Key Points
- Betting tips for Oaks Day at Epsom
- Two Group 1 picks in my Lucky 15 lineup
- Up next - my runner-by-runner guide for the Epsom Derby on Saturday
Classic Flat racing coming from Epsom on Friday
The year is literally racing by, and we are really starting to hit the heart of the Flat season now. On Friday and Saturday this week, we are heading to Epsom for two of the most prestigious Classics of the season, along with plenty of other Group action.
The main event on Friday is of course the Epsom Oaks for the fillies. But we also have the Group 1 Coronation Cup, which looks all set to be a thrilling renewal. I have a selection in both races as part of my Friday Lucky 15.
For Saturday we have the Epsom Derby, which is arguably the most famous Flat race held in the UK. I’ll have a full runner-by-runner guide and preview ready for you soon, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.
Not only are Betfred one of the major race sponsors on Friday, they also have a pretty awesome free bet offer up for grabs. Bet £10, and you’ll get £30 in free bets. With a huge weekend of racing ahead, why not take advantage?
14:00 The Woodstock Stakes (Class 2 Conditional) 6f - Teej A
To start us off, we have a decent six furlong Sprint for the two-year-olds, where there are plenty of nice types in the field. New Charter is the only representative for the Richard Hannon team. She ran beautifully on her debut at Newmarket, going down by just a couple of lengths in a fairly hot race, so she should be capable of building on that performance here.
Karl Burke runs two, and I am interested in both of his runners. Assertively won on debut, and although he only placed fourth on his second start, he clearly has ability, and his double figure price does not reflect his credentials here. That said, the one I’m going for is Karl Burke’s other runner,
Teej A, who improved plenty from his debut to go on and win at Chester and that form is very strong.
I’m convinced he will handle Epsom even better than Chester, and he looks wide open for more. I think Teej A takes the opener here.
15:10 The Coronation Cup (Group 1) 1m 4f - Luxembourg
Next up, we move on to the first Group 1 of the day, the Coronation Cup, where Emily Upjohn heads the betting at a very short price. She is a multiple Group 1 winner, so obviously sets the standard, but as a five-year-old now she will need to prove that she is still in peak form. Harry Charlton’s Time Lock also holds sufficient credentials to give it his best shot, but I have a different one in mind.
I’m giving Aiden O’Brien’s
Luxembourg
the thumbs up here. He is a really consistent sort (barring his last effort at Meydan, where he had excuses) and
back here at Epsom I can see him putting on a massive performance, especially as he comes into this race fresh. On paper, Emily Upjohn might look the one to beat, but she is vulnerable to a solid sort like Luxembourg, and I’ll take my chances on Aiden O’Briens charge.
15:45 The Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap (Class 2 Handicap) 1m 2f - Bolster
We have a very competitive lineup in the Nifty 50 and you could make a strong case for a fair few in the field. Top weight Liberty Lane was seriously impressive last time out, but has a lot of weight to give all round here, which puts him up against it. Mick Appleby’s Sonnerie Power is an interesting runner at a huge price. He hasn’t shown us his best form yet, but he’s sure to run a big race and might even surprise a few.
But I think the one to side with here is
Bolster, for Karl Burke. He ran a blinder to win at Pontefract in April after nearly 300 days off the track, and I fully expect him to take another big step forward here on Friday.
He is creeping up in the weights, but he is fully entitled considering the upward curve he is on, and I think Bolster is the one to beat here.
16:30 The Betfred Oaks (Group 1) 1m 4f - Ezeliya
The highlight of the day is undeniably the Betfred Oaks, and this year’s renewal looks wide open. Aiden O’Brien is pinning his hopes on Ylang Ylang, who currently heads the betting. There’s no denying that she ran well in the 1000 Guineas in April, but this is a big step up in trip for her and I can’t be sure she’ll be quite as effective. Forest Fairy got up late to win the Cheshire Oaks, which brings her right into the equation, but I’m looking elsewhere.
My preference here is
Ezeliya
who runs for Dermot Weld and frankly could be anything. She was a pretty smart filly as a two-year-old and came back this year to beat Purple Lily in a Group 3 on her seasonal debut, so she’s surely primed for this run.
Her sire is Dubawi, so she’s a strong travelling filly and the trip won’t be an issue for her either. I would like to see her ridden midfield and positioned well to go when she’s asked. Assuming things go to plan, I think her turn of foot will be too much for her rivals to handle.
My Lucky 15 Picks for Epsom
- 14:00 - Teej A
- 15:10 - Luxembourg
- 15:45 - Bolster
- 16:30 - Ezeliya
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