• Class 6 Handicap | 7f 6y | 4yo+ | Good to Firm | 13 runners declared, but Super Hit is listed NR so effectively 12 runners Have we weighed the race up correctly? Important: Super Hit is shown as NR, reducing the field from 13 to 12. On good-to-firm at Doncaster over 7f, pace can…

    ·

  • Class 3 Handicap Hurdle | 2m4f | Good ground | 4yo+ | Official ratings 0-125 Race Assessment Non-runner check: Presenting Milan is a declared non-runner. Field reduced to 7 runners, therefore no each-way angle under standard terms. Pace Assessment There is no obvious tearaway front-runner. The likely pace looks steady to even rather than strongly…

    ·

  • Class 2 Handicap | 3yo | 1m2f17y | Good to Soft | 11 runners A fascinating three-year-old handicap featuring several progressive and lightly raced types. Epsom’s unique undulations, camber and downhill run place a premium on balance, tactical speed and the ability to handle an idiosyncratic track. Pace Assessment There is no obvious confirmed front-runner,…

    ·

  • Class 3 Handicap | 7f | Good to Firm | 4yo+ | 11 runners (Billyjoh NR) Have we weighed the race up correctly? Billyjoh is a non-runner, reducing the field to 11. This remains a competitive Class 3 handicap where pace, draw and suitability to fast ground are likely to be more important than raw…

    ·

  • Runners: 7 (Haayimm declared NR) First things first – are we weighing the race up correctly? Yes, but the race has changed materially with Haayimm now a non-runner. He was the clear progressive horse and likely pace influence, so his absence increases competitiveness and reduces the strength at the top of the handicap. With only…

    ·

  • 1m4f6y, Good to Soft (with rain around), 14 runners The Derby is unlike any other British Flat race. Epsom’s cambers, downhill run, turning nature and demanding final climb place a premium on balance, stamina and temperament. This year’s ground description of good to soft introduces an extra stamina test. Race Shape, Pace & Draw Pace…

    ·

  • 5f | 4yo+ | Good | 20 runners The Dash is one of the most specialised sprint handicaps of the season. Epsom’s downhill 5f places a premium on early pace, balance, track position and handling the unique camber. This year’s Timeform pace forecast is Extreme, suggesting several confirmed front-runners could force a relentless gallop. Pace…

    ·

  • Class 2 Handicap | 3yo | 1m6f115y | Good to Firm | 6 runners A fascinating small-field staying handicap for unexposed 3yos. With only six runners, tactical positioning may prove more important than draw. Pace Assessment Likely pace appears moderate. Killer Whale made the running last time and could go forward again. Any Which Way…

    ·

  • 2m4f Law Without The Horsing Around Handicap Chase (Arc Summer Chase Series Qualifier) Class 5 Handicap Chase | 5yo+ | OR 0-100 | Good Ground | 2m4f A typical Worcester summer handicap chase where recent form, jumping reliability and proven effectiveness on good ground are likely to be more important than class angles. Worcester generally…

    ·

  • 7f 15y, Good ground, 4yo+, OR 61-809 runners – Each-way 1/5 odds, 3 places Race Shape, Pace & Draw Musselburgh’s 7f start gives a relatively short run to the bend, making draw and early position important. Likely pace angles: Modern Times – usually races prominently and has ideal stall 1. Abduction – can sit handy…

    ·