FEATURING The Cazoo Oaks

F E A T U R I N G

The Cazoo OaksFriday 4th June

A N D

The Cazoo Derby - Saturday 5th June

1

How much money is bet into World Pool?World Pools were available on both Royal Ascot and British Champions Day in 2020, where bettors had the chance to win a share of some monumental pools. At Royal Ascot £137 million was bet into the World Pool, up from £92 million the year before, and we could see even more this year. There are 17 World Pool days in Britain in 2021.

World Pool Bet TypesWIN - Pick the winner of the race PLACE - Pick a horse to be placed

Place terms:4, 5 or 6 runners – 1st and 2nd7 or more runners – 1st, 2nd & 3rd21 of more runners – 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th QUINELLA Select the first two finishers in either order QUINELLA PLACESelect two horses to finish in the first three places

TRIFECTASelect the first three finishers (correct order)

Remaining World Pool Days in Britain in 2021

• Cazoo Derby Day: Epsom Downs Racecourse, Saturday 5th June

• Royal Ascot: Ascot Racecourse, Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th June

• Coral Eclipse Day: Sandown Park Racecourse, Saturday 3rd July

• QIPCO King George Diamond Day: Ascot Racecourse, Saturday 24th July

• Qatar Goodwood Festival (Days 1-3): Goodwood Racecourse, Tuesday 27th to Thursday 29th July

• Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup Day: Ascot Racecourse, Saturday 7th August

• Welcome to Yorkshire Ebor Festival (Days 1-3): York Racecourse, Wednesday 18th to Friday 20th August

• OIPCO British Champions Day: Ascot Racecourse, Saturday 16th October

GLOBAL POOLS TO BE INCREASED BY WORLD POOL AT EPSOM

In partnership with the Hong Kong Jockey Club, UK Tote and RMG, World Pool at Epsom allows customers from all over the globe to bet into a single pool, bringing them together into one multi-million pound betting bonanza.

Watch LIVE on

Saturday 5th June – Epsom RacecourseF E AT U R I N G

English Derby

SnowfallTrainer: Aidan O’BrienOwner: Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & Michael TaborJockey: Frankie Dettori

Posted a clear career best when making all (Teona and Mystery Angel behind) in a steadily run Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York. Her dam (Best In the World) was a sister to the 2016 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner Found.

TeonaTrainer: Roger VarianOwner: Ali SaeedJockey: David Egan

Daughter of Sea The Stars and an impressive nine-length Newcastle maiden winner. Far too keen when finishing third to Snowfall in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York. Set to wear headgear (hood) in order to curb that over-exuberance.

ZeyaadahTrainer: Roger VarianOwner: Shadwell Estate Company LtdJockey: Jim Crowley

Heavy ground Newmarket Listed winner (1600m) who lost her unbeaten record when encountering traffic problems in the Cheshire Oaks finished a fast-closing second to Dubai Fountain. Her trainer reports; “She has a relaxed style of running, is a good moving filly, well balanced and can quicken so I would be hopeful over a trip.”

Saffron BeachTrainer: Jane Chapple-HyamOwner: Mrs B V Sangster, J Wigan & O SangsterJockey: Adam Kirby

Progressing with each and every racecourse visit, finishing off nicely when runner-up to Mother Earth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket. As of yet is untested beyond 1600m with her training stating; “We are confident she will get the mile and a quarter (2000m), it is just that extra two furlongs (400m) is unknown but we believe she will settle and race through it.”

2

Past Winners2020 – Love (Aidan O’Brien)2019 – Anapurna (John Gosden)2018 – Forever Together (Aidan O’Brien)2017 – Enable (John Gosden) 2016 – Minding (Aidan O’Brien)2015 – Qualify (Aidan O’Brien)2014 – Taghrooda (John Gosden)2013 – Talent (Ralph Beckett)2012 – Was (Aidan O’Brien)2011 – Dancing Rain (William Haggas)

The Main Contenders

The Key Trends

Since 1998, Aidan O’Brien has saddled the winner of the Oaks eight times

Only two winning favourites in the last 10 years (Minding & Love)

Four of the last ten winners have been returned at 20-1 or longer odds

A recent run is key - all of the last 19 winners had run within the last five weeks

Bogey stall - only three horses from stall one since 1990 have made the frame

Friday June 4th - The Cazoo Derby Festival

Santa BarbaraTrainer: Aidan O’BrienOwner: Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & WesterbergJockey: Ryan Moore

