Epsom Downs 03 June 2023

Going: Good to Firm
Stalls: 5f Stands Side; 6f Outside; 1m4f Centre; Remainder Inside
 
Sunny spells

Forecast: Sunny spells
Temperature: 7.9° - 22.1°
Rainfall: none
Wind: 8.3 mph E

All Racecards within one PDF

Instructions

1

12:50 Epsom Downs (Class 1) (3YO plus)

Betfred Diomed Stakes (Group 3)

1m 113y

Winner £56,710 - 6 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Although HIGHLAND AVENUE hasn't scored since April 2021, he made a creditable return to action when finishing in third behind stablemate Adayar in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Newmarket last month. He lost second towards the finish on that occasion and can benefit from dropping back in trip. He holds a speculative entry for the Coral-Eclipse at Sandown in July and must be of significant interest, but the unexposed Kolsai boasts an appealing pedigree and is respected for powerful connections. Regal Reality finished one place behind the selection last time out and also warrants a market check.

2

13:30 Epsom Downs (Class 1) (3YO only)

Betfred Derby (Group 1) (British Champions Series)

1m 4f 6y

Winner £885,782 - 14 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A fascinating renewal of one of the world's most revered thoroughbred races, in which many will hope to turn dreams into reality. The Italian maestro, Frankie Dettori, will seek to add a third Derby success to his ever-expanding CV on this farewell season, and Arrest, a facile winner of the Chester Vase, would appeal as a live candidate. Aidan O'Brien has had a stranglehold on this contest in the last few years, winning three of the previous six renewals. He saddles three here, of which high-class juvenile Auguste Rodin looks to be his most likely chance, providing he can bounce back from a below-par run in the 2000 Guineas. There was little to separate The Foxes (winner) and White Birch (second) when the pair met in last month's Dante and though both have more than enough ability to feature, a low draw could hamper their chances. Passenger, an unlucky third that day, looks set to close the gap, and it would be no surprise were he to repeat the dose for last year's winning trainer/jockey combination. A chance, however, is taken on DUBAI MILE. Pedigree would suggest he's not a guaranteed stayer at this trip, but he plugged on for a creditable fifth, having looked outpaced in the 2000 Guineas. He saw off Arrest in the Criterium de Saint Cloud over 1m 2f in October last year, so it is quite possible this test will bring out the best in him. Military Order completes a lengthy shortlist.

3

14:10 Epsom Downs (Class 1) (3YO plus)

Princess Elizabeth Stakes (Fillies' And Mares' Group 3)

1m 113y

Winner £56,710 - 6 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Archie Watson and Oisin Murphy teamed up to win this contest two years ago and they can do so again with ROMAN MIST, who was a determined winner in Listed company at Goodwood last month. The five-year-old is taken to overturn form with Potapova (second), whom she was narrowly behind in this contest last year, while Prosperous Voyage is the highest rated in the field and sets the standard on form. Astral Beau rarely runs a bad race and is another to consider.

4

14:45 Epsom Downs (Class 3) (3YO only)

Aston Martin 3YO 'Dash' Handicap

5f

Winner £30,924 - 14 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

TATTERSTALL had subsequent winner Estate two lengths back in second when shedding his maiden tag at Wolverhampton and he has plenty of pace to take advantage of his high draw. Jm Jungle had the selection back in seventh when runner-up at York and is dangerous, but that came just a week after Tatterstall's breakthrough triumph and much better is expected now. Surprise Newcastle winner Can To Can is also of interest, while Russet Gold will also have his supporters on his return.

5

15:20 Epsom Downs (Class 2) (3YO plus)

Aston Martin 'Dash' Handicap (Heritage Handicap)

5f

Winner £50,960 - 20 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Silky Wilkie is highly respected, given he wasn't beaten far in the Group 3 Palace House Stakes at Newmarket last month, but he would need to set a modern day weight-carrying record to emerge on top on theses terms. Therefore, it might pay to side with VINTAGE CLARETS, who is versatile regarding ground preference and looks the type to rise to the demands of this unique test. Clarendon House also has to be considered granted his scope for improvement, while Zarzyni and last year's runner-up Mountain Peak also have plenty to offer.

6

15:55 Epsom Downs (Class 2) (3YO only)

Betfred Lester Piggott Handicap

1m 2f 17y

Winner £38,655 - 13 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

A wide-open contest in which preference is for PERFECT PLAY. A comfortable winner over an extended 1m 2f at Chester last week, he looks capable of defying a 5lb rise and a step up in class may not be enough to stop him mounting another bold bid. Fox Journey seems an obvious threat, given he scored with something in hand at Newmarket most recently, and the son of Roaring Lion must enter calculations off 9lb higher. Course scorer Kadovar is another to consider stepping back up in distance.

7

16:30 Epsom Downs (Class 2) (4YO plus)

Rio Ferdinand Foundation Northern Dancer Handicap

1m 4f 6y

Winner £38,655 - 8 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

CAIUS CHORISTER wasn't too far away from maintaining her unbeaten Epsom record over 1m 2f at the April meeting and the step back up in trip promises to yield improvement. The booking of Ryan Moore catches the eye and she is preferred to York scorer Scampi and Sea King, who ran well for second at Kempton on his return. Sheer Rocks is open to further improvement after his Ascot success, while the same can be said of Kempton scorer Max Mayhem.

8

17:05 Epsom Downs (Class 2) (4YO plus)

JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap

6f 3y

Winner £38,655 - 14 ran

No.
(Draw)
Form
Horse
Age / Wt / OR
Jockey / Trainer
Form Snapshot

Probe arrives in fine form after scoring in a big-field handicap at Newmarket's Guineas meeting, but he does have to cope with a 7lb hike in the ratings and a chance is taken on VENTUROUS. David and Nicola Barron's veteran was a good second at Ayr and a repeat of that effort off the same mark could see him go close. Haymaker won well at Windsor and should be seriously considered, along with last year's victor Mr Wagyu.

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