14:35 Espom Downs

With only 3lbs difference in the ratings between the likes of Royal Scotsman, Embesto, Regal Reality, EPICTETUS (best priced at 8/1) and Sean, this looks a competitive renewal of the Group 3 Diomed Stakes. Preference goes to the John & Thady Gosden trained four-year-old whose dam Thistle Bird was a two-time winner of the Princess Elizabeth II Stakes and himself is also unbeaten at the track having won the listed Blue Riband Trial last season on soft ground. 

Epictetus won the Group 3 Thoroughbred Stakes at Goodwood in August on soft ground before disappointing on his reappearance at Ascot. With that run behind him, he should step forward from that effort and looks sure to run well with the dead eight runners. 

Epictetus - 0.5pts e/w @ 8/1

15:45 Epsom Downs

With a rating of 111, Clarendon House pushes five runners out of the handicap and that should improve the chances of last year’s runner-up SILKY WILKIE (best priced at 4/1) going one better. The Karl Burke trained five-year-old finished a short head 2nd in the race last season off a mark of 107 and runs here off an 8lb lower mark and Clarendon House runs here off an 11lb higher mark meaning he has a 19lb swing in the weights. 

Silky Wilkie ran well to finish a head 2nd at Bath in April on heavy ground showing that he handles the softer surface and he runs in this race off only a 2lb higher mark. Stall 15 should ensure a good position for Clifford Lee and he should hold strong claims in first time cheekpieces.

Silkie Wilkie - 1pt @ 4/1

16:30 Epsom Downs

This isn’t a vintage renewal of The Derby this year but the solid horse in the field appears to be ANCIENT WISDOM (best priced at 6/1) who should step forward from his reappearance 2nd in the Dante Stakes.

The Charlie Appleby trained three-year-old won four of his five starts last season including an impressive victory in the Autumn Stakes on soft ground last season when he had Ambiente Friendly back in third. He had God’s Window, Deira Mile and Dancing Gemini behind him when winning the Group 1 Futurity Trophy at the end of last season before finishing 2nd to Economics in the Dante Stakes last time. 

Shaping like a step up in trip would suit, Ancient Wisdom should appreciate the slightly softer surface he will encounter here and he looks sure to be involved in the finish with up to five places available. 

Ancient Wisdom - 0.5pts e/w @ 6/1