2.00 Epsom – Teej A (Each Way)
I was impressed by the way Teej A quickened at Chester last time out. She seemed to be a filly that won with a bit in hand, and she seemed to cope well with the bend, which you’ll need to do at Epsom. The form might not be worth much, but she looks progressive, and she’ll get the fillies’ allowance here.
Karl Burke’s stable has started to churn out the winners in the two-year-old department, and I think this daughter of Mehmas could be one to follow this season.
2.35 Epsom – Dancing Magic (Each Way)
Dancing Magic is a horse I’ve been following this season. I think he is due to win a nice race, and this could be it. His trainer, Roger Teal, campaigned him at a high level in group races last season, where he probably found life a bit tough. However, as a result, he looks to be on a nice handicap mark.
The last time we saw the son of Camelot, he ran a good race to finish second at Chester. He has gone up 1lb for that performance, but I think he’s still well-handicapped. If Rossa Ryan rides him, then he won’t be too far away.
3.10 Epsom – Feed The Flame (Win)
Cases can be made for all of them, but I’m going to go for the French raider, Feed The Flame. He’s a horse that has a strong turn of foot, which saw him win the Group 1 Grand Prix de Paris last season.
The son of Kingman was last seen finishing fast third in the Prix Ganay at Paris Longchamp last month. That trip was over 1m2f, and I think stepping back up in the trip will suit. As long as the ground isn’t too testing, then I think he has a massive chance.
3.45 Epsom – Sweet Reward (Each Way)
Sweet Reward likes coming to Epsom after winning over this course and distance last year. The last time we saw him, he ran a good race, just being caught late on to finish in fourth at Newbury.
He’s a horse that likes to go forward and make the running. Those tactics can often be seen to have a good effect at Epsom, and the booking of Silvestre De Sousa suggests that they’ll do the same here. His mark of 89 might be a little high, but I think he’ll definitely give it a good go, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the opposition didn’t catch him.
4.30 Epsom – Rubies Are Red (Each Way) / Forest Fairy (Each Way)
I think this is a bit more wide-open than the betting suggests. Ylang Ylang has a chance, but I wouldn’t call her a standout favourite.
I like Ballydoyle’s second string, Rubies Are Red. Though she’s a maiden, she reminds me of Forever Together, who won this race in 2018. The last time we saw the daughter of Galileo, she flew home to finish second in the Lingfield Oaks Trial, and it looked like she learned plenty. Furthermore, she is also from the family of Oaks winner Found, so she’s bred to win at Epsom. I think she’s got a great chance.
I’m also keen to have Forest Fairy on my side. Ralph Beckett has a reputation for doing sterling work with his fillies, and I like the way the daughter of Waldgeist won the Chester Oaks. That was only her second career start, and Ralph Beckett’s team was only coming into form when she won. I just think she’s a filly that could go places this season, and I can see her running a massive race here.
5.10 Epsom – Native American (Win)
I was surprised that Richard Fahey decided to go up to a mile with him at Newmarket. I think coming back down to 7f could be the right move here. His pedigree suggests he could be a sprinter, and the way he won at the Curragh and York last season hinted he was all speed.
He’s not been seen since the Craven meeting, so he arrives here after a little break. If he can recapture that spark from last season, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go close here.
5.45 Epsom – Dark Thirty (Each Way)
Dark Thirty is thriving, and he ran a cracker to finish third at Newmarket earlier this month. He seems to be versatile over 6f and 7f, and I think Epsom can play to his strengths.
This doesn’t look to be the strongest of races, and I just think we’ve still not gotten to the bottom of the four-year-old colt. For me, he’ll go close in the lucky last.
If you are having a bet at Epsom, please remember to gamble responsibly.
