Epsom Derby Festival Day 1 Tips
FRIDAY RACING TIPS
Epsom 2.40 – Diomed Stakes
I’m going with Seagulls Eleven (10/3), who has two good runs this season in France. He won last time at Longchamp and likes soft ground which he will get with all the recent rain around.
Persica (9/4) is a very good horse on his day, but I wonder if he’s lost a bit of confidence having been aimed quite high, whereas Seagulls Eleven looks to be going the other way.
Megan’s Tip: Seagulls Eleven WIN
Epsom 3.15 – 1m2f handicap
I like the look of Respond (9/2) to overcome a wide draw.
He won very well at Chester last time and has some good form with juice in the ground. He looks pretty progressive and I thought he might have a little more upside than the likely favourite Sallaal (3/1f).
The each-way play could be Alpha Crucis (15/2), who loves slower ground and sees this trip out really well. Epsom over this 10-furlong trip should suit him well and I can see him outrunning his odds.
Megan’s Tip: Respond WIN; Alpha Crucis EW
Epsom 4.00 – Oaks
It’s not the strongest field we’ve had for an Oaks in recent years but it’s competitive nonetheless.
I slightly changed my thoughts on it as a result of the going and I’ll start with my each-way fancy in A La Prochaine (7/1).
She won on soft ground on her debut and I’m not sure Chester suited her last time. I thought she learnt a lot there however and will have improved hugely in a physical sense since.
I would have fancied Legacy Link (7/2) on better ground, but I’ve been a bit put off by the amount of rain that has fallen, as she looks to have plenty of speed.
I’m worried the occasion will get to Amelia Earhart (9/4f), so I make Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On (5/1) the one to beat.
She impressed last time over 10 furlongs and the step up to 12 shouldn’t be an issue. She won’t mind the ground and I expect her to be bang there.
Megan’s Tip: Thundering On WIN; A La Prochaine EW
Odds correct at time of publication but subject to fluctuation
