |
Dropped back further in class and returned to forecast better ground, PROSPEROUS VOYAGE gets the vote. She sets a very smart standard on her best Group 1 form and this looks her easiest task for some time. Potapova and Roman Mist are taken to fill the next two places and repeat their finishing positions from this race last year.[Steve Boow]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
3rd (12)  Dickieburd | | | | | | 3 | William Pyle | Craig Lidster | Sole success came when making all at Chester (5f, good; 40-1) last summer; has not repeated the form and, although he did show up well for a long way at Southwell in March when last seen, he has more to prove than most. | ||
(10)  Minnesota Lad | | | | | | 3 | Cam Hardie | Richard Fahey | Hard to fancy judged on reappearance run when only ninth of 11 at Chester, but he raced wide that day and soft ground might have been against him; more convincing on a clearcut maiden win at Beverley (5f) last summer on his only encounter with ground firmer than good; could go well at a price. | ||
(1)  Democracy Dilemma | | | | | | 3 | Hollie Doyle | David Evans | Showed plenty of improvement when winning in good style at Thirsk (5f, soft) in April, typically always in the front rank, but he was disappointing under similar conditions at Chester 18 days later; has had far more racing than most of these and quick ground would be a slight concern. | ||
(8)  Betweenthesticks | | | | | | 3 | George Bass | Jack Channon | Front-runner with three 2yo wins; notched a personal best when beaten a neck by Estate at Salisbury (5f, good to firm) last Saturday, headed close home; 4lb higher and in a stronger race but not dismissed lightly. | ||
(9)  Swift Asset | | | | | | 3 | Andrea Atzeni | Richard Hannon | Often highly tried after winning Windsor maiden (5f, good to firm) last June; hasn't cut much ice in handicaps this year; falling in the weights but needs to get back on track. | ||
(11)  Zuffolo | | | | | | 3 | David Egan | Michael Dods | Speedily bred son of Bungle Inthejungle; floundered in the mud at Beverley on reappearance but he was quickly back on track with a cosy, strong-travelling win at Redcar (5f, good) 12 days ago; with further improvement very much on the cards, a 6lb rise could be lenient and he may follow up. | ||
2nd (5)  Miss Brazen | | | | | | 3 | Tom Marquand | Michael & David Easterby | Won twice for Karl Burke in 2022 and showed herself better than ever for new yard when sauntering to the front and hammering seven rivals at Beverley (5f) in May; not disgraced off revised mark in a big field at York two weeks ago; needs a bit more again here but a likely strong pace should play to her strengths and she's not discounted by any means; handles any ground. | ||
(4)  Grace Angel | | | | | | 3 | Jason Watson | Darryll Holland | Seemed to progress a chunk when making all at Redcar (5f, good) 12 days ago, though she was switched to race alone against the far rail and might have had an advantage; needs to confirm the improvement off today's 6lb higher mark. | ||
4th (7)  Jm Jungle | | | | | | 3 | Jason Hart | John Quinn | Lacks nothing in consistency and has steadily improved as well, finishing in front of several of these when a close second of 18 at York (5f, good to firm; 18-1; always prominent) two weeks ago; nudged up 4lb but has solid credentials and is in the mix once more. | ||
(14)  Tallulah Myla | | | | | | 3 | Marco Ghiani | Stuart Williams | Just one win from six attempts but she still has potential; made all in convincing fashion at Chelmsford (6f) in April and she was reeled in only late on at Wolverhampton (6f) three weeks ago; has plenty of speed and today's drop to 5f (on turf debut) could unlock further improvement. | ||
1st (6)  Tatterstall | | | | | | 3 | Connor Beasley | Michael Dods | A short head behind Miss Brazen when seventh at York last time, having made a winning reappearance at Wolverhampton (5f, AW) earlier in May; those efforts were an improvement on his 2yo form and he's bred to do even better in due course; one of two strong contenders trained by Michael Dods. | ||
(2)  Can To Can | | | | | | 3 | Barry McHugh | Adrian Nicholls | Bred to be useful and she took a big step in that direction when bolting up in first-time blinkers at Newcastle (5f, AW; 20-1) last month, making all; a 10lb rise does not look insurmountable and her sole win as a 2yo came on good to firm ground; major player if the headgear works a second time. | ||
(3)  Russet Gold | | | | | | 3 | Harry Davies | Roger Varian | Has run just four times and he looked a useful prospect when easily winning a Pontefract novice (5f, good to firm) on the third of them last summer; only third of eight when odds-on for York nursery two months later, but he's been gelded since and may well have untapped potential; interesting. | ||
