Epsom Oaks Day Betting Tips
Day one of the Epsom Derby Festival takes place on Friday afternoon and the Oaks is the big feature race of the day.
The 1m4f Classic for the fillies has a warm favourite while there is also Group 1 action in the form of a fascinating Coronation Cup.
We have selections and analysis for all seven races on Friday’s card including a couple of value bets at rewarding odds.
13:30 – Nyetimber Surrey Stakes
The opening race on the card may be a bit more open than the betting suggests and one that can go well at a price is Glamis Road.
This filly raced prominently when winning at Pattern level at Saint-Cloud last term and there’s potential for an uncontested lead in this field. Her latest run was disappointing but proved she had ‘trained on’ when placed in France on her return and the ground has come right for her, which can’t be said for many in this line-up.
Selection: Glamis Road @ 25/1
14:05 – British EBF Woodcote Stakes
Rakeeb is another runner on the card that makes some each-way appeal at double figure odds.
He was impressive when winning a Ripon maiden on debut and not much went right at Beverley in his follow up bid. He chased home two nice prospects that day and with the step up to six furlongs likely to suit, he can outrun his price.
Selection: Rakeeb @ 25/1
14:40 – Coronation Cup
It’s hard to get away from the claims of Calandagan in the first Group 1 on the card.
He’s quite clearly got the best form in the book having chased home City Of Troy in last year’s Juddmonte International and he’s had a prep run for this out in Dubai when a creditable second. This looks like an ideal opportunity for him if he handles the unique test of 1m4f at Epsom.
Selection: Calandagan @ 5/6
15:15 – 1m2f Handicap
Ryan Moore rides Epsom as well as anyone and he has a cracking chance on board Botanical. He’s yet to get his head in front for his new connections but a return to slow ground ought to do the trick and he’s the one they all have to beat dropping in class to handicap company.
Selection: Botanical @ 10/3
16:00 – Oaks
Desert Flower looks short enough in the betting given that she has stamina to prove at this trip, particularly in testing conditions, and preference is for Minnie Hauk.
She took her form to a new level at Chester last time out, showing a good attitude in the closing stages and that will hold her in good stead in this gruelling test.
Selection: Minnie Hauk @ 4/1
16:35 – Trustatrader Handicap
Epsom can be a bit of a front runner's track and Two Tempting may be capable of getting his own way out in front again.
A 5lb rise for his all-the-way Chester success last time out looks lenient from the assessor and slower ground won’t be an issue for this prolific six-year-old.
Selection: Two Tempting @ 8/1
17:10 Debenhams Handicap
The finale looks competitive but Rhoscolyn has sound claims of landing back-to-back renewals of this contest.
He’s come in for some lenient treatment from the assessor, getting dropped another 1lb for a three-length defeat at Chester last week, putting him 1lb below last year’s winning mark in this race. The ground has come in his favour and his proven track form is another bonus.
Selection: Rhoscolyn @ 11/4
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation