UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

LIHOU might not have been at his best in recent starts, but David Evans' charge, who landed the corresponding event off a 7lb higher mark 12 months ago, could be revitalised by the return to this track. A high draw looks to be in his favour too, and he gets the nod ahead of Glory Fighter, who pulled well clear with the runner-up when on target at Thirsk a fortnight ago. Mountain Peak rounded off last season with a couple of improved efforts at Ascot and must be considered too.
Prediction : 1st Lihou 2nd Glory Fighter 3rd Mountain Peak

A race which could throw up some clues for this year's Derby, and preference is for DEFIANCE. Having won on his debut at Sandown, the son of Camelot was far from disgraced in the Royal Lodge next time. He's bred to appreciate this longer trip and should be stronger as a three-year-old. Chief Little Rock chased home subsequent Futurity winner Ancient Wisdom in the Autumn Stakes when last seen and must be feared on that evidence, while Feigning Madness, who bids to maintain his unbeaten record, heads the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Defiance 2nd Chief Little Rock 3rd Feigning Madness

In what looks a tricky puzzle to solve, only a tentative vote can go to SILENT FILM. Ian Williams' gelding finished a good second at Meydan in January but it was a different story the following month when he finished down the field at the same venue. However, the son of New Approach could emulate his father and improve for a step up to 1m2f, with the booking of Ryan Moore also a big positive. Felix was narrowly denied at Wolverhampton last time out and must be of interest back on turf, while Qitaal, who defied a lengthy absence to score at Doncaster, can mount another stern challenge off 6lb higher.
Prediction : 1st Silent Film 2nd Felix 3rd Qitaal

Champagne Piaff returned from an absence of over two years when third at Bath earlier in the month and warrants plenty of respect off the same mark with Ryan Moore booked. That said, it remains to be seen whether he can handle such a quick turnaround and the vote goes to HOPE YOU CAN RUN. The four-year-old ran with credit behind some useful types before winning at Catterick in July last year and a gelding operation might yield further improvement. There's The Door won off a 2lb lower mark at Goodwood in August and is a player following her return effort at Doncaster.
Prediction : 1st Hope You Can Run 2nd Champagne Piaff 3rd Theres The Door

Involvement sets a decent standard based on his Redcar debut success and his Newcastle second in November. Bred to improve for a step up in trip, the son of Lope De Vega will need to settle better than on his first couple of starts and it may be a decent sign that the hood isn't being used on this occasion. Midair commands plenty of respect on what he achieved as a juvenile, but a chance is taken on PLAYTIME. His Goodwood second was a decent effort, having chased home a rival who subsequently performed well in Listed company, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him control proceedings on the front end.
Prediction : 1st Playtime 2nd Involvement 3rd Midair

MR BALOO progressed nicely once stepped up to 7f last season with a pair of victories, one of those coming at this track, before finishing third at Newmarket. He returned earlier this month in winning form at Kempton and the manner of his performances suggest he will have no issue with stepping up to this distance. His stable companion Show Biz Kid is of interest on handicap debut following some promising displays, while Portsmouth and Dashinwhitesargent are other potential improvers.
Prediction : 1st Mr Baloo 2nd Show Biz Kid 3rd Portsmouth