(13)  Estate | | | | | | 3 | Oisin Murphy | Andrew Balding | Off the mark at the eighth attempt in first-time tongue-strap at Salisbury (5f, good to firm) last week, getting up near the finish; may have a bit more in the tank and he's one to consider for his powerful stable. |
An exciting first running of this pure test of speed for 3yos. Among the more interesting candidates are Tallulah Myla, attempting the trip for the first time, and Russet Gold, who has untapped potential on his return from a layoff and a gelding operation. Jm Jungle, Miss Brazen and Tatterstall, second, sixth and seventh at York last month, should be in the mix again but marginally preferred is Tatterstall's stablemate ZUFFOLO. A comfortable winner at Redcar 12 days ago, he can continue his progress and follow up. Clearcut Newcastle scorer Can To Can may provide the stiffest resistance.[Richard O'Brien]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5th (7)  One Night Stand | | | | | | 6 | P J McDonald | Scott Dixon | Front-runner who notched three AW wins in the winter of 2021-22; out of form when last seen in February and now has plenty to prove after a break and on his first turf outing for nearly two years. | ||
(19)  Papa Don't Preach | | | | | | 4 | William Pyle | Kevin Frost | Off the mark for this yard over this trip at Newcastle (awarded race) in January; hit and miss since, finishing behind Navello and Sampers Seven when fifth at Thirsk last month; more needed to win a race of this nature but William Pyle's 7lb claim is a bonus. | ||
(18)  The Thin Blue Line | | | | | | 5 | Cam Hardie | Keith Dalgleish | Usually comes from well off the pace, as when improving to score at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) in April; however, he was only fifth of nine at Carlisle 12 days ago and now contests a much stronger race off a 2lb higher mark; up against it unless finding further progress. | ||
(20)  Recon Mission | | | | | | 7 | Mollie Phillips | Tony Carroll | Front-runner; best recent efforts when close second over C&D (soft; also handles good to firm) and at Lingfield (AW); not disgraced at Nottingham three weeks ago but this is a much stronger race and he's 3lb out of the weights. | ||
1st (11)  Navello | | | | | | 4 | Andrea Atzeni | George Boughey | 1-1 at Brighton, which suggests this track will be fine, but he went up 4lb for a win at Thirsk (5f, good) last month and was only third of four at Windsor on Monday; cheekpieces return for the first time this year. | ||
(12)  Lord Riddiford | | | | | | 8 | Marco Ghiani | John Quinn | Won the same Goodwood handicap for the second year running last July; now back to the same mark but this year's efforts have been subdued, down the field at York (33-1) 16 days ago; needs to turn over a new leaf. | ||
(4)  Look Out Louis | | | | | | 7 | Barry McHugh | Julie Camacho | Had an excellent record at Chester before finishing a tailed-off last of six there three weeks ago; perhaps the soft going that day was against him (unplaced on both runs on such ground) and he's now only 1lb above his last winning mark, but this is a hot race and he needs to hit a new high. | ||
| (8) Came From The Dark | | | | | | 7 | Saffie Osborne | Ed Walker | Formerly smart (won 5f Group 3 in July 2021) but not the force of old, best effort this year when a never-nearer third of eight in a muddling event at Newmarket two weeks ago; down to his lowest mark since 2019 but others make a bit more appeal on recent evidence. | ||
(15)  Angle Land | | | | | | 4 | Hayley Turner | Robert Cowell | Compiling an impressive CV and a Goodwood win (5f, good) last week took her record to 6-29; may not have reached her limit just yet but she's up in grade here and off a career-high mark. | ||
(5)  Alligator Alley | | | | | | 6 | Jason Watson | David O'Meara | Landed a 5f AW hat-trick in the winter, delivered late each time, but hasn't matched that form back on turf, only eighth of 14 at York last week; seemingly needs to rediscover his spark, but the fitting of a visor may help and a strongly run race would play to his strengths; could have a say. | ||
(17)  Lihou | | | | | | 7 | Hollie Doyle | David Evans | Dependable 5f specialist who has four wins to his name already this year and was just edged out by Angle Land at Goodwood eight days ago; 1-1 here and handles all types of ground; unlikely to be far away. | ||
