Epsom Derby

[gm10]

Race 1 (Out Of The Ordinary Handicap)

This is a competitive handicap that can sometimes throw up a very decent horse (Conduit comes to mind). I doubt there'll be a winner of that caliber this year, this looks like an evenly matched field of decent, fairly exposed 3yo's. There's only one that tickles my interest and that is #7 Pasaka Boy at 33/1. Has decent 2yo form and his dam used to excel on the specialist track that is Epsom. (Edit: also like the Cumani horse #3 Makafeh at 13/2).

Race 2 (Woodcote Stakes)

This race is all about gate speed. It's very hard for these two year olds to come from the back over such a rollercoaster trip as Epsom 6F. #10 Thunder Strike seems to have everything in his favour. Also keep an eye on #8 Riverboat Springs.


Race 3 (Coronation Cup)

As often, this has only attracted a small field. I don't think it is as straightforward as the betting suggest (#5 St Nicholas Abbey 2/5), so I might have small bets on #1 Chamonix (40/1) and #4 Joshua Tree (16/1).

Race 4 (Epsom Dash)

Always a terrific spectacle over the fastest 5F track in the world. I'm betting #8 Taajub (28/1), #11 Smoothtalkingrascal (18/1), #16 Fair Value (14/1) and #19 Top Cop (18/1). Top Cop is the standout on my ratings. Taajub would be the pick if he was definitely in the same form as last year (which connections claim he is).


Race 5 (Epsom Derby)

I don't think Dawn Approach will stay the 12F. My money is on #2 Chopin (12/1) and #7 Libertarian (16/1). Also keep an eye on the O'Brien horses. He has a strong squad for this edition. Festive Cheer in particular is a nice price for E/W purposes. A fascinating Derby.


Race 6 (Zebra Handicap). Strong preference for #6 Duke Of Clarence at 11/2.

[OTM Al]

Derby was a nice race. Played a 12/1+8 exacta. Thought I had it....but alas Battle of Marengo faded in the last couple jumps. Can't fault the rider of Dawn Approach. Horse looked rank so he did the only reasonable thing, let him go.

[horses4courses]

Derby was a nice race. Played a 12/1+8 exacta. Thought I had it....but alas Battle of Marengo faded in the last couple jumps. Can't fault the rider of Dawn Approach. Horse looked rank so he did the only reasonable thing, let him go.

Agreed.
Dawn Approach is unlikely to run at a mile and a half again, imo.
Looks like 10 furlongs is as far as he wants to go, and he may be best at a mile.

The most surprising thing to me about this year's Epsom Derby field was the complete lack of runners from top English trainers. No entry from Cecil, Gosden, Stoute, Dunlop, Hannon, etc., at all?
3 out of the twelve runners were from small English yards, and had little chance of winning.

Ireland, France, and Germany had the prize jewel of the English Triple Crown at their mercy.......

[OTM Al]

Agreed.
Dawn Approach is unlikely to run at a mile and a half again, imo.
Looks like 10 furlongs is as far as he wants to go, and he may be best at a mile.

The most surprising thing to me about this year's Epsom Derby field was the complete lack of runners from top English trainers. No entry from Cecil, Gosden, Stoute, Dunlop, Hannon, etc., at all?
3 out of the twelve runners were from small English yards, and had little chance of winning.

Ireland, France, and Germany had the prize jewel of the English Triple Crown at their mercy.......

Not even sure I'd run him further than a mile this season. He is a very nice miler and there is nothing wrong with that. Looking forward to Ruler of the World's next already. Excellent run at the end and probably still getting better. He looked great warming up despite the sweating.

[nearco]

Battle of Marengo is the better of the Aidan O'Brien horses IMO. Think Joseph panicked a little when Dawn Approach went to the front and he went after him and got into a bit of a duel, think that's what cost him in the final furlong.

Doubt we will see DA at anything longer than a mile, not this year anyway. He could get 10f if they teach him to rate.

[gm10]

Marengo looked out of sorts in the paddock. Nervous, sweating, just not focused on the job. Dawn Approach got lit up by some interference early on but that's insufficient excuse, he's just not a mile and a half horse at all. Libertarian was very interesting again. I wonder what they will do with him next.

[OTM Al]

Battle of Marengo is the better of the Aidan O'Brien horses IMO. Think Joseph panicked a little when Dawn Approach went to the front and he went after him and got into a bit of a duel, think that's what cost him in the final furlong.

Doubt we will see DA at anything longer than a mile, not this year anyway. He could get 10f if they teach him to rate.

At 10f I think you are right but think at 12+ Ruler of the World is a nice one. Would not be surprised to hear both their names a few times this year

[JBmadera]

I always play Moore to win/place in these big races. Also bet the 7 to win and then boxed the 3,7,12 so I had a nice surprise when I got back from my ride. I need to go back and watch the video replay. I find that all of the free resources provided by ATR make playing the UK races tons of fun. Hugh Taylor had recommended the 7, he's a very sharp handicapper.

[gm10]

I always play Moore to win/place in these big races. Also bet the 7 to win and then boxed the 3,7,12 so I had a nice surprise when I got back from my ride. I need to go back and watch the video replay. I find that all of the free resources provided by ATR make playing the UK races tons of fun. Hugh Taylor had recommended the 7, he's a very sharp handicapper.

Have a look at how Moore won the 'Dash' (race 4). That was sublime.

(Free replay at http://www.racinguk.com/video/race-replays/20130601/2216208)

[horses4courses]

Ruler Of The World, winner of Saturday's Epsom Derby, has received the lowest rating of any winner this century.
Room to improve? Yes, but small praise.

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news/article/465/8756818/assessor-left-cold-by-world-rule