A half-sister to Iridessa and Order of Australia, Aidan O’Brien’s lightly raced Camelot filly continued on a positive trajectory with a thoroughly pleasing fourth to stablemate Mother Earth in the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

RUNNING ORDERRace 1: Cazoo Woodcote EBF Stakes (1200m)Race 2: Coral ‘Beaten By A Length’ Free Bet Handicap (1600m+)Race 3: Coral Coronation Cup (2400m)Race 4: Cazoo Handicap (2000m)

Race 5: Cazoo Oaks (2400m)Race 6: Play Coral ‘Racing-Super-Series’ For Free Surrey Stakes (1400m)Race 7: Cazoo Derby Festival Handicap (1400m)

THE MAIN EVENT: CAZOO OAKS (GROUP 1) - RACE 5 (4.30PM BST)

Sherbet LemonTrainer: Archie WatsonOwner: Apple Tree StudJockey: Hollie Doyle

Sprung a major surprise when digging deep for pressure to repel Save A Forest, Ocean Road and Divinely in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. On the figures that was a clear career best but whether or not she is able to confirm placings with those aforementioned rivals is questionable.

Save A ForestTrainer: Roger VarianOwner: The Gredley FamilyJockey: Callum Shepherd

Marked improvement from a Wolverhampton maiden through to a Windsor fillies’ handicap (2000m) before her staying on second to Sherbet Lemon in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. Her trainer said; “She is an interesting filly – she is very laidback at home and doesn’t give us any clues or anything away in her homework. The exciting thing about her is that you don’t know when she will reach her ceiling.”

TechniqueTrainer: Martyn MeadeOwner: Mantonbury StudJockey: Sean Levey

Earned valuable course experience when reeled in close home in the Listed Blue Riband Trial (2000m) in April but failed to shine thereafter when upped-in-trip in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. Much work to do in order to reverse placings with Sherbet Lemon, Save A Forest, Ocean Road and Devinely.

WillowTrainer: Aidan O’BrienOwner: Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John MagnierJockey: Wayne Lordan

American Pharoah filly from the 2007 Irish Oaks winner Peeping Fawn. On paper promises to possess the much sought after mix of speed and stamina. She’s yet to meet fillies’ of this calibre in her relatively short career, and could find no extra inside the final 200m when third to Insinuendo in the Group 3 Blue Wind Stakes at Naas (2000m) most latterly.

La JocondeTrainer: Aidan O’BrienOwner: Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith & Mrs John Magnier & WesterbergJockey: William Buick

Frankel filly from the dam (Wadyhatta) of last year’s Irish Derby winner Santiago. Still a maiden after six starts, and despite having placed form at Listed level (1600m) on her CV, held few obvious excuses in defeat to Dubai Fountain and Zeyaadah in the Cheshire Oaks.

3


DivinelyTrainer: Aidan O’BrienOwner: Mrs John Magnier & Michael Tabor & Derrick SmithJockey: Seamie Heffernan

Sister to six winners, including Found and the dam of stablemate Snowfall (Best Of The World) and herself already a heavy-ground Group 3 winning juvenile (1600m). Didn’t see a great deal of racing room when sticking to her task behind Sherbet Lemon, Save A Forest and Ocean Road in the Lingfield Oaks Trial.

Dubai FountainTrainer: Mark JohnstonOwner: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al MaktoumJockey: Franny Norton

Thoroughly consistent as a juvenile, latterly when finishing fourth in the Group 1 Fillies’ Mile (Newmarket). Always towards the fore and consequently enjoyed a much smoother passage than the fast-closing Zeyaadah when winning the Group 3 Cheshire Oaks.

Mystery AngelTrainer: George BougheyOwner: Nick Bradley Racing 27 & PartnerJockey: Ben Curtis

Vastly experienced filly who enjoyed her time in the spotlight when winning the 2000m Listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket. No match for Snowfall yet was close on the heels of third-placed Teona in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York, with connections opting to supplement her for this race last week at a cost of £30,000.

Ocean RoadTrainer: Hugo PalmerOwner: Qatar Racing LimitedJockey: Oisin Murphy

Runner-up on debut at Nottingham before winning a 1600m novice on Polytrack at Lingfield. Very closely matched with Sherbet Lemon, Save A Forest and Divinely on evidence from the soft-ground Lingfield Oaks Trial. She has stamina in her family, and her Sire Australia won the Derby in 2014.