(2)  Mountain Peak | | | | | | 8 | Tom Marquand | Ed Walker | 8yo who was better than ever last year, beaten only a head under Tom Marquand in this race (50-1) off 3lb lower; very much in the mix if he can repeat that form, but he ended 2022 in something of a lull and failed to beat a rival on his reappearance at York 16 days ago. | ||
(16)  Sampers Seven | | | | | | 6 | G Cheyne | Michael Appleby | Has speed to burn and she gave best only late on when third to Navello at Thirsk (5f, good) two weeks ago on second outing this year; can be fancied to gain her revenge on that rival on 5lb better terms, especially as this sharp track should suit her down to the ground; interesting contender. | ||
(9)  Ancient Times | | | | | | 5 | Kaiya Fraser | Harry Eustace | Front-runner; progressed well last season, winning two 5f events, and he might have needed his reappearance when fourth of eight at Newmarket last month; no surprise to see him turn the tables on third-placed Came From The Dark, and with more improvement to come he's not ruled out for the win. | ||
2nd (1)  Silky Wilkie | | | | | | 4 | Clifford Lee | K R Burke | Much improved this year, gaining a wide-margin success at Musselburgh (5f, good to soft) in April; far from disgraced in Group 3s at Newmarket since, the draw doing him no favours last time, but has to give weight all round back in a handicap and will require another career best to prevail. | ||
4th (6)  Zarzyni | | | | | | 6 | Connor Beasley | David & Nicola Barron | Rather underwhelming since a fine third of 20 at Ascot (5f, good to firm) last summer but his mark has dropped significantly and he might have needed his two runs this year (just ahead of Alligator Alley when seventh at York last week); usually comes with a late rattle; impossible to discount. | ||
(14)  Mokaatil | | | | | | 8 | Sean D Bowen | Ian Williams | Has a cracking record at Epsom, winning this race in 2021 and finishing fourth of 20 last year; almost certainly needed the run when beating just one home at Newmarket on reappearance seven weeks ago and the usual cheekpieces now return; now back to his last winning mark and the experienced claimer Sean Bowen (over 270 rides in Ireland) takes off 7lb; one to take seriously. | ||
(10)  Vintage Clarets | | | | | | 4 | Oisin Murphy | Richard Fahey | Only fourth when favourite at Ripon five weeks ago but he'd previously shaped better when second on reappearance at Musselburgh; those runs came on slow ground but his three wins have been on good or firmer (all at 5f) and he could now return to his very best under ideal conditions and from a stand-side draw; Oisin Murphy (6-11 for this yard) is a positive booking. | ||
(13)  Live In The Moment | | | | | | 6 | Kieran O'Neill | Alice Haynes | Surged back to form when short-headed in a big field at Doncaster (6f, good) two weeks ago and the third has won since; returning to the minimum trip should suit (all five wins at 5f) and a draw against the stand rail could be an advantage; has not been long with this yard and he's more persuasive than most. | ||
3rd (3)  Clarendon House | | | | | | 5 | Daniel Muscutt | Robert Cowell | Ideally suited by 5f on quick ground and showed his liking for downhill tracks when pulling clear with a handicap blot at Goodwood on last year's reappearance; made an encouraging return when fifth of 13 at York last month, fading only late on; has plenty in his favour and high on the list. |
A typically competitive Dash may go the way of LIVE IN THE MOMENT who was having only his second run for Alice Haynes when edged out in a big field at Doncaster two weeks ago. He's well handicapped on the pick of his form from 2021 and should be suited by returning to the minimum distance. Any possible draw advantage is hard to predict but others with chances from double-figure stalls include the unexposed Ancient Times, the patiently ridden Alligator Alley and the very speedy Sampers Seven, while Oisin Murphy is a positive booking for Vintage Clarets. If a low-numbered stall is no drawback (and three of the last seven winners were drawn one or two), Clarendon House may pose the biggest threat of all.[Richard O'Brien]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13th (1)  Cite d'Or | | | | | | 3 | Pierre-Louis Jamin | Harry Eustace | Runner-up on debut on good to firm; 33-1 third of five in the Listed Blue Riband Trial over C&D (soft) in April but that's far and away the best of her five outings this year; wore cheekpieces in the Cheshire Oaks last time; makes handicap debut but even her best form does not look good enough. | ||
| 8th (12) God Of Fire | | | | | | 3 | Marco Ghiani | Stuart Williams | Won maiden at Wolverhampton (9.4f, AW) in January on third start; raced rather freely up front on handicap debut at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) 18 days ago but faded to be a well-beaten last of three; much better than that and perhaps needed the run but he has a lot to prove in this hot race. | ||
