Ahead of Saturday's Derby Day World Pool betting tournament, James Robinson has a look at some of the best bets to have at Epsom.
1.25 Hong Kong Jockey Club Lester Piggott Handicap
PERSICA looks a talented individual and the sort to progress through the handicap ranks this season. Twice a winner as a 2 year-old at 6f and 1m, he's run well on both occasions this season. Finishing 3rd to Subsequent 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech in a conditions race at Kempton and then finished a solid 4th in the London Gold Cup at Newbury. The form of the London Gold cup usually stacks up well and a reproduction of the effort should see him go close here.
Selection: Persica (Win & Place)
2.00 Princess Elizabeth Stakes
Last years 3rd ASTRAL BEAU reappears here for Pam Sly and Shane Kelly, only beaten narrowly beaten ¾L that day. She has gone on to run with credit since in Group 1 company in the Falmouth Stakes. In both runs so far this season she was a good 2nd to Charyn at Doncaster and then a touch disappointing last time out a Newmarket. A return to Epsom and hopefully a repeat of last season performance should see her involved again.
BREEGE is an interesting runner here and somehow has only won one race in her career, despite producing many good performances. Seconds at both Royal Ascot in the Sandringham Stakes and Glorious Goodwood in the Oak Tree Stakes last season are her standout pieces of form. A very creditable reappearance run in the Conqueror Stakes at Goodwood beaten by Royal Dress should put her spot on for this today.
Selection: Astral Beau (Win & Place)
Breege (Win & Place)
Quinella: Astral Beau & Breege
3.10 3YO Dash Handicap
DUE FOR LUCK ironically had absolutely no luck in running on his reappearance at the Chester May meeting, he surely would have won given the breaks. That taking performance puts him on the shortlist today in a fiercely competitive handicap.
Selection: Due For Luck (Win & Place)
4.30 Epsom Derby
It doesn't look a stellar renewal of the Epsom Derby on paper this year with a few notable absentees. CITY OF TROY the long time ante-post favourite who looked majestic as a two year, will need to overcome a seriously disappointing run the 2000 Guineas. Aiden O'Brien performed this feat in last years race with Auguste Rodin winning after a blow out in the Guineas.
The one that catches my eye is BELLUM JUSTUM, a good winner of the Blue Riband Trial here in the process beating Chief Little Rock since an impressive Group 3 winner. He built nicely on his maiden win at Newmarket last September when beating the smart Inisherin over 1m. With the step up in trip and having shown a liking to the track he's certainly has to be considered to be in the shake up.
Selection: Bellum Justum (Win & Place)
Quinella : City Of Troy & Bellum Justum