The Other Contenders

4

The Supporting Races


Race 2 - Coral ‘Beaten By A Length’ Free Bet Handicap (Class 2) (1600m+)Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s IRISH ADMIRAL (William Haggas) made a most pleasing start in handicap company when third in a competitive 2000m Class 2 contest at York, and that form was given a timely boost with Makram (second) and Chichester (fifth) subsequently making the frame in the Zetland Gold Cup at Redcar. This 4yo French Navy gelding travelled smoothly into contention from off the pace there, so shouldn’t be hindered by dropping back in trip, and with further experience banked could feasibly develop into a pattern race performer. The Doncaster Spring Mile third MOSTAWAA is a model of consistency, while CORAZON ESPINADO always merits respect at Epsom.

Race 1 - Cazoo Woodcote EBF Stakes (Class 2) (1200m)Tom Dascombe’s FLAMING RIB is steadily learning his trade, and despite hanging left inside the final 400m, was ultimately a fairly smooth winner on second start at Nottingham. By the 2016 Jersey Stakes winner Ribchester, he should have more to offer over an extra 200m. However, DAIRERIN (Michael Bell) also brings solid juvenile form to the table, and he was only reeled in close home by the unbeaten Dukebox in a Class 2 Conditions Stakes race at Newbury (1200m). Others to consider include the Brighton scorers DUSKY PRINCE and OSCULA who should both handle the undulations of the Epsom Downs, while Richard Hannon’s RAGING was recently successful in a three-runner novice at Haydock Park.

Race 4 - Cazoo Handicap (Class 2) (2000m)The relentless galloper DREAM WITH ME and the course specialist VICTORY CHIME, who fended off SKY DEFENDER and a most unlucky in running BLUE CUP (David Menuisier) in the C&D Class 2 City And Suburban, should ensure that this race is run at an end to end gallop. The selection was a beaten favourite in a strong York handicap subsequently but does remain feasibly handicapped and appears to have a race of this nature within the reach of his capabilities. Meanwhile, DATA PROTECTION is also suited by the Epsom Downs - course form figures of 13124 - and arrives off the back of a near career-best on seasonal reappearance at Chester.

Race 7 - Cazoo Derby Festival Handicap (Class 2) (1400m)An open finale featuring no less than five last-time-out winners. The improving RHOSCOLYN (David O’Meara), who also held a five-day stage entry in the Listed Surrey Stakes, goes in pursuit of a quick-fire hat-trick for The Horse Watchers and probably just about sets the benchmark. DULAS and LORD RAPSCALLION are closely matched on the basis of recent Goodwood form, while TINTORETTO is a demonstrably versatile individual. Furthermore, it’s impossible to dismiss the chance of the returning ABOVE who hasn’t competed on turf since finishing a close second to Repartee in the Listed Carnarvon Stakes at Windsor in June 2020.

Race 3 - Coral Coronation Cup - 3.10pm BST (Group 1) (2400m)Sea The Stars colt AL AASY has made a striking impression on the racecourse in 2021, most latterly when a seamless winner of the 2400m Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes at Newbury. Those seeking to oppose the William Haggas-trained favourite will doubtless highlight that his main market rival in that race - Logician - somewhat under-performed. However, there can be no denying that Al Aasy is clearly on an upward path and he’ll be particularly strong in the market exchanges. With the defection of the Royal Ascot bound Love, Aidan O’Brien relies upon his Ormonde Stakes winner JAPAN and the year younger sibling MOGUL. The latter shone when winning the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin last December.

1 Dairerin 2 Flaming Rib 3 Dusky Prince

1 Blue Cup 2 Victory Chime 3 Data Protection

1 Rhoscolyn 2 Lord Rapscallion 3 Above

1 Irish Admiral 2 Mostawaa 3 Corazon Espinado

1 Al Aasy 2 Pyledriver 3 Mogul

Race 6 - Play Coral ‘Racing-Super-Series’ For Free Surrey Stakes (1400m)MEHMENTO (Archie Watson) finished down the field in the French Guineas yet remains the likeliest winner on the strength of earlier form. The selection was narrowly beaten by Chindit in the Group 3 Greenham Stakes at Newbury, and probably found very soft ground too demanding over the extra 200m at Longchamp. After a dry and settled spell of weather, the conditions are forecast to be more favourable here. MEU AMOR and MAMBA WAMBA will seek to utilise their 5lb fillies allowance, while Simon and Ed Crisford’s Shalaa colt LEGAL ATTACK also holds reasonable place claims.

