Saturday’s ITV Racing Tips for the Cazoo Derby Meeting

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2:00 Epsom

The opener on Derby Day is a handicap over 1m2f. There is plenty of unexposed sorts lining up but I much prefer the chances of one of the horses we’ve seen a lot of already this season.

That horse is KING FRANKEL NB (2/1) from the Mark Johnston stable. He’s had three runs already this season with a seasonal debut second followed up by a comfortable victory at Pontefract where he won by 32l albeit beating nothing. However, I was really impressed with his second placed effort last time out on handicap debut in the London Gold Cup at Newbury. The winner Bay Bridge looks a very useful prospect moving forward and for King Frankel to chase him home on that occasion pulling over 4l clear of the third I expect him to be more than capable of winning off this revised mark of 88.

 

2:35 Epsom 

The second race is a Group 3 contest for the fillies and mares known as the Princess Elizabeth Stakes. It’s over an extended mile and it doesn’t look the strongest of Group 3s on paper.

The one I like is NAZUNA (9/2). She had a useful campaign last season which finished at the Breeders Cup. She disappointed that day but it was after a long season and for Roger Varian to send her over, he must think she has a lot of class. Prior to that run, she was a fine second in Group 2 company so she’s more than capable of competing at this level. Varian is operating at a 25% strike rate at the time of writing and a lot of his horses are running well first time out which bodes well for this filly here today.

 

3:10 Epsom 

The 3:10 race is another Group 3 known as the Cazoo Diomed Stakes. Century Dream heads the market and it’s not surprise given he’s proven at this level and has strong course form. His reappearance effort was underwhelming however and I’m happy to look elsewhere at the prices.

The one I like is BELL ROCK (11/2) for the Andrew Balding team. I was impressed with his seasonal reappearance when winning a competitive handicap well at Newmarket. He has proven form on this lightning fast ground and I think this track will suit his running style well. Maries Diamond is likely to set a strong pace and hopefully Bell Rock can come flying home down the straight and pick them all off.

 

3:45 Epsom

The 3:45 is the Epsom Dash over 5f. It’s blink and you’ll miss it stuff and is the fastest race we will see all year on this ground and the downhill track. Track records are in danger.

The one for me is ORNATE (12/1) who won this race back in 2019 off the same mark he runs off today. He had a nice draw and he’s possibly the fastest horse in this race so he should be able to gain good track position as the stalls open. He has been highly tried and should appreciate this drop in class. This is likely to be his number 1 target of the season so his run last week should have put him spot on for this.

 

4:30 Epsom 

The big one comes up at 4:30, the Group 1 Cazoo Derby over 1m4f. It’s a fascinating renewal with plenty of chances of a fairytale story. John Leeper is the mount of Dettori and if Frankie can get him settled early he has the class to go close and provide an emotional victory for Ed Dunlop. Mac Swiney would have preferred some cut in the ground and is vulnerable on this ground. Mohaafeth has scope to improve and has looked good but he has to step up considerably to win this on all known form.

I can’t look past the favourite BOLSHOI BALLET NAP (6/5) who I expect to hose up to be honest. I was mightily impressed with his effort last time out in the Derrinstown Stakes at Leopardstown where he powered clear to win going well. The side on angle gave us a clear view of just how well this horse moves and he looked a serious tool that day. It has to be significant that Aiden O’Brien only sends the one runner here given the strength in depth he had at the declaration stage. He’s bred for the job and he looks professional and ready for this test mentally as well as physically. The 1m4f trip will be no problem and he has an ideal draw in 9. Good luck getting this one beat.

 

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