UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

A taking winner on his penultimate start here in April, PORTSMOUTH since ran with plenty of credit when second at Goodwood on his first try this distance, and the form of that race has worked out particularly well in the interim. Andrew Balding's charge gets the vote ahead of unexposed handicap debutant Bubbles Wonky, as well as Blake, who may improve for going up in trip after a determined success over 1m at Sandown. Others to note include Golden West, Persica and Whiskey Pete.
Prediction : 1st Portsmouth 2nd Blake 3rd Bubbles Wonky

Stall one could allow SPARKS FLY to dictate this contest from the front, having run respectably over 7f on her return at Haydock. Highly progressive throughout last season, David Loughnane's filly looks capable of striking on the rise in grade, with Running Lion looking best placed to chase her home. Only a head separated Royal Dress (first) and Breege (third) at Goodwood recently and they are likely to be thereabouts once again.
Prediction : 1st Sparks Fly 2nd Running Lion 3rd Breege

This can go the way of the evergreen REGAL REALITY, who hasn't scored since taking this contest last year from the reopposing Highland Avenue (second) but his two efforts so far this year have been encouraging. Ryan Moore getting back on board is a big plus, and it may be the unexposed Embesto that gives him the most think about, having done well as a three-year-old. Epictetus and Royal Scotsman have the form to get involved in proceedings as well.
Prediction : 1st Regal Reality 2nd Embesto 3rd Highland Avenue

A wide-open contest and so only a tentative vote can go to MART. Dylan Cunha's representative had been knocking hard on the door prior to last month's Newmarket success, but he followed up at Lingfield just four days ago and might not be done yet, despite a 6lb penalty. Knicks (winner), Vince L'Amour (second), Due For Luck (third) and Blue Storm (fourth) all met at Chester 24 days ago and each are entitled to make their presence felt once again, while Grandlad and Irish-raider Sturlasson are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Mart 2nd Knicks 3rd Due For Luck

CLARENDON HOUSE defeated Looking For Lynda (second) at York last time out and though the latter is 5lb better off, it might not be enough to see that form reversed. The son of Mehmas, who produced a career-best performance that day, is now 11lb higher than when a narrow third in this event 12 months ago and looks destined for Pattern races once again. Silky Wilkie finds himself on a competitive mark and could be revitalised by the addition of first-time cheekpieces. A strong pace would bring Alligator Alley into this, and Night On Earth should not be underestimated either.
Prediction : 1st Clarendon House 2nd Silky Wilkie 3rd Looking For Lynda

A host of exciting prospects head to post in what looks to be a mouth-watering renewal of Epsom's flagship race, and though City Of Troy disappointed in the 2000 Guineas last month, it would be folly to write the champion juvenile off. Stablemate Los Angeles returned to action with a comfortable success in the Derby Trial at Leopardstown and merits the utmost respect as he bids to extend his unbeaten record. Ancient Wisdom appeared to be crying out for a step up in trip when second in the Dante, while Ambiente Friendly, who took the Lingfield Derby Trial in impressive fashion, is also noted. However, there was lots to like about the way in which BELLUM JUSTUM landed the Blue Riband Trial over 1m2f here in April and with prior track experience in his arsenal, the Sea The Stars colt might offer some value.
Prediction : 1st Bellum Justum 2nd Los Angeles 3rd Ancient Wisdom

In a typically wide-open affair that looks every inch as competitive as the C&D feature, IF NOT NOW gets the tentative vote. It was a testament to his ability that he was able to score twice last season without looking like the finished article, and the son of Iffraaj can build on his promising seasonal reappearance third recently to return to winning ways. Ziggy was runner-up behind a subsequent winner over 1m2f here when last seen, and he is respected stepping up in trip, while Kotari is likely to be popular with punters having brought up the hat-trick last month, but a 5lb rise demands more.
Prediction : 1st If Not Now 2nd Ziggy 3rd Kotari

ALEEZDANCER impressed when scoring impressively over 6f at York a couple of weeks ago, making eye-catching headway from off the pace before asserting close home, and Jamie Spencer can deliver him late on again to defy a 6lb rise. Last year's winner Badri is just 2lb above that winning mark and he warrants respect sporting cheekpieces for the first time, while last-time-out winner Misty Grey completes the shortlist, for all that a 6lb rise demands more from him.
Prediction : 1st Aleezdancer 2nd Badri 3rd Misty Grey