Setting The Scene
The Debenhams Handicap has quietly established itself as one of the more competitive Class 2 contests on the summer calendar. This £75,000 prize attracts a proper mix of progressive types and seasoned campaigners, all vying for valuable prize money on Epsom Downs' unique undulations.
Friday's renewal has drawn a field of 16, ranging from the 96-rated Dance In The Storm down to three horses on 82. That 14-point spread tells you everything about the competitive nature of this contest. The going sits at 53% soil moisture — essentially good ground with a touch of ease, which should suit most in here.
The Main Contenders
**Dance In The Storm** arrives as the highest-rated runner at 96, but that means shouldering top weight of 9-12. The Andrew Balding-trained filly has Oisin Murphy aboard and draws well in stall two. The hood goes on for the first time, which could be significant. Balding doesn't mess about with headgear changes unless there's a reason.
I've watched this filly closely since her three-year-old days, and she's always been a bit keen early. The hood might just settle her enough to use that undoubted class advantage. The weight is a concern, but fillies get a handy allowance in mixed company.
**Rhoscolyn** brings course form to the table, which you ignore at Epsom at your peril. The eight-year-old has won here before and handles the track's peculiarities. Jason Watson knows the horse well, and David O'Meara's northern raiders often perform when they make the trip south. The wide draw in 13 isn't ideal, but seasoned horses like this know how to overcome positional disadvantages.
**Aurora Majesty** ticks both the course and distance boxes — always a potent combination. Archie Watson's gelding has been knocking on the door recently, and Luke Morris gets on well with the stable's horses. The 91 rating looks workable off 9-7, and stall nine gives him options.
**The Angel King** represents the in-form Ian Williams yard. This four-year-old has been progressive through the ranks and arrives here in good heart. Billy Loughnane is riding with confidence, and the gelding's 91 rating suggests there might be more to come.
Draw And Going Analysis
Epsom's seven-furlong start doesn't favour extremes of the draw as much as some tracks, but there are still nuances. The low numbers (1-5) can get a nice tow into the bend, while the higher draws need to be ridden more positively early.
Arctic Thunder in stall one could get shuffled back if Kieran Shoemark doesn't show early pace. Conversely, Zarathos in 16 will need Hector Crouch to earn his position from the off.
The good-to-soft ground should play fairly, though it might just favour the more experienced horses who know how to handle Epsom's cambers and gradients when the surface has a bit of cut.
Value Picks And Dangers
**Pietro** at 84 rating looks potentially well-handicapped. James Fanshawe's gelding has both course and distance form, and at 9-0, he's getting plenty of weight from the principals. George Wood is a capable pilot who won't overcomplicate things.
**Crimson Spirit** is another with the course/distance double. The Kubler team have been in good form lately, and Ray Dawson's 7lb claim effectively puts this horse on the same mark as some of the higher-rated runners.
Don't overlook **Monarch's Gold** either. The three-year-old gets weight for age and could be ahead of his mark after just a handful of runs. Kevin Philippart de Foy doesn't run many, but when he does, they're usually ready.
The danger? **Veblen Good** for Rossa Ryan and David O'Meara. This stable has two runners, which suggests confidence, and Ryan's booking catches the eye. The 90 rating might underestimate current ability.
The Verdict
This is a proper puzzle, the sort of handicap that makes Friday evenings worthwhile. Dance In The Storm has the class edge, but that weight burden is significant in a field this deep.
I'm leaning towards **Aurora Majesty** each-way. The course and distance form is gold dust at Epsom, Watson's horses are running well, and the 91 rating looks fair rather than harsh. Morris knows how to get horses home up Epsom's hill, and the draw gives him tactical options.
For the forecast, I'll pair him with **Pietro** — another course winner who could outrun his odds at a decent price. Check the full Epsom Downs racecard for the latest market moves.
Who is the favourite for the Debenhams Handicap Stakes?
Dance In The Storm will likely start favourite based on her 96 rating and Oisin Murphy's booking. However, the 9-12 weight burden means the market could be tighter than the ratings suggest, with Aurora Majesty and Rhoscolyn likely to attract support.
Which horses have the best course form at Epsom?
Rhoscolyn, Aurora Majesty, Crimson Spirit, Pietro, and Musical Angel all have winning course form. At a track as unique as Epsom, previous experience of the gradients and turns provides a significant advantage, especially in competitive handicaps.
What impact will the draw have on this race?
The seven-furlong start at Epsom is relatively fair, but low draws (1-5) can benefit from getting a good position early, while high draws need to be ridden more aggressively. Arctic Thunder in stall one and Zarathos in 16 face the biggest positional challenges from their respective berths.