1 Mehmento 2 Meu Amor 3 Legal Attack

5

Past Winners2020 – Serpentine (Aidan O’Brien)2019 – Anthony Van Dyck (Aidan O’Brien)2018 – Masar (Charlie Appleby)2017 – Wings Of Eagles (Aidan O’Brien)2016 – Harzand (Dermot Weld)

The Key Trends

Aidan O’Brien is the leading trainer in the Derby, largely courtesy of his first winner Galileo (2001). Galileo also sired Ruler Of The World (2013), Australia (2014), Anthony Van Dyck (2019) and Serpentine (2020)

Since 2012, Aidan O’Brien has saddled the winner of the Derby six times

Three of the last ten Derby winners have started favourite; Camelot (2012), Australia (2014) and Golden Horn (2015)

Eight of the last 19 winners had won a Group 1 race prior to the Epsom Derby

Saturday June 5th - The Cazoo Derby Festival

RUNNING ORDERRace 1: World Pool At The Tote Handicap (2000m)Race 2: Princess Elizabeth Stakes (1600m)Race 3: Cazoo Diomed Stakes (1600m)Race 4: World Pool ‘Dash’ Handicap (1000m)

Race 5: Cazoo Derby (2400m)Race 6: Northern Dancer Handicap (2400m)Race 7: Cazoo Handicap – For The Tokyo Trophy (1200m)

THE MAIN EVENT: CAZOO DERBY (GROUP 1) - RACE 5 (4.30PM BST)

The first recorded race took place on the Epsom Downs on March 7th 1661 in the presence of King Charles II, and the Derby itself has been attended by Her Majesty The Queen for over 70 years with the royally-owned Aureole finishing second in 1953.

The Derby, first run in 1780, is a unique test of horse and jockey with a 184-foot (56m) climb to the 1400m marker before the swing round the world-famous Tattenham Corner into the cambered home straight, which is initially downhill before rising sharply inside the final 200m. Epsom is also home to ‘the fastest 1000m course in the world’; hence ‘The Dash’.

FACT-FILE: WHAT MAKES EPSOM RACECOURSE & DERBY DAY SO SPECIAL?The Downs are classified as public land, and in a pre-COVID19 era, a community-led carnival atmosphere takes place on the centre-course. Epsom Racecourse has played an important role in combatting the threat of the global pandemic with the site recently being used as a COVID vaccination centre. After a strictly behind closed doors Derby in 2020, a limited number of racegoers will be permitted to return in 2021, with a clear ambition of normality resuming in 2022.

Watch LIVE on


English Derby

6

Form – Career Form FiguresRating – BHA Official RatingKey:

HORSE NAME TRAINER FORM RATING DRAW GOOD DRAW DISTANCE GROUP 1

Adayar C. Appleby 41-22 107 1 ✓Bolshoi Ballet A. O’Brien 315-11 117 9 ✓ ✓Gear Up M. Johnston 1141-5 112 6 ✓ ✓ ✓Hurricane Lane C. Appleby 1-11 112 5 ✓ ✓John Leeper E. Dunlop 4-11 106 12 ✓Mac Swiney J. Bolger 519181-41 119 8 ✓ ✓ ✓Mohaafeth W. Haggas 73-111 111 4 ✓ ✓Mojo Star R. Hannon 2-2 - 10 ✓One Ruler C. Appleby 21312-6 114 11

Southern Lights J.P O’Brien 2-16 104 3 ✓ ✓Third Realm R. Varian 5-11 108 2 ✓Youth Spirit A. Balding 413-41 111 7 ✓ ✓

Draw – Stall Number‘Good Draw – Between Stalls 3 & 9?

Distance – Run over at least 2000m previously?Group 1 – Won a Group 1 race previously?

Mac SwineyTrainer: Jim BolgerOwner: Mrs J S BolgerJockey: Kevin Manning Ideally is suited by cut in the ground, and in winning the Vertem Futurity (Doncaster) and the Irish 2000 Guineas has demonstrated his abundant skillset over 1600m. Immediately after the Irish Guineas, his then rider Rory Clearly indicated toughness and stamina reserves were key strengths for Mac Swiney. The Derby will be his first ever attempt beyond 2000m and he must reverse Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial placings with Bolshoi Ballet, albeit he did suffer from a slight nasal discharge post-race.

MohaafethTrainer: William HaggasOwner: Shadwell Estate Company LtdJockey: Jim Crowley

Unbeaten in three starts this season, including most authoritatively in a small-field Listed contest at Newmarket (2000m, good to firm). Pedigree offers much hope that he’ll handle the extra yardage on the Epsom Downs as he seeks to emulate Shaamit (1996) by winning the Derby for William Haggas, who recently stated that Mohaafeth is best suited by good ground.

