Friday 31st May
By SP2A Analysis
EPSOM OAKS 4.30 - Class 1 - 1 mile 4 furlong - 12 run - Good to Soft
The key lady here is Ylang Ylang, bitterly disappointing in the 1000 Guineas but subsequent understanding of the more medium term philosophy of the Yard to training their 3 year Olds this summer may offer an explanation and an excuse. The key question here is less about her ability and form and more about her stamina. Being out of Frankel the thought would be that she is best at a mile to 10 furlongs, there is not any conclusive Mile and a half form either on the Dams side, so I am minded to take her on at the price.
The Dermot Weld trained Ezeliya brings solid if not blindingly spectacular form and the O'Brien second string Rubies Are Red was not more than solid in her run at Lingfield.
Ralph Beckett runs 4 here and of them I think that the best chance lies with FOREST FAIRY who was impressive (no more than that) in the Cheshire Oaks but confirming stamina is a big plus . The Royal Colours are represented by Treasure from the same Yard she has form on heavy Going and at 16-18/1 would not be without a decent chance of a place. However, I just prefer the Balding trained SECRET SATIRE who ran a bit fizzy early on in The Musidora at York before staying on very well over 10 and 1/2 furlongs and that was as impressive in its context as Forest Faity in the Cheshire Oaks.
I don't think its a vitage crop but these two would represent very solid each way chances (to 3 places) especially if Ylang Ylang tires in the closing stages.
(Spec)
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EPSOM 2.35 - Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile 1/2 furlong - 16 run - Good to Soft
Not a great remewal of this race and plenty of tried and tested and pretty exposed handicappers especially from the Northern Yards.
O'Meara runs a few as you'd expect but with the Epsom Course experience in the locker I feel that ORBAAN is the best of his hopes at a nice price. The Johnstons will hope Dutch Decoy can run a big race and he would 100% have been a tip but for the draw. In the conditions and the probability they venture Stand side, I feel Stall 1 is a big negative and unless he can break and dictate the race he may be disadvantaged. I don't leave him out ligtly but FANTASTIC FOX drawn in Stall 11 of the 16 runners gets the nod on this occasion. The one they all have to beat though is KOY KOY and with 16 runners and enhanced places to 5th, those will be my 3 pokes at the race (North)
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EPSOM 3.45 - Handicap - Class 2 - 1 mile 2 furlons - 13 run - Good to Soft
Karl Burke runs Bolster and LIBERTY LANE and they could well finish 1-2 if you wanted a crafty F/Cast perm. I do though prefer lIBERTY LANE for single betting purposes and make that one an each way banker. City Streak will be a real danger on Chester form but this is a Course debut at Epsom and that just shades my view against a punt. Derry Lad has assured stamina and handles the Going and is a genuine Irish trained option.
The each way value though may lie with the solid and consistent SWEET REWARD who has some good Course experience, ideal trip, no ground concerns and the booking of Silvestre De Souza who has a habit here of being in the right place at the right time adds to confidence of a bold run. (TA)
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