Racing

Four to consider at Epsom: Group races

Royal Playwright (Diomed Stakes)

Persica beat Ice Max (second) and ROYAL PLAYWRIGHT (fourth) in this race last year but I’m interested in the latter, who wasn’t far behind the pair and could bridge the gap.

He has deliberately been kept fresh for this and will get his favoured conditions. He is a smart horse and seems overpriced. I think he’ll improve on last year’s finishing effort.

Legacy Link (Oaks)

I’m really sweet on LEGACY LINK in the Oaks. I just get the feeling she has more scope than Amelia Earhart and was so impressive in the Musidora at York last time out, beating a horse who is held in high regard.

She will have come on plenty for that return to action and looks ready for this step up in distance given how strongly she hit the line. John and Thady Gosden’s filly can hopefully land the spoils under Colin Keane.

Calandagan (Coronation Cup)

CALANDAGAN was beaten by Jan Brueghel in this race last year but I’m expecting the form to be turned around this time if the rain stays away.

The French raider has gone from strength-to-strength since, winning all four starts and will be fit after his comeback win in the Sheema Classic.

His connections state he’s in better form this year and they are confident he will come out on top. I think he’s the best bet on Derby day.

Item (Derby)

In the main event, ITEM can hopefully provide Colin Keane with a big-race double. This unbeaten son of Frankel made a fantastic reappearance in the Dante Stakes at York, winning by more than two lengths and is bound to improve a ton for that return.

He has an appealing profile and is getting better and better with every start, so despite coming up against Ballydoyle’s battalion, he can rise to the occasion and see them off with a massive performance.