Bolshoi BalletTrainer: Aidan O’BrienOwner: Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith & WesterbergJockey: Ryan Moore

By Galileo, and with the late defection of High Definition and various other stablemates is the sole representative from Ballydoyle. Unbeaten in two starts in 2021, firstly in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes before producing a stunning display of strength, stamina and superiority in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown (2000m, good). Trainer Aidan O’Brien said; “He’s a big horse but he’s very well proportioned. He’s compact and very well balanced.”

John LeeperTrainer: Ed DunlopOwner: Anamoine LimitedJockey: Frankie Dettori

Superbly bred, by Frankel out of the 2010 Oaks winner Snow Fairy, and is named in honour of former trainer John Dunlop. Deeply impressive at Newcastle (Tapeta) and also appeared to have more in the locker when taking the Listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket (2000m). Still developing and maturing, gaining valuable Epsom experience with a recent racecourse gallop. Evidently is regarded by his connections as an immensely talented colt.

The Main Contenders


AdayarTrainer: Charlie ApplebyOwner: GodolphinJockey: Adam Kirby

Nottingham maiden winner (1600m+, soft). Runner-up to Alenquer in Sandown’s Classic Trial on seasonal reappearance, and filled that same berth when a beaten favourite behind Third Realm in the Lingfield Derby Trial (2400m, soft). The apparent Godolphin ‘third-string’ behind Hurricane Lane and One Ruler.

Youth SpiritTrainer: Andrew BaldingOwner: Ahmad Al ShaikhJockey: Tom Marquand

Placed in the 1400m Group 2 Vintage Stakes (Glorious Goodwood) as a juvenile this Camelot colt highlighted his Derby potential, crucially also proving his stamina, when making a successful seasonal reappearance in the Group 3 Chester Vase (2400m+, good to soft). Clearly, the Derby represents a much sterner test of his credentials, but he’s worthy of a place in the line-up.

Gear UpTrainer: Mark JohnstonOwner: Teme ValleyJockey: Ben Curtis

Enjoyed juvenile success in the 1400m Acomb Stakes (York), and from the front in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (2000m). Finished fifth (to Hurricane Lane) in the Group 2 Dante Stakes but assistant trainer Charlie Johnston said; “The extra test of stamina here will suit him as we expect him to be a strong stayer at a mile and a half (2400m).”

Mojo StarTrainer: Richard HannonOwner: Amo Racing LimitedJockey: David Egan

Runner-up in a pair of Newbury maidens, so at face value this is an ultra-ambitious target as he competes over 2400m for the first time. Closely related to the 2000m Italian Listed winner Cape Magic and a half-brother to the Listed winner Portage (7f-1m1f).

7

Hurricane LaneTrainer: Charlie ApplebyOwner: GodolphinJockey: William Buick

Frankel colt who is yet to taste defeat (3-3) with a fair deal of depth and substance to his overall form. Rallied determinedly for the urgings of William Buick when taking the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York, and is seemingly versatile in terms of underfoot conditions. Trainer Charlie Appleby said; “Everything bodes well to step him upto a mile and a half (2400m) as it might see further improvement.”

Third RealmTrainer: Roger VarianOwner: Sheikh Mohammed Obaid Al MaktoumJockey: Andrea Atzeni

Progressive Sea The Stars colt who drew benefit from seeking cover (dropped in from a wide draw) in difficult conditions when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial - Adayar second. His trainer reports; “He ticks a lot of boxes going into the race. He has a great mind, a relaxed character and is a bit of a cool dude. I don’t think he’s (soft) ground dependent.”

Southern LightsTrainer: Joseph Patrick O’BrienOwner: Aquis Racing & Al Mamoura PartnershipJockey: Declan McDonagh

Lightly raced Sea The Stars colt. Struggled to make a significant impact when sixth to Bolshoi Ballet (Mac Swiney fourth) in the Group 3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown. Is in expert hands with Joseph O’Brien and is probably better judged on his earlier 2000m maiden success. Possibly capable of making the frame if everything clicks into place.

One Ruler Trainer: Charlie ApplebyOwner: GodolphinJockey: James Doyle

Progressive throughout his juvenile season, winning the Autumn Stakes (Newmarket) before finishing runner-up to Mac Swiney in the Group 1 Vertem Futurity at Doncaster. Creditable sixth of 14 in the Guineas, but by Dubawi isn’t exactly bred for middle-distances so stamina may prove to be his achilles heel with trainer Charlie Appleby stating; “It is going to be a big question mark the mile and a half (2400m), there is no doubt about it.”

