Hi all,
A good midweek card at Epsom this afternoon. The feature race is the Listed Blue Riband Trial (2:15) and there are a number of interesting supporting races including; The City And Suburban Handicap (2:50) & Grand Metropolitan Handicap (3:55).
Epsom
2:15 – Blue Riband Trial (Listed Race) – 1m 2f
John Gosden has won four of the last five renewals of the race and he saddles likely favourite Uncle Bryn. The Sea The Stars colt won both his juvenile starts last season on the all-weather. First start on turf but looks capable of further progress.
At the prices Star Caliber could give the favourite most to do. The colt showed a good attitude to win his sole start at Goodwood (good) last September and more improvement should be forthcoming for the step up to 1m 2f.
1pt win – Star Caliber – 13/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
2:50 – City And Suburban Handicap (Class 2) – 1m 2f
Blue Cap seemed to relish the step up to 1m 2f when storming clear of his rivals to win a Sandown handicap (good to firm) last summer. The 5-year-old was hiked up 16lb for that success but Ryan Moore who rode him at Sandown is back in the saddle and can go close here if handling the track.
No wins last season for Alfred Boucher but he’s a useful handicapper at his best and the 5-year-old ended last season with solid placed efforts at Sandown & Nottingham. He looks more than capable of winning at the distance, off around his present mark when all the cards fall right.
1pt win – Alfred Boucher – 7/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
3:55 – Great Metropolitan Handicap (Class 3) – 1m 4f
Soto Sizzler 2-2 over C&D for previous yard, including this race in 2019. He showed he retains plenty of his old ability on first start for new trainer David Menuisier when fourth of 9 at Kempton 24-days ago. That was the 6-year-old’s first run for 18 months so was entitled to need the run last time. Best form has come on good/good firm going so no problems with the ground.
Group One Power’s two career wins have come on the all-weather and he’s 0-3 on turf. However, his career best effort came when fourth of 17 in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot. He’s only had five career starts and could be capable of better. Has been gelded since disappointing on soft ground at Newmarket last July.
I’m concerned that they won’t go quick enough for Soto Sizzler here and the more prominently ridden Group One Power could benefit.
4:30 – Jockey Club Thanks All Owners Handicap (Class 4) – 1m ½ f
Dejame Paso built on the promise of his first two juvenile starts when improving to win at Lingfield on his first start over a mile last autumn. A mark of 78 for his handicap debut looks fair enough and he could be capable of more progress as a 3-year-old. Trainer has made a good start to the new season.
1pt win – Dejame Paso – 13/2 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power
Cheers
John