11th (14)  Blue Universe | | | | | | 3 | Hollie Doyle | Charlie Johnston | Had wind surgery prior to winning a Wolverhampton handicap (9.4f, AW) in April, opening his account at the fifth attempt; put in his place by a Beckett-trained favourite at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) 18 days ago, easily beating God Of Fire but only the three ran; needs to resume improvement. | ||
12th (7)  Sol Cayo | | | | | | 3 | P J McDonald | James Horton | Placed on good to firm last May and June; better form when back from a break for two AW handicaps at Wolverhampton in the autumn, firmly in charge in a five-runner race over 9.4f when last seen; will stay 1m2f; reappears in a hot race and needs better again. | ||
| 7th (4) Forca Timao | | | | | | 3 | Kevin Stott | Richard Hannon | Won novice at Doncaster (7f, good to firm) last June on second and final 2yo start; outsider but improved form this term when fifth in Listed race at Newmarket and handicap at Newbury (both races 1m2f on good); the latter was in a bunched finish but a very strong race and he's one to consider. | ||
10th (3)  Lose Your Wad | | | | | | 3 | Kieran Shoemark | Charles Hills | King Edward VII entry; promise on good ground at Newmarket last October; justified favouritism in maiden at Kempton (1m, AW) in April and improved on that form when fourth of six to Derby candidate San Antonio in Listed race at Chester (10.3f, soft) last month, well held but that's after being badly hampered over 1f out; one of several handicap newcomers to note. | ||
5th (5)  Promoter | | | | | | 3 | Rob Hornby | Ralph Beckett | Unraced on good or firmer; won 7f Chepstow novice (soft) last September; slowly away all starts and never seriously involved in a Group 3 at Newbury (7f, heavy) in October or handicap at Chester (7.5f, soft) last month; he did make late gains in the latter, however, and has stacks of stamina on the dam's side, so this step up in trip can see him in a much better light. | ||
2nd (11)  Silver Sword | | | | | | 3 | G Cheyne | Dylan Cunha | Refused to race on his first two appearances; hooded on next two outings, notably when second in 1m2f maiden on Lingfield AW, and the first two drew well clear when he improved to win without the headgear in maiden at Southwell (1m, AW) on reappearance in April; return to 1m2f (dam 2m winner) may prompt better still but this is a very strong race. | ||
(8)  Kadovar | | | | | | 3 | William Buick | Andrew Balding | Ran on good to soft on debut and all turf starts since have been on soft; that poses a question and he needs better than he showed at Newmarket on latest start, but he was a runaway winner of 8.5f Epsom novice the time before; bit to prove on this third attempt at 1m2f but his trainer has won three of the last five runnings of this race. | ||
9th (10)  Perfect Play | | | | | | 3 | Franny Norton | Charlie Johnston | Won a Carlisle novice (1m, good to firm) on the fourth of his five races last term; runner-up at Beverley on reappearance and went one better in clearcut style at Chester last Saturday, both from the front at about 1m2f; raised 5lb and moves into a stronger race but he's on the upgrade. | ||
4th (6)  Maasai Mara | | | | | | 3 | Oisin Murphy | John & Thady Gosden | Showed promise on good to firm ground on debut and on good next time; improved form in blinkers this year, including when ridden up with the pace for wins in a novice at Kempton (1m3f, AW) and seven-runner handicap at Ascot (1m2f, soft); hung on narrowly last time but that was after being sent for home entering the straight and, although up 4lb today, he's progressive. | ||
1st (2)  Torito | | | | | | 3 | Benoit De La Sayette | John & Thady Gosden | Late foal, bred to be smart; first two starts were on soft ground, 1-4 when winning a three-runner novice race at Nottingham (1m) on reappearance; improved again when second of six in novice at Sandown (1m2f, good to soft) 18 days ago, giving Artistic Star plenty to think about and he's in the Derby; brings potential to this handicap debut. | ||
3rd (13)  Balance Play | | | | | | 3 | Andrea Atzeni | Ralph Beckett | Showed promise and plenty of ability when taking minor honours at Nottingham (1m, soft) and Kempton (7f, AW) last autumn; late foal with a useful pedigree and he was beaten a neck in novice at Salisbury (7f, good to soft) on reappearance, making most and sticking to his task well despite persistently hanging left; open to further improvement, particularly as he's stepped up in trip like his stablemate Promoter. | ||
