Saturday’s ITV races
Luck in running may play a significant part in today’s Derby, for which the 19-runner field is the biggest in more than a decade. Anything that misses the kick as the stalls open will probably be trapped in the back half of the field for the first mile and will need things to fall right if they are to catch the front-runners in time.
That must be a concern for fans of the two market leaders, Cliffs Of Moher and Cracksman, neither of which bounced from the stalls with much alacrity when last seen. It may be a particular issue for the inexperienced Cracksman, who was helped by a steady pace and a small field when taking a prominent early position despite his slowish start here in April.
The Epsom surface still seemed to be riding quick despite the rain on Oaks day, so the percentage call must be to find something that can take a reasonably handy early position before staying on strongly, a formula that turned up Harzand last year. Venice Beach (4.30) could be the one this time at odds of 14-1.
It has been slightly surprising to see this one allowed to remain at such big odds despite winning the Chester Vase last month. Aidan O’Brien generally runs a strong Derby contender in that race, did the double with Ruler Of The World and has also been second in the Derby with two other Vase winners.
Venice Beach has taken time to show ability but that is hardly surprising for quite a stoutly bred sort, being by Galileo out of the mare who produced Danedream. That pedigree suggests he should be on a strong upward curve at this stage of his career.
On jockey bookings he is only O’Brien’s third string but the race may pan out well for him and his pilot, Donnacha O’Brien, son of the trainer. They may have most to fear from Best Solution and Permian, who appear well suited to this test, judging by their recent efforts.
Saturday’s best bets
2.00 Epsom The only course winner in the field, Emenem has won four of his last six races and has more to offer, judging by the way he beat 13 rivals here last time.
2.35 Epsom A half-sister to an Arlington Million winner who also won at this track, Laugh Aloud is nicely bred and exciting, after two Listed wins from her last three starts. John Gosden’s runner should prove better than these.
3.10 Epsom There is unfinished business with this race for Sovereign Debt, who was an unlucky fourth last year. He seems in the form of his life for his new trainer, Ruth Carr, landing a Group Two last time.
3.45 Epsom High draws do not always dominate but, from stall 18, Boom The Groom is the type who could take advantage of a good starting position, having done best of those drawn low a year ago and been third the year before.
Tips for all Saturday races
Epsom
2.00 Emenem 2.35 Laugh Aloud 3.10 Sovereign Debt 3.45 Boom The Groom 4.30 Venice Beach (nap) 5.15 Barwick 5.50 Lucky Beggar
Hexham
1.30 Back To Balloo 2.05 Bowban 2.40 Hattons Hill 3.15 Cousin Oscar 3.50 Clan Chief 4.45 No Such Number 5.20 The Pine Martin 5.55 Eager To Know
Musselburgh
1.40 Ellaal 2.15 Rebel Assault 2.50 Pirouette 3.25 Euro Nightmare 4.00 Desert Dream 4.55 Showdaisy 5.30 Sebastian’s Wish
Worcester
1.45 Sarpech 2.20 Rouge Devils 2.55 Marquis Of Carabas 3.30 Mcnamaras Band 4.05 Wolfcatcher 5.00 Gingili 5.35 Caid Des Malberaux
Doncaster
1.55 Waiting For Richie 2.30 Juliet Capulet 3.05 Bella Alissa 3.40 Florenza 4.15 Hermann 5.10 Valcartier 5.40 Mountain Angel
Newcastle
6.10 Bustam 6.40 Byronegetonefree 7.10 Stoney Broke (nb) 7.40 Abjar 8.10 Archipeligo 8.40 Faintly 9.10 Hot Hannah
Lingfield
5.45 Silver Alliance 6.20 Cape Cruiser 6.50 Take A Turn 7.20 Royal Liberty 7.50 Euqranian 8.20 Tanasoq 8.50 Annie Salts
