I am a firm believer in the top weights in three-year-old handicaps like this, especially when they run credibly in better company such as Derby Trials. This race was won by the unfancied Pasaka Boy last year, he was beaten fifteen lengths by Nevis in the Lingfield Derby Trial and won this handicap when dropping down in class. Three horses fit this bill. Stars Over The Sea (14/1), who was well held by Orchestra in the Chester Vase, Double Bluff (14/1) who came to within two lengths of Western Hymn in a Newbury conditions race and was well beaten by Snow Sky in the Lingfield Derby Trial and Zampa Manos (12/1) who was beaten just under four lengths by Kingfisher in the Dee Stakes at Chester. These three may be vulnerable to progressive horses but they are not short of ability. Preference is probably with Double Bluff here.
2:05 – Investec Woodcote Stakes (Listed Race):
The favourite, Baitha Alga (5/2) looks a good thing here. He improved readily from his debut effort at Haydock when going down to a smart Godolphin horse in Winslow (who had previous experience) by winning a Chester maiden on 31st May. This will be his third run in a little over two weeks but he should handle the track and ground and prove very difficult to beat.
2:40 – Investec Coronation Cup (Group 1):
For the fifth year in a row it looks like we will have an odds on favourite in the Coronation Cup. Sadly there is no St. Nicholas Abbey this year after his tragic passing but the race is in commemoration to the horse that won it three times. Cirrus Des Aigles is around 8/11 for the first Group 1 of the day tomorrow, he has knocked off Treve and Olympic Glory this year and is arguably in the form of his life heading to Epsom. The French dominate the betting here and Andre Fabre sends over Grand Prix De Paris winner Flintshire who makes his reappearance here and is 7/2 to take the race. Talent (7/1) is the best of the British and has winning course and distance form on her return to action and she could prove to be a worthwhile each way bet.
3:15 – Investec Specialist Bank “The Dash” (Heritage Handicap):
This is one of my favourite races of the year. It is always a great spectacle and with the drying ground we could see a ridiculously fast time clocked. Last years runner up Smoothtalkinrascal (8/1) looks well handicapped off 103 and has a great draw in stall 18. Ballesteros (20/1) is also down to the same mark in which he last won off (99) and could run a good race from stall 16. Jaajub (16/1) has finally got a decant draw (19) for the Dash and a return to form could see him run well. Any of those three could run well but this is always a crazy race to have a bet in and it would take a brave soul to go out on a limb and call it.
4:50 – Investec Zebra Stakes:
Dare To Achieve (5/1) could be a progressive type after he won a Hamilton handicap last time out, both he and an Andrew Balding horse drew well clear of the field. Blue Surf (12/1) was last of four in listed company last time when going down by two lengths to Gatewood who is rated eight pounds higher and on that form he has a chance. Blue Wave (14/1) can also be progressive and is on a decant mark if the ground turns up on the good to firm side. Stomachion (100/30) warrens respect as he is young and won last time out, finally bottom weight Red Seventy (33/1) is on an eye catching mark. He has won over seven furlongs and over hurdles, if he has the speed and stamina for a mile and a half on the flat he could be very well in. Preference is with Blue Wave for this one.
5:25 – Voyage By Investec Stakes:
Bondeshire (8/1) has been most progressive in recant times and I would not be surprised to see her win again. Fair Value (16/1) could well be fair value here as she always seems to bring her A game to Epsom, a big run may be in the offing. Arctic Feeling (11/1) won this last year and is now two pound lower then his winning mark in this race last year and he could prove tough to beat here.
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