| 6th (9) Fox Journey | | | | | | 3 | Harry Davies | Sir Michael Stoute | Improved to win under Harry Davies at Newmarket (1m2f, good; unraced on firmer) 16 days ago on handicap/seasonal debut, leading over 1f out and drawing clear; raised 9lb and will stay further but he probably still retains potential for 1m2f as well and has to be considered seriously. |
This looks a particularly strong renewal and any number of these could have their say. Fox Journey (second choice) impressed at Newmarket and is just preferred to the London Gold Cup fifth Forca Timao among those who have already appeared in a 1m2f handicap, with Andrew Balding's excellent recent record in this race demanding that Kadovar is also given a positive mention. However, the field also features an eyecatching group of probably less exposed contenders, including handicap newcomer Torito but with the vote going to PROMOTER (a grandson of the Oaks winner Look Here) who can take a leap forward with his step up in trip, a move which is also made with his stablemate Balance Play.[Richard Austen]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(9)  Green Team | | | | | | 4 | David Egan | Ian Williams | With a new trainer (his third) this year and has been below form at Meydan (four runs) and Ascot (first run on soft); he's crept down the weights as a result, though, and has a shout on his form last May/June; same yard's Haliphon went oh so close at 25-1 in this race last year. | ||
3rd (1)  Lucander | | | | | | 6 | Pat Cosgrave | George Baker | 2-4 on turf in Bahrain in the winter; 33-1 when running creditably in Lingfield Group 3 (AW) in February and 1m4f York handicap last month, but came only ninth of 15 in the latter; dropped 2lb but still on a stiff mark. | ||
4th (4)  Jungle Cove | | | | | | 6 | Shane Foley | Mrs John Harrington | Won a Shergar Cup race at Ascot (1m, good to firm; 4lb higher today) last August, as well as a quite valuable 1m2f handicap at Leopardstown in July; going beyond 10.5f is something new, though, casting doubts, new high needed. | ||
(8)  Haliphon | | | | | | 6 | Ben Sanderson | Ian Williams | Won last summer over 1m6f at York and 1m4f at Chester, the latter in one of his two British runs in cheekpieces which return today; twice well beaten on soft ground this spring but, beaten a nose at 25-1 in this race (good; probably acts on good to firm) last year, it would be no great shock were he to surge back to form. | ||
(6)  Sea King | | | | | | 4 | Darragh Keenan | Sir Mark Prescott Bt | Won on good to firm last April and also ran well at Haydock in September (1m6f, good to soft) when second past the post but demoted to fourth, having hung left; reappeared with a solid second to impressive winner at Kempton (1m4f, AW) ten days ago; wearing headgear first time, he could resume his progress. | ||
1st (7)  Sheer Rocks | | | | | | 4 | Harry Davies | Eve Johnson Houghton | Won at Chester last July and, having been gelded, never better than when scoring at Ascot (1m4f, soft; acts on good to firm) three weeks ago on reappearance; back up 2lb and should be seriously involved. | ||
(3)  Max Mayhem | | | | | | 5 | Benoit De La Sayette | Kevin Philippart De Foy | Sold out of Joseph O'Brien's for 42,000gns last October; reappeared in April when winning a useful 13-runner handicap at Kempton (1m3f, AW); back up 4lb and unraced on firmer than good but no way can he be ruled out after registering that career best at first attempt for new yard. | ||
(5)  Scampi | | | | | | 5 | Hayley Turner | Andrew Balding | One of three 1m4f wins last term came at this track on good to firm; raised his game again when winning a 15-runner race at York (1m4f) 17 days ago and did it smoothly, seizing the initiative over 1f out after travelling much the best, not for first time; up 6lb but may well be able to score again. | ||
2nd (2)  Caius Chorister | | | | | | 4 | Ryan Moore | David Menuisier | Often front-runner; won five handicaps in a row last May-July, including two small-field events by very wide margins over C&D on good to firm; raised his game again when second here (1m2f, soft) on reappearance in April; back up 2lb but should go very well again. |
The strong-travelling Scampi has a big chance to win again judged on the way he dealt with his 14 rivals at York last month. However, at what's likely to be much bigger odds, a return to form may be enough for HALIPHON to deny him. The Ian Williams-trained runner was denied by a fraction in this race last year and the return of cheekpieces looks a positive. Caius Chorister and Sea King may prove the most dangerous of their opponents.[Richard Austen]
