Twelve months ago at the same Epsom bank holiday fixture the bookmakers were running for cover after Silvestre De Sousa rode the first four winners, at odds ranging from 5-2 to 4-1. Following the fifth race, for amateur riders only, De Sousa then finished second and fifth on well-backed mounts in the last two contests.
There are those who use the ploy of betting against a jockey continuing a multi-win sequence - on the basis that the later runners can start at shorter odds than their chances warrant. But, of course, there are risks attached …
Those risks are plain to see when it is Ryan Moore’s turn to arrive at Epsom on Monday with a strong hand to play. Even if a Moore bandwagon starts rolling, I would not oppose him in the last race, when he partners Lord Clenaghcastle (5.25).
Trained by his father Gary, this four-year-old has shown a marked liking for downland tracks, including Epsom. The three-year-old has climbed the weights, but Ryan takes the reins for the first time.
De Sousa, this year, heads instead to Ripon for a handful of fancied rides. The best bet of these looks to be Oden (2.45), who is likely to show considerable improvement in this, his first handicap after showing promise in maiden races.
In the next race at Ripon, Danny Tudhope can get on the scoresheet when partnering Hee Haw (3.20) for the Paul Midgley yard. Sprinters from this stable have a hugely impressive strike rate in recent days. Hee Haw is quoted at decent odds and can show up well after hinting at a return to form from a moderate draw in a big field at this track nine days ago.
Meanwhile, at Chepstow, Blue Laureate (2.15) can win for Clive Cox, whose two-year-olds have been in fine form on turf this campaign. This gelding has displayed potential at Sandown and Newbury on his first two runs.
Monday’s tips
Southwell 12.30 Beach Party 1.00 Royal Diplomat 1.30 Be Be King 2.00 The Big Lad 2.35 Breaking Free 3.10 Treagus 3.45Stander 4.15 Misu Moneypenny
Chepstow 12.45 Air Of York 1.15 King Of Swing 1.45 Double Reflection 2.15 Blue Laureate (nap) 2.50 Tanasoq 3.25 Dream Farr 4.00 Taws 4.35 Murchison River
Epsom 2.05 Powerful Society 2.40 Loving 3.15 Discreet Hero 3.50 Tobouggaloo 4.20 Midterm 4.55 Count Calabash 5.25 Lord Clenaghcastle
Ripon 2.10 Flo’s Melody 2.45 Oden 3.20 Hee Haw (nb) 3.55 One Word More 4.30 Lake Volta 5.05 Perfect Sense 5.35Kerry Icon
Cartmel 2.20 Mizen Master 2.55 Glorvina 3.30 Bagad Bihoue 4.05 Royal Rebellion 4.40 Orbasa 5.10 Tawseef 5.45 Theatrical Style
