Class 2, 4yo+, 1m2f17y, good to soft, 17 declared but Hand Of God NR.

This is a deep, strongly run-looking 1m2f handicap around a specialist track. Epsom places extra emphasis on balance, tactical position and the ability to handle the camber. With Respond and Liberty Lane usually handy, there should be honest pace, but several closers need luck.

Draw-wise, low-to-middle can help if holding position; wide-drawn runners need either early pace to get across or luck dropping in. Sallaal, Respond and Quai De Bethune are drawn high, which tempers enthusiasm slightly.

Strongest contenders

Alpha Crucis — 8.5/10 p
Well suited by good to soft or softer, twice runner-up at Epsom, 1lb lower than when second at this meeting last year, and his TS/RPR profile is strong. Stays 1m2f and looks very solid each-way.

Respond — 8/10 p
Progressive and impressive from the front at Chester. The 9lb rise is the question, but he is thriving and the track should not be an issue if Oisin Murphy gets him balanced early.

Sallaal — 8/10 P
Promising C&D second on reappearance, finishing strongly from too far back. Raised 5lb and not entirely straightforward, but unexposed at 1m2f and has a big RPR. Hold-up risk: needs luck in running.

Auld Toon Loon — 7.5/10
Solid 1m2f handicapper, handles soft, and ran well at Windsor 11 days ago. Proven class level and reliable enough to be a danger.

Main dangers and outsiders

Spoken Truth — 7.5/10 p
Still well treated on OR compared with RPR/TS. Consistent for David O’Meara and has soft-ground form. Strong each-way claims from a workable weight.

Quai De Bethune — 7/10 P
Lightly raced Royal Ascot winner, gelded since and potentially better than his mark. Big layoff and no soft-ground evidence are the risks. Market watch essential after 349 days off.

Liberty Lane — 6.5/10
Classy on his day and softer ground helps. Top weight makes life hard, and he needs to bounce back, but he is not dismissed.

Bolster — 6/10
Won this race last year and likes cut. However, gelding/wind operations and first-time headgear after a quiet 2025 create mixed signals. Trainer has won this race with him before.

Let’s Dream — 6.5/10 p
Chester form is a plus for Epsom-style demands. Needs to prove he is as effective on this ground in a hotter race.

Tycoon — 6.5/10 P
Ran on well at Newmarket and may improve back at 1m2f. Ground is an unknown.

Runner marks

Liberty Lane 6.5/10
Sallaal 8/10 P
Respond 8/10 p
Quai De Bethune 7/10 P
Auld Toon Loon 7.5/10
Dhahabi 3/10
Have Secret 5.5/10
Great David 4.5/10
King’s Code 3.5/10
Beylerbeyi 5/10
Spoken Truth 7.5/10 p
Tycoon 6.5/10 P
Ammes 6/10 p
Let’s Dream 6.5/10 p
Alpha Crucis 8.5/10 p
Bolster 6/10
Hand Of God NR

Private tissue estimate

Alpha Crucis 6/1
Respond 13/2
Sallaal 7/1
Spoken Truth 10/1
Auld Toon Loon 10/1
Quai De Bethune 12/1
Tycoon 14/1
Liberty Lane 16/1
Let’s Dream 16/1
Bolster 18/1
Ammes 18/1
Have Secret 25/1
Beylerbeyi 28/1
Great David 40/1
King’s Code 50/1
Dhahabi 66/1

Smart Play

Top win bet: Alpha Crucis — best blend of ground, track, mark and proven Epsom suitability.
Second bet / each-way saver: Spoken Truth — well weighted, consistent, and suited by 1m2f with cut.