Racing
Epsom Downs Win 6 preview | 23rd April
14.10 Betfred Handicap
This will be run at some speed. ONE NIGHT STAND finished fifth in last year’s Dash here, and the combination of his high draw and early speed could see him hard to peg back.
The likes of CLEARPOINT, and MOUNTAIN PEAK, who finished second in the Dash over C&D two years ago from an 8Ib higher mark, are others to definitely fear.
Recent Thirsk winner GLORY FIGHTER and the capable MONDAMMEJ, who will get his preferred strong pace, can also be included in a tricky opener.
Tips: One Night Stand, Clearpoint, Mountain Peak, Mondammej, Glory Fighter
14.45 Betfred Blue Riband Trial (Listed)
ARABIC LEGEND returned as an easy winner on his debut before he finished second to a promising sort in a listed event at Salisbury. He wasn’t in the same form when last spotted, but the step-up in trip will suit, and he should be thereabouts.
DEFIANCE beat subsequent listed third Caviar Heights on debut, and although he was down the field in the Royal Lodge next time, he’s another who should relish the rise in distance.
Aidan O’Brien’s CHIEF LITTLE ROCK sets a good standard judged on his second in the Beresford Stakes at the Curragh and must be shortlisted, with Ryan Moore here to take the ride.
Tips: Arabic Legend, Defiance, Chief Little Rock
15.20 Lilley Plummer Risks City & Suburban Handicap
This is a difficult puzzle to unravel, but FELIX has been competing in some quality races for the last three seasons and has made the frame numerous times. He must go well.
Marco Botti’s charge was only denied by a neck last time out, and he has won on the all-weather from a 5Ib higher mark, so he’s massively respected under Oisin Murphy.
SILENT FILM has some good form in the book off higher marks and ran well at this course as a youngster, so he’s another to note, with Ryan Moore required to do the steering job.
Tips: Felix, Silent Film
15.55 Weatherbys Global Stallions App Great Metropolitan Handicap
THE GOAT failed to make an impact in three subsequent starts, but he was very impressive in scoring on his handicap debut at Glorious Goodwood last summer.
The form of his third, behind Lion’s Pride and Middle Earth, has worked out extremely well. I think he has a great chance of winning this race for Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy.
SPLENDENT and VAYNOR, who sport the same ownership, are well treated on the pick of their form and can be included, with top jockeys Tom Marquand and Jim Crowley booked to ride the pair.
Tips: The Goat, Splendent, Vaynor
16.30 Weatherbys Digital Solutions Novice Stakes
Involvement came close to defying a penalty for his debut success when narrowly denied at Newcastle, but he might have to settle for second-best again here.
MIDAIR receives 6lb from the penalised winner and should have won last time out. Harry Charlton’s horses are in great form, and James Doyle gets a second crack on him, so he can deservedly come out on top. He is the only selection in the race.
Tips: Midair
17.05 Betfred ‘Nifty 50’ Handicap
INVINCIBLE AURA split two next-time-out winners at Pontefract in September and kept on well, taking fourth at Wolverhampton last time out after winning at Southwell. He is one to consider.
COMMANDER CROUCH could make an impact at double digits. All of his best form has been on decent ground, including his second to subsequent winner Woodhay Wonder in the 150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes at Newmarket. He’s overpriced and could eliminate several units.
DASHINWHITESARGENT has improved with each start and only found an odds-on favourite too strong last time out. He could feature in the outcome on his handicap debut.
Tips: Invincible Aura, Commander Crouch, Dashinwhitesargent
