UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

The Richard Hannon yard has won this twice in the last decade and New Charter seems likely to prove popular after her highly promising debut second at Newmarket, where she pulled too hard to give her best. If she settles now, she can get involved but preference is for MEGALITHIC. Left with plenty to do at Salisbury before running on well into third behind a previous winner, he can only improve for the experience. Recent winners End Of Story and Teej A are others to consider in a fascinating contest.
Prediction : 1st Megalithic 2nd New Charter 3rd End Of Story

Four-year-olds have won the last two renewals and that run could continue if French import BESHTANI is ready to go for his UK debut. The winner of three of his six starts, including last time out, and second in Listed class at La Teste De Buch, he cost 340,000 euros at the sales last November and may be classier than this in first-time cheekpieces. Al Mubhir gets his ground and could prove a serious rival, with Fantastic Fox and Bopedro others for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Beshtani 2nd Al Mubhir 3rd Fantastic Fox

A small but select field for this top-class race, won by EMILY UPJOHN last season. The Gosdens' mare was last seen finishing fifth to Rebel's Romance in the Dubai Sheema Classic and with that form boosted by the winner scoring in Hong Kong last weekend, she can retain her crown, despite the softer surface. Hamish looks overpriced on his favoured ground but is yet to win at this level and has to find a bit more, so three-time Group 1 winner Luxembourg appears the main danger.
Prediction : 1st Emily Upjohn 2nd Luxembourg 3rd Hamish

Liberty Lane has to be respected following his victory over 1m1f at Newmarket earlier in the month, but marginal preference is for CITY STREAK. Andrew Balding's progressive gelding returned to winning ways over an extended 1m2f at Chester recently and a 3lb rise for that success may still underestimate him. Bolster remains unexposed and should not be discounted, while I Still Have Faith and Paradias have each-way claims.
Prediction : 1st City Streak 2nd Liberty Lane 3rd Bolster

Ylang Ylang sets the standard based on her victory in the Fillies' Mile last year and an encouraging fifth in the 1000 Guineas. The daughter of Frankel looks set to relish this step up in trip but preference is for EZELIYA, who accounted for a subsequent Group 3 winner when scoring on her second start as a juvenile. She took a big step forward when winning the Salsabil over 1m2f at Navan, and her dam was a high-class middle-distance performer for these connections. Further improvement can be expected over this trip and it would be no surprise to see her play a leading role. Rubies Are Red remains a maiden but cannot be discounted, while Forest Fairy and Treasure are likely to stay well and could also be in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Ezeliya 2nd Ylang Ylang 3rd Rubies Are Red

Zoum Zoum lost his unbeaten record when dead-heating for second in the Greenham at Newbury and this appears to be the ideal spot to come ahead of the Jersey at Royal Ascot. That said, BALMACARA, who finished third to the former on his racecourse debut at Newmarket, has impressed on both starts this season at Doncaster and it seems notable that connections opt to run here as opposed to taking advantage of a tempting handicap mark. Evade and Native American appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Balmacara 2nd Zoum Zoum 3rd Evade

SPANISH STAR won this contest 12 months ago off a 1lb higher mark and has warmed up for a return with solid displays at Newbury and Goodwood. The booking of Tom Marquand is another positive and the nine-year-old has plenty in his favour for a repeat bid. Dark Thirty returned with success at Newmarket in April before finishing third at the same venue on Guineas weekend and is expected to be in the mix once again. Mission To Moon and Earls complete the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Spanish Star 2nd Dark Thirty 3rd Mission To Moon