SATURDAY
EPSOM
3:30 G1 Epsom Derby
Nightime Dancer (Jamie Spencer)
He was in contention right until the last 100m in the Trial at Lingfield where the ground was plenty quick enough, but it showed us he is a colt with lots of ability and the going at Epsom will definitely be in his favour, especially if the rain arrives. He does have quite a high knee action.
I’m under no illusions as to the task he faces, this is the Derby after all, and a very high class renewal at that, but he has done nothing wrong and we’ve had the likes of Humphrey Bogart run well at big odds, and Mojo Star was second a few years ago, so he’s not just in there to make up the numbers in a race where I see Unibet are paying an extra place each way.
1:35 G3 Diomed Stakes
Persica (Ryan Moore)
The G1 Lockinge was all a bit too much for him, and probably over a trip shorter than his best, so he’ll be much happier going up a bit in distance and on softer going. He’s extremely consistent and has already won at the track last year, therefore there’s plenty in his favour. The ground should be perfect.
4:15 Hcap
Great Bedwyn (Sean Levey)
He seems to be improving with each run and I was delighted with his win at York last time where he appeared to win with a fair bit up his sleeve. The handicapper has reacted accordingly but he’s clearly better than ever and comes here with every chance.
5:00 Hcap
Meblesh (Sean Levey)
I was impressed with him at Newbury where he showed a very good attitude to win by a head. This is his first start in Handicap Company, off an opening mark of 82, but that looks fair and I think he could develop into quite a smart colt this season.
5:40 Hcap
Circe (Sean Levey)
She is a very, very tough filly who has won her last two, just getting up on each occasion, but I don’t care how far she wins by, as long as it’s her head in front on the line! Six furlongs is no problem for her and she will appreciate softer going, giving her every chance of completing the three timer.
ELSEWHERE
We’ve got a handful of runners elsewhere including Sinj in the 6:00 at Chepstow. She shaped with promise over course and distance on debut and with normal improvement, I’d expect her to run well under Sam Hitchcott. Miss Collada wasn’t beaten far at York last time and she’s ready to win again. Sam Hitchcott also rides her in the 6:30. Mum’s Tipple is back out in the 7:00 after scoring at York and he has come out of that in great nick. Alec saves us a valuable 3lbs and I’d be hopeful of another bold show.
Gennadius steps back down in trip, which should suit, and a bit of rain should be no problem in the 7:40 at Lingfield.
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