Friday ITV Racing Tips at a Glance
| Time | Race | Course | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13:30 | 3YO “Dash” Handicap | Epsom | Riley Rocks (e/w) |
| 14:05 | Woodcote Stakes | Epsom | Possessive |
| 14:40 | Diomed Stakes (Group 3) | Epsom | Qirat |
| 15:15 | “Nifty 50” Handicap | Epsom | Hand Of God |
| 16:00 | Betfred Oaks (Group 1) | Epsom | Thundering On |
| 16:40 | HKJC World Pool Handicap | Epsom | Celeborn |
The ITV Racing cameras are back in action on Friday with six live races from Epsom, headed by the Epsom Oaks as the feature event of the day at the Surrey venue.
For Best Odds Guaranteed on every tip — Betfred offer BOG from 7am on race day — see our Best Odds Guaranteed guide. For Royal Ascot the following week, see our Queen Anne Stakes 2026 tips.
Claim Betfred BOG on Friday’s ITV Racing →
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13:30 Epsom — Win With Zyn 3YO “Dash” Handicap Cl2 (3yo 0-100) 5f
Tip: Riley Rocks (each-way)
RILEY ROCKS (EW) was a little unlucky not to have finished closer when making his turf debut at Goodwood last month and it might be worth chancing Dylan Cunha’s charge to improve on his finishing position now.
The Sergei Prokofiev colt had won twice on the all-weather prior to that Goodwood run where he finished sixth behind reopposing Wedonttelllies, scoring at Newcastle and Southwell. He ran into interference and was denied a clear run at Goodwood latest so finishing sixth wasn’t a bad effort all things considered.
Only beaten around three lengths, he was giving his rival weight on that occasion but enjoys a concession now which can see him turn the tables this time around and no surprise to see him involved here.
14:05 Epsom — Oddschecker British EBF Woodcote Stakes (Conditions Race) (GBB Race) Cl2 (2yo) 6f
Tip: Possessive
POSSESSIVE looked a potentially useful sort when making a winning debut in a York novice last month and Karl Burke’s charge can improve for that experience.
The Lucky Vega colt struck by one length from Stardom Glory, showing a decent turn of foot to take up the running just over one furlong from home and sticking well to his task for the win.
While the bare form might be questionable, he certainly gave the impression that there was more in the locker and assuming softer ground doesn’t catch him out then he could go close in his effort to double up.
14:40 Epsom — Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m½f
Tip: Qirat
Group One winner QIRAT can get back on the scoresheet on the back of a disappointing reappearance effort at Doncaster back in March, although all may not have been well with Ralph Beckett’s charge on that occasion.
The Showcasing gelding was a surprise winner of the Group One Sussex Stakes at Goodwood last summer, scoring a 150/1 shock; but he subsequently acquitted himself well at that level including at the Breeders’ Cup.
He raced keenly at Doncaster on his return, probably burning himself out and he’ll strip fitter for the run which has since seen the winner go on to finish third in a Group One in Hong Kong. Proven on undulating tracks as well as on softer ground he can do better this time around.
15:15 Epsom — Betfred “Nifty 50” Handicap (GBBPlus Race) Cl2 (4yo+) 1m2f
Tip: Hand Of God
HAND OF GOD could be the way to go on the back of his victory at Newbury last month and Harry Charlton’s charge can mount another bold bid despite his rise in the weights.
The Churchill gelding is lightly-raced for a five-year-old, winning both starts in his 2024 campaign, although he struggled to get competitive in any of his three starts last term. However, he showed up better back from nine months off at Newbury over one mile on his return, finishing third behind Linwood and improved for the outing to score readily latest.
He ran out a two-lengths victor that day and a 5lbs rise might prove workable given he appeared to win with something in hand. Assuming the forecast slower ground doesn’t prove an inconvenience, then he can give another good account.
16:00 Epsom — Betfred Oaks (Group 1) Cl1 (3yo) 1m4f
Tip: Thundering On
THUNDERING ON takes the verdict in an open renewal of the fillies’ Classic, and Joseph O’Brien’s charge can double up on her recent victory.
The Frankel filly has improved with each start, showing plenty of ability in both runs last term and almost getting off the mark at the first attempt this season when denied only by a short-head at Leopardstown behind Skydance.
A step up to ten furlongs at Navan for the Salsabil Stakes in April yielded an impressive breakthrough victory where she scored by three lengths despite meeting trouble in running, and she should have little problem further stepping up in distance once more.
Proven on these underfoot conditions, she looks set for a big run, more so given connections elected to come here rather than tackle the French Oaks. That decision could be justified, and she can go close.
16:40 Epsom — HKJC World Pool Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-100) 1m½f
Tip: Celeborn
CELEBORN shaped well in defeat when making his return from more than one year off the track at Newbury last month and George Boughey’s charge can strip fitter for that reappearance.
The Postponed gelding was a debut winner a couple of seasons ago and filled the frame on both his next starts. He struck a C&D win on his sole run last campaign so he was entitled to have needed his run latest where he finished fifth behind Hand Of God.
