1.25 Epsom – Bubbles Wonky (Each Way)
I thought it was a good reappearance by Bubbles Wonky when he finished a close second at Catterick last month. He had to carry a 7lb penalty that day, but he kept on well-shaping, like this step-up in trip will suit. His dam, Belle Josephine, produced Mildenberger, who was a classy and good stayer for Mark Johnston, so he’s bred to appreciate further. It’s interesting to see Tim Easterby sending him down south for his handicap debut, and William Buick is booked for the ride. The son of Lope De Vega could be in with a live chance if he handles track.
2.00 Epsom – Breege (Each Way)
This filly is due to win a big race. She’s been running well in some good races but hasn’t quite been able to get her head in front. Her last run saw her finish third in a Listed race at Goodwood, where I thought she was a little but unlucky that day in the run-in.
The daughter of Starspangledbanner also seems to be a very versatile filly after running well on quick and soft, ground. Therefore conditions shouldn’t matter to her. If she can get a good toe into the race, I just think this might be her day.
2.35 Epsom – Silver Sword (Each Way)
Silver Sword is a horse I’ve got a lot of time for. He progressed really well for Dylan Cunha last year, and I thought he shaped well on his seasonal return over 7f, which was on the sharp side for him.
He’ll be much happier stepping back up in trip, and he won’t mind returning to Epsom after he ran a very good race to finish second in a hot handicap. I can see him going under the radar and popping up at a double-figure price.
3.10 Epsom – Due For Luck (Each Way)
The three-year-old colt was very unlucky at Chester as he never got a clear run. When he did find space, he flew home and was a proper eyecatcher.
These races on the 5f course at Epsom are notoriously difficult to win, but I do think he’s a horse who is well-handicapped off a mark of 85. He’s drawn in Stall 19, which isn’t a terrible draw. If Jason Hart can keep up with the pace, he might just be able to get his head in front.
3.45 Epsom – Silky Wilkie (Each Way)
Silky Wilkie has been showing signs that he’s returning to form. He ran a blinder in this race last year; he is now off an 8lb lower mark. Karl Burke has already hit the ground running at Epsom, saddling two winners on Friday. With the first-time cheekpieces on, I can see him going one better in 2024.
4.30 Epsom – Macduff (Each Way) / Voyage (Each Way)
Macduff is coming in here under the radar, but I thought he ran a nice prep race when he finished second in the Classic Trial at Sandown back in April. Ralph Beckett used the same race for Westover, who placed in the Derby in 2022, so it’s a route he’s been down before. The Derby looks wide open, and I think the son of Sea The Stars has as good a chance as any.
The other horse that’s been on my shortlist for this is Voyage. He cruised to victory at Newbury on his racecourse debut in April and won with any amount in hand. It is a tough ask for him to win from Stall 16, but I think he could run a nice race. He’s by a Derby winner in Golden Horn and out of a Galileo mare, so Epsom is in his DNA.
5.15 Epsom – If Not Now (Each Way)
If there’s a group horse in a handicap, then it could be If Not Now. I thought his seasonal reappearance at Lingfield was a good effort when he finished third . His trainer, Ralph Beckett, campaigned him at a high level last season, and he wasn’t disgraced behind the likes of Royal Ascot winner Gregory. I just think he could be a horse to keep on side this season.
5.50 Epsom – Badri (Each Way)
I am going to go for an old friend here, Badri, for Julie Camacho. Last year, he did me a favour by winning this race for Ruth Carr off a 2lb lower mark. Hollie Doyle, who rode him twelve months ago, is booked for the ride again, so it looks like it’s been the plan.
He’s been a little bit quiet since joining this yard, but Julie Camacho’s horse has started to hint at a revival. It might just be that this seven-year-old gelding can peak at the right time in the first-time cheekpieces.