The Other Contenders


Watch LIVE on


English Derby

8

The Supporting Races

Race 2: Princess Elizabeth Stakes Group 3) (1600m)The pacy Group 3 Atalanta Stakes winner MAAMORA promises to be competitive at a track which should suit her style of running and with the benefit of her Goodwood seasonal reappearance under her belt is perfectly capable of reversing placings with ILLYKATO. Richard Hannon’s POSTED is eased in grade after a respectable showing (fifth) behind Lady Bowthorpe in the Group 2 Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket, with similar comments also applicable to the returning Rockfel Stakes second NAZUNA. However, the suggestion is Martyn Meade’s Lawman filly STATEMENT.

Race 6: Northern Dancer Handicap (Class 2) (2400m)The front-running GROUP ONE POWER made all over C&D in the Great Metropolitan Handicap, beating Epsom regular SOTO SIZZLER by three-quarters of a length. However, his free-going nature will always make him vulnerable in the closing stages of a race and he isn’t guaranteed confirm placings on these revised terms. THE TRADER (winner of the Buttonhook at Hamilton) has risen ever so marginally in the weights, while last year’s Northumberland Plate runner-up Australis ideally needs further than 2400m. Therefore, from near the foot of the weights a chance can be taken on Phil Kirby’s RED FORCE ONE.

Race 1: World Pool At The Tote Handicap (Class 2) (2000m)PATIENT DREAM has winning Epsom form (1600m, Class 4) in the book, and given the fact his dam was a 2400m winner herself, should manage to negotiate today’s extra yardage. However, after making an initial steady start to his career, Mark Johnston’s KING FRANKEL has recently taken more significant steps forward. His second-place finish (on handicap debut) to the talented Bay Bridge in the London Gold Cup at Newbury represents particularly appealing three-year-old form. The novice scorers GREATGADIAN and CAMELOT TALES are also interesting individuals.

Race 4: World Pool ‘Dash’ Handicap Class 2) (1000m)As is tradition it’s a case of blink and you’ll miss it, but after a fallow year in 2020 the ‘Dash’ makes a thoroughly welcome return to the Derby Day card at Epsom Racecourse. The admirable CASPIAN PRINCE (winner in 2014, 2016 and 2017) and the 2019 victor ORNATE both face difficult missions from their respective low draws. Conversely, close inspection should be given to the bang-in-form COPPER KNIGHT (stall 16); the blisteringly quick Sunday Sovereign (stall 19) and the 2020 Portland winner STONE OF DESTINY (stall 17).

Race 7: Cazoo Handicap – For The Tokyo Trophy (Class 2) (1200m)The Derby Day finale will be fast and furious with Mark Johnston’s front-runner DESERT SAFARI handily drawn near the inside rail (in stall three). He developed into a solid, versatile performer during the second half of last season, and has shown additional improvement in the early weeks of his four-year-old campaign (late career progress was a trait of his sire Slade Power). He wasn’t troubled by the downhill nature of Goodwood when winning a 1000m Class 2 handicap five weeks ago, and although now competing from a career-high mark (of 100) that isn’t necessarily a major barrier to further success.

Race 3 - Cazoo Diomed Stakes - (Group 3) (3.10pm BST)(1600m)CENTURY DREAM landed this Group 3 prize in 2018 and 2020, although owing to the global pandemic last year’s renewal took place in Berkshire at Newbury. After competing in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes, Simon and Ed Crisford’s representative has the advantage of race-fitness this time around yet the forecast drying ground mightn’t necessarily play to his absolute strengths. Therefore, a preference is for the promising Galileo colt MAXIMAL (Sir Michael Stoute). This Juddmonte-owned 3yo has finished runner-up on both starts this term, including behind El Drama in the Listed Dee Stakes at Chester.

1 Maximal 2 Century Dream 3 Bell Rock

1 King Frankel 2 Patient Dream 3 Greatgadian

1 Only Spoofing 2 Stone of Destiny 3 Sunday Sovereign

1 Desert Safari 2 Atalanta’s Boy 3 Lexington Dash

1 Red Force One 2 Soto Sizzler 3 Group One Power

1 Statement 2 Maamora 3 Posted


Documents

FEATURING The Cazoo Oaks