He’s been dropped 1lb in the weights, and the application of first-time cheekpieces could help eke out some improvement; while he ought to come on for that return, assuming three weeks’ break is enough to avoid him bouncing. A drop back to this distance may also prove a positive, and he could improve on his latest performance to go close here.
The Epsom Oaks 2026 Explained
The Betfred Oaks is the second of the British Classics for three-year-old fillies, run over 1 mile 4 furlongs at Epsom Downs on the Friday of the Derby weekend. First run in 1779, the race is named after the 12th Earl of Derby’s nearby country estate and predates the Derby itself by one year.
The undulating Epsom track is one of the most demanding tests in British Flat racing — a steady climb to the highest point a mile from home, then a sharp left-hand downhill turn into the straight, with a final-furlong climb to the line. Stamina, balance and a good cruising speed are essential.
Recent winners include Ezeliya (2024, Dermot Weld), Soul Sister (2023, John & Thady Gosden) and Tuesday (2022, Aidan O’Brien). Joseph O’Brien — Aidan’s son — has yet to train an Oaks winner in his own right, with Thundering On his strongest entry yet in the race.
Best Bookmakers for Epsom Oaks Day Betting
For Epsom Oaks day betting, three things matter most:
Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG) is essential. Take an early price on your pick, and if the starting price drifts longer, you’re paid at the bigger odds. Betfred offer BOG from 7am on race day — the earliest of any UK bookmaker. See our Best Odds Guaranteed guide for the full list.
Each-way terms on the Oaks. Most bookmakers pay each-way on the first three places in the Oaks at 1/5 the odds. Some offer extra-place specials on the Group 1 — check before placing your each-way bet.
Acca insurance and Lucky 15 bonuses. With six live races on the ITV card, Lucky 15s and accumulators across the day add value. Betfred’s Lucky 15 bonus pays double the odds for one winner if all four selections run.
Friday 5 June 2026 ITV Racing Free Bets and Welcome Offers
Standout welcome offers for new customers ahead of Friday’s Epsom card:
For new customers wanting maximum welcome offer value, see our Betfred sign-up offer page. For punters who don’t want winning-customer restrictions, our GreatBet sign-up offer page covers a traditional UK bookmaker offering BOG, monthly cashback and no restrictions on winners.
For the full Royal Ascot offers comparison for next week, see our free bets hub.
Friday 5 June 2026 ITV Racing FAQs
What time is the Epsom Oaks 2026?
The 2026 Betfred Oaks is at 16:00 BST on Friday 5 June 2026 at Epsom Downs.
Who is the favourite for the Epsom Oaks 2026?
The Oaks is described as an “open renewal” by Brian Healy. His pick is Thundering On, the Joseph O’Brien-trained Frankel filly who won the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes at Navan last month by three lengths.
What is Brian Healy’s pick for the Epsom Oaks 2026?
Brian Healy is tipping Thundering On for the Joseph O’Brien yard. The filly has improved with each start and connections chose Epsom over the French Oaks at Chantilly, suggesting confidence in her stamina at 1m4f.
What is the prize money for the Epsom Oaks?
The Betfred Oaks is a Class 1 Group 1 race with significant prize money — the exact 2026 purse will be confirmed by Epsom Downs closer to race day.
Where can I watch the Epsom Oaks 2026 in the UK?
The 2026 Epsom Oaks is shown live and free-to-air on ITV as part of the ITV Racing coverage of Friday’s six-race card.
Does Brian Healy have a NAP for Friday?
Brian has tipped six selections across the card without specifying a NAP. His Oaks pick (Thundering On) is the headline selection given the race’s Group 1 feature status.
What is the distance of the Epsom Oaks?
The Epsom Oaks is run over 1 mile 4 furlongs (12 furlongs) on the Epsom Downs Flat course — the same distance as the Derby on the Saturday.
Do bookmakers offer Best Odds Guaranteed on the Epsom Oaks?
Yes — Best Odds Guaranteed is offered on the Epsom Oaks by most major UK bookmakers. Take an early price and if the SP drifts longer, you’re paid at the bigger odds. Betfred offer BOG from 7am on race day.
When is Royal Ascot 2026?
Royal Ascot 2026 runs from Tuesday 16 June to Saturday 20 June 2026 — ten days after the Epsom Oaks. The Queen Anne Stakes is the Tuesday opening race. See our Queen Anne Stakes 2026 tips for the first Group 1 of the Royal meeting.
More Racing Tips Content
- Queen Anne Stakes 2026 Tips — Henry Gibbs’ tip for the Royal Ascot opener on Tuesday 16 June
- ITV Racing Tips Hub — daily ITV Racing previews
- Best Odds Guaranteed Guide — bookmakers paying SP if it drifts
- Horse Racing Pundits Tips — Tom Segal, Kevin Blake, Matt Chapman and more
- Lucky 15 Tips — daily Lucky 15 selections
- Free Bets Hub — UK bookmaker welcome offers
Brian joined the team a couple of years ago but he has a long background in writing horse racing content and betting tips. Having worked for a number of publications in the past, such as RacingTips, Brian made the move to thatsagoal and is the main content writer across flat and National Hunt racing.