| Info | Form | Odds | Horse Rating | Rating | Weight | OR | Days since last run | Age | Jockey | Trainer | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(14)  The Defiant | | | | | | 7 | Mia Nicholls | Daniel Steele | Pretty solid efforts in defeat on his last three starts but he's 9lb out of the weights in this competitive handicap and others are preferred. | ||
(13)  Count Otto | | | | | | 8 | Saffie Osborne | Amanda Perrett | 8yo who isn't the force of old and five of his last six wins have come on AW; well beaten at Windsor recently but may have needed that first run for 80 days and he has a very good record at Epsom; not written off. | ||
| (10) Venturous | | | | | | 10 | Connor Beasley | David & Nicola Barron | 10yo who has been beaten on his last 13 starts going back to last March, and he's back up in grade today; however, he went close off this reduced mark at Ayr (6f, good) recently and might not be far away. | ||
(11)  Night On Earth | | | | | | 5 | Oisin Murphy | Ian Williams | Well handicapped on last year's best form and perhaps the first-time visor will give him a boost (replacing cheekpieces); however, he does need to raise his game and 5f appears to be his optimum trip. | ||
(5)  Strike Red | | | | | | 5 | Cam Hardie | Richard Fahey | Improved form when winning twice last October (6f, AW/good to soft) and he reappeared with a fair sixth of 21 behind Probe at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) last month; has run well on good/good to firm ground in the past; could build on that latest performance and he's not ruled out. | ||
(6)  Baldomero | | | | | | 5 | Jason Watson | Michael Appleby | 0-9 on turf as opposed to 2-18 on AW and soundly beaten in third of eight at Ascot (6f, soft) three weeks ago when back on grass; however, it wasn't a bad run and perhaps today's quicker ground will help; unexposed as a sprinter and went close at Wolverhampton (6f, AW) in March; not discounted. | ||
(8)  Spring Bloom | | | | | | 6 | Andrea Atzeni | Robert Eddery | Reappeared with good second at Newmarket (5f, good to soft) and has since gone one better there (5f, good); back up 4lb in this warmer race and he's 0-13 at 6f, as opposed to 4-15 over 5f, but he's run some good races at this trip and isn't ruled out; has won on good to firm ground. | ||
(12)  Indian Creak | | | | | | 6 | Rose Dawes | Jack Channon | Won at Windsor (6f, soft) last month and good third to Haymaker there (6f, good to firm) 12 days ago; has run really well on all three visits to Epsom and could be thereabouts. | ||
1st (3)  Badri | | | | | | 6 | Hollie Doyle | Ruth Carr | 6yo who has been better than ever this year and easily won a big-field handicap at Beverley (5f, good to soft) in April; good sixth of 21 at York (6f, good) since and he's run well on fast ground in the past; each-way possible. | ||
(9)  Many A Star | | | | | | 6 | Tom Marquand | Paul & Oliver Cole | Won twice last season (6f, good/good to firm) and may have been ready for a break when below par on AW last September; goes well fresh but needs to be better than ever if he's to win this warm race on his reappearance. | ||
2nd (1)  Apollo One | | | | | | 5 | Richard Kingscote | P Charalambous & J Clutterbuck | In top form at Kempton (6f, AW) last November and reappeared with good third of 21 behind Probe at Newmarket (6f, good to soft) last month; also effective on fast ground and could be in the mix. | ||
3rd (4)  Mr Wagyu | | | | | | 8 | Jason Hart | John Quinn | Took a big step back in the right direction at York (6f, good) last month on his third run of the season, finishing seventh of 21; won this 12 months ago (good) and is well handicapped on last season's best efforts, including on fast ground; could play a leading role. | ||
4th (7)  Haymaker | | | | | | 4 | Rob Hornby | Hughie Morrison | 4yo who won twice last year and has improved again this spring with a third of 15 at Newbury (6f, soft) then a win at Windsor (6f, good to firm); could be in the shake-up once more. | ||
(2)  Probe | | | | | | 5 | Lewis Edmunds | Jennie Candlish | Has done very well in this hood for new yard, with his sole defeat from three starts (6f, AW/good to soft) coming behind a highly progressive type; did it nicely in a big field last time and going back up 7lb may not stop him if today's quicker ground isn't an issue (there's a query in that regard). |
Last year's winner MR WAGYU is well handicapped on last season's best form and earns the vote on the back of an encouraging run at York. Recent Windsor winner Haymaker has a progressive profile and is second choice, while Probe has thrived and will be a big danger if this return to quicker ground isn't a negative. Apollo One could also be involved.[Ben Hutton]