A Tuesday Treat at the Downs
There's something rather special about racing at Epsom Downs on a spring afternoon, even when it's a Tuesday card that won't trouble the headline writers. I remember my father taking me to Epsom for the first time on a quiet weekday just like this one – "Best way to learn the ropes," he said, "without the Derby Day madness." How right he was.
Today's six-race offering presents a delightful mixed bag, headlined by the Listed Blue Riband Trial Stakes that should give us a glimpse of some promising three-year-olds. The going is riding good to good to firm in places – perfect conditions for what promises to be an entertaining afternoon's sport.
The Epsom Downs racecard kicks off at 14:05 with a novice stakes before building to the feature Listed race at 14:40, worth a handy £60,000 to the winner. It's the sort of card that rewards careful study rather than wild punts – my kind of racing, really.
Blue Riband Trial Takes Centre Stage
The 14:40 Blue Riband Trial Stakes (Class 1) over 1m 2f 17y is undoubtedly the day's highlight, and what a fascinating little puzzle it presents. With just six runners, it's the sort of race where every horse has a story to tell.
New Zealand arrives as the standout on paper with a rating of 106, and when you see Ryan Moore in the saddle for Aidan O'Brien, you know this is a serious contender. The Ballydoyle machine doesn't send horses across the Irish Sea for Listed races without good reason, and this fellow clearly has the team's confidence.
But don't overlook Saxon Street from the John & Thady Gosden yard. William Buick's booking speaks volumes, and the Gosdens have always had a knack for producing horses ready to peak at just the right moment. Without a published rating, he's something of an unknown quantity, which makes him all the more intriguing.
Balzac represents excellent each-way value under Hollie Doyle. Jane Chapple-Hyam's charge might not have the flashy connections of some rivals, but this trip should suit perfectly, and Doyle's 7lb claim could prove decisive in a tight finish.
Course Specialists and Ground Conditions
The good to good to firm going plays beautifully into the hands of several runners across the card. In the 15:15 City & Suburban Handicap, topweight Sallaal looks well-placed despite his 102 rating. Roger Varian's four-year-old has been knocking on the door in similar company, and this slightly easier surface should bring out the best in him.
The real eye-catcher for me, though, is Asgard's Captain in the 15:50 Great Metropolitan Handicap. This six-year-old carries both the course and distance winner's symbols – always a telling combination at a unique track like Epsom. John Egan knows him well, and at 90 in the ratings, he looks nicely handicapped for this extended mile and a half test.
In the evening handicaps, keep a close eye on Mr Baloo in the final race. This five-year-old has course and distance form in his favour, and Sean Levey's booking for Richard Hannon suggests they fancy their chances. At his current mark of 81, he could be overpriced in what looks a competitive finale.
Jockeys to Follow
The jockey bookings tell their own story today, and it's worth noting how the top riders have positioned themselves. Oisin Murphy has four rides across the card – always a sign that he fancies his chances on at least a couple of them. His mount Runman in the opening novice stakes for the Gosden team looks particularly interesting.
Rossa Ryan also sports a full book of rides, including On Message in the 16:23 handicap for Ralph Beckett. This three-year-old is rated 80 and looks well-placed to make his mark in what appears a winnable contest.
Don't overlook Rob Hornby either, particularly on Rebel Rocker in the Blue Riband Trial. Faye Bramley's charge might be unrated, but Hornby's confidence in taking the ride suggests there's more to come from this lightly-raced three-year-old.
Best Bets and Ones to Watch
If I'm putting my money where my mouth is today, New Zealand in the Blue Riband Trial looks the banker of the card. Class will tell in a Listed race, and the O'Brien-Moore combination demands respect at this level.
For bigger prices, Asgard's Captain each-way in the Great Metropolitan Handicap appeals strongly. Course and distance winners at Epsom deserve extra respect, and his trainer Dylan Cunha is quietly going about his business with a decent strike rate.
In the evening races, On Message looks overpriced in the 'Nifty 50' Handicap. Ralph Beckett's three-year-olds often improve throughout the season, and this fellow could be ready to take a step forward.
Finally, don't ignore Balzac each-way in the feature race. At likely odds, the combination of Hollie Doyle's claim and the step up in trip could see her outrun her odds in the Blue Riband Trial.
It's shaping up to be a cracking afternoon at the Downs – exactly the sort of card where careful analysis meets a bit of old-fashioned racing luck. Here's to a profitable few hours in the Surrey sunshine.
