The pick of the prices on Day 1 at Epsom....

Thursday, 30th April 2024

The pick of the prices on Day 1 at Epsom….

Tomorrow is Day 1 of the Derby meeting at Epsom….

The ground is predominantly soft – with the Going Stick offering a reading of 5.3….

There’s more rain around today – some of the showers heavy – and I think it’s safe to say the ground will very much remain on the soft side….

…. regardless of how fast the track is said to drain….

Let’s crack on….

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In the Trustatrader Handicap at Epsom – 2.35….

There was a lot to like about FINN’S CHARM on his return to action at Chester earlier in the month….

…. his first go since a gelding procedure and a wind operation….

…. following a drop-off in form last term after an impressive win at Musselburgh – that earned him a revised official rating of 101….

He wasn’t best-drawn out wide on Chester’s tight turns and he was a bit keen early doors

…. but what I really liked was how he finished off – despite having lost a shoe….

….  it looked like he still had plenty in the tank to me and I think he’ll be spot on tomorrow for that outing….

He’s down to 95 now – which is a nice mark – and I like the step up in trip….

A bare read of the formbook tells you he bombed out on his one start on soft ground….

…. but that was his one go at the 10f trip….

He didn’t stay but he went well-enough for a long way on the soft surface….

I’m happy to give him my vote tomorrow at the general 10s….

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In the Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap – 3.45….

I STILL HAVE FAITH ran a cracker on his return at Nottingham earlier in the month….

…. going down by a neck to Spirit Genie….

He’s gone up 2lbs for that to a career-high mark of 83….

…. but when you consider that Spirit Genie has been out since and won again in a much better race at Chester off 86….

…. earning a mark of 91 on reassessment…. 

Ben Brookhouse’s 4yo looks potentially well-treated….

He’s back up in trip for this race tomorrow – which is sure to suit….

…. there could be plenty of improvement to come off that first run back….

…. and he rates a bet at the general 9s….

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In the Molson Coors Handicap at Epsom – 5.40….

EARLS thrives on soft ground and he’s overpriced at the 11s available in places this morning….

Yes – he bombed out at Cork last time out….

…. but I think that had more to do with quicker underfoot conditions than any downturn in form….

…. and the time before that he’d won impressively at Haydock – winning more easily than the finishing distance implies….

He’s up 5lb to 92 but – when he gets his ground – I think there’s more to come….

Gavin Cromwell’s done well with raiders over the last 12-months – and this one’s been sent over solo….

I don’t think Crowell would go to the trouble or the expense if he didn’t think his lad was in with a real shot at landing the money….

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In the Oaks at Epsom – 4.30….

It’s hard to see past Ylang Ylang who won last season’s Fillies’ Mile at Newmarket in style….

…. before running a fine trial for this in the 1000 Guineas….

 She won’t mind soft ground either….

…. and it’s difficult to argue with a best price of 9/4 about her….

It would be easy to give this race the swerve….

…. but there’s enough to like about FOREST FAIRY at 15/2 to encourage me to be bold and oppose the jolly….

I reckon Rossa Ryan would have had the pick of Ralph Beckett’s quartet….

…. this one improved markedly from first to second run – her first on grass….

…. and I think she could take another big step forward tomorrow….

Will it be enough to carry her to the prize? Who knows….

…. but she’s by Waldgeist, she’s almost nailed-on to improve for the step up in trip, and the soft ground will likely improve her too….

She’s in at the deep-end for sure….

…. but she’s not shown as much of her hand as some of the opposition….

…. and the price is there….

• Finally….

That’s all for today….

I’ll be back tomorrow….

Meantime – contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk  

And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….

Stay tuned….

Against the Crowd