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14:00 Epsom
The once raced Keep Bidding and Silencer are aiming to go one better than their second placed debut performances. Both have very clear and obvious chances and it'd come as no shock to see either shake off their maiden tags at the second time of asking. That being said, in what looks such an open race, I'd rather find alternatives at better odds.
Just like with the aforementioned duo I find myself picking not one but two runners who also have their maiden status and also filled the runners-up spot last time out.
The first of my duo hails from the in-form yard of Andrew Balding who's had his horses firing this term. He's set to saddle Estate who was less than two lengths behind Commander Straker at Bath. They renew their rivalry once again and I'm very confident the form is reversed here. Estate gave the winner 3lbs the last day and this time around David Loughnane's charge has to run with 5lb more than Balding's charge. The Highclere owned runner looks to be on an upward trajectory and as a personal fan of horses by Showcasing I'm very sold on this one.
The other, at a current double figure price, is the only one to represent the girls but despite being the only filly in the lineup Shandy Star shouldn't be ignored. It's interesting to see she only raced two days ago at Ripon on Wednesday but she put up a decent performance to finish 2nd. Based on that effort and the way she ran I feel the unique conditions that Epsom provides will play into her hands. With an additional weight allowance also playing into her hands she looks worth a bet.
Of the remainder bot Blatant and Legend Of Xanadu has been ultera consistent and it'd be unlikely if they were far away.
ESTATE (E/W)
SHANDY STAR (E/W)
written by Rory Paddock
14:35 Epsom
A total of sixteen runners are set to go to post in the second race at Epsom. This ultra-competitive one mile and half a furlong handicap sees a couple of former course and distance winners who look worth backing.
Oh This Is Us have produced some solid performances already this season without getting his head in front and although he's not tasted success in his last 15 starts it's interesting to note his last victory came over course and distance in a Group 3 contest. His record at this venue involves one win and two top three places from just four starts. At the age of nine he's obviously into the twilight of his career but with him now 19lbs below his highest winning handicap mark and surely the handicapper has given him every chance of success today.
From one runner with a great course record to another and Corazon Espinado also looks well worth plenty of attention from punters. He has four previous Epsom victories with two of those wins coming over today's course and distance. Simon Dow's runner will be fresher than most with just the one run in 2022 and should have come on plenty for that all-weather effort. A return to turf is likely to be of benefit and with Silvestre De Sousa, who's ridden the horse to victory before, booked for the ride he shouldn't be far away.
Current market favourite Totally Charming has been on fire on the all-weather this season but I wouldn't be so overly convinced the four year old can produce the same sort of form on grass.
Revich is a course winner who went well to claim third last time and shouldn't be too far away and William Haggas' Fireworks could produce further improvement if fit for their seasonal return.
OH THIS IS US (E/W)
CORAZON ESPINADO (E/W) written by Rory Paddock 15:10 Epsom
The popular Pyledriver comes here as favourite in this Group 1 Coronation Cup. Mixed form this season though his 4th last time out was a lot closer than perhaps the placing suggests. Frankie comes in again for the injured Martin Dwyer. But I think the winner of this race last year is worth taking on when his price is short.
Manobo refused to settle at the 2-mile trip last time out losing his unbeaten record. Dangerous to dismiss a Godolphin owned horse as always. Back down to this trip may help. But can't afford to using too much energy especially at a track like Epsom. High Definition is the Irish angle from A P O'Brien yard with Ryan Moore on the saddle. Is another who has shown decent levels of form but hasn't won since September 2020 that is unlike a horse from A P O'Brien yard to do that.
Hukum was behind Pyledriver last time out so I'm not sure how he is going to reverse that form. You have to question form sometimes from Meydan which isn't always the strongest.
My selection is one of the outsiders of the field and that is Living Legend. Living Legend beat ¼ on favourite Yibir last time out at Newmarket and won in convincing fashion. Yes, he is going to have to step up from what he has shown. But Living Legend is a consistent Horse hasn't been out the top 3 in his last 7 races winning 4 of them. The Johnston team is in fairly good form so no worries there. I just feel at a big outside price (16 / 18 /1 at the time of writing) is worth an each way play. Where I do feel some of the other runners Meydan form can be a little questionable.
LIVING LEGEND (E/W) written by Luke Tucker 15:45 Epsom
Moktasaab beat Caradoc and Sweet Reward at Goodwood in late April to make it two from two since switching to William Knight. All career victories have come on fast ground but he was only beaten half a length the last time he raced on soft so should act whatever the weather has in store and given the favourite has won three of the last four renewals he looks to have a strong chance today.
David Menuisier won this race last year with Blue Cup and this year runs Soto Sizzler who arrives here in good form having won his last two on turf, with both victories coming with Ryan Moore in the saddle. The partnership is kept intact and his record at Epsom is excellent, posting results of 11221, so there is every reason to believe he will be capable of another big run and for me just about has the edge over his rivals.
Cap Francais has returned in good form this year, winning at Newmarket in April before a solid second under a 5lbs penalty at Chester a week later. His trainer Ian Williams is no stranger to the winners’ enclosure here at Epsom having posted three wins from six in the last twelve months so despite struggling for winners in recent weeks his runner is respected.
Victory Chime was no match for the runaway winner Blue Cup in this race last season but still finished best of the rest in second and has previously posted two wins over track and trip so is another who cannot be discounted.
SOTO SIZZLER (WIN) written by Dean Kilbryde 16:30 Epsom
The big race of the day the Oaks. Emily Upjohn arrives as the favourite after her impressive form at York. She won very easily that day going away and winning well. People have questioned whether she will settle at Epsom with a large crowd expected there. So that maybe is a slight doubt she may get a little hot with the build-up.
The Gosden team have the front 2 in the market with Nashwa his other contender. She won well at Newbury last time out and she is another who has a great chance of giving Hollie Doyle her first classic winner.
Tuesday comes here after placing in both In the UK 1000 Guineas & Irish 1000 Guineas, Interesting to see she is being stepped up in trip by 4 furlongs. On pedigree she should stay the trip.
Moon De Vega was hampered in her last race at Chester and connections were convinced she would have finished a lot closer so maybe there is a slight over reaction to her price. she looks a big price so one to consider as an each way play. The only runner in the field to win at the actual race distance today is Rogue Millennium so you know she will stay the trip is another worth considering at a big each way price some in this race will not necessarily stay the trip (although a lot of them on pedigree should).
It's a real open race I believe more than the pricing suggest. But its Aidan O'Brien other runner that interests me in Thoughts Of June. Thoughts Of June has beaten a horse called Above The Curve who went on and won a group 1 in France last weekend gone. On paper that looks a good line of form and looking at Thoughts Of June previous races the extra couple of furlongs will definitely suit her. Over the years in these big races when Aidan O'Brien has a couple or more in a race its sometimes the outsider of his 2 priced up. That perform really well. Thoughts Of June is around the 14/1 price (At the time of writing) She certainly isn't without a chance and is good value
THOUGHTS OF JUNE (E/W) written by Luke Tucker