It must be a slightly odd experience to hold an annual members’ badge at Epsom Downs racecourse. It is the centre of the racing universe on its two big afternoons of the year in early June, but on the other nine days on its calendar, there can be as few as 1,500 other paying punters rattling around in the stands and enclosures and Tuesday’s meeting, which pulled in 1,650 last year, is definitely one of those.
Turnout is pretty thin today in terms of the horses as well, and after three non-runners in what was initially an eight-runner handicap at 4.55, there are currently just 47 horses due to go to post on a seven-race card, 10 of which are engaged in the opening nursery. There were also just five declarations for the feature handicap, which is worth more than £9,000 to the winner, which is disappointing even when you allow for Epsom’s well-earned reputation as a specialists’ track.
There are two previous winners over course and distance in the field for the Terry Mills & John Akehurst Handicap, including David O’Meara’s Highland Acclaim, who has taken this prize for the last two seasons. He has four wins in all at Epsom and is 2lb below his winning mark in this race last year, but faces a significant opponent in Saeed bin Suroor’s Desert Frost (3.15), who has the excellent Rossa Ryan claiming 3lb.
Bin Suroor’s string is starting to show some signs of life after a difficult time of it this season, and Desert Frost was within half a length of a first win since taking a Doncaster maiden in May last year when he finished second behind Militia at Ayr last time out. The time was good, several horses behind him have run well since and today could well be the day when Desert Frost gets his nose in front once more.
Ripon 1.55 Golden Circle 2.30 Jenoow 3.00 Iconic Choice 3.35 Raydiance 4.05 Mulligatawny 4.35 Give It Some Teddy 5.05 Urban Spirit
Epsom 2.10 Capla Gilda 2.45 War Eagle 3.15 Desert Frost (nb) 3.50 Amanto 4.20 Dourado (nap) 4.55 Fresh Terms 5.25 N Over J
Chelmsford 4.50 Not So Shy 5.20 Sky Gypsy 5.50 Field Gun 6.20 He’s Our Star 6.50 Dolcissimo 7.20 Art Of Swing 7.50 Precision
Stratford-on-Avon 5.10 Hatcher 5.40 Walk Waterford 6.10 Guerilla Tactics 6.40 Cillian’s Well 7.10 Romanor 7.40 Holeinthewall Bar
Dourado (4.20) also has a solid record at Epsom and should record his third success at the track later on the card, while Iconic Choice (3.00) and Give It Some Teddy (4.35) are the picks on the other afternoon card at Ripon. Sky Gypsy (4.20) should go well on the evening card at Chelmsford City, and Guerilla Tactics (6.10) is a solid favourite on a competitive jumps card at Stratford.
