UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

Tactical Plan sets a decent form standard but has had a few chances now and preference is for the less-exposed GAP YEAR, who looked crying out for further when staying on well for fourth over the extended 5f at Bath last time. That came on the back of a fast-finishing second over 6f at Windsor on debut and 7f could prove ideal for Eve Johnson Houghton's gelding here. That could also apply to Letsbeatsepsis, who has done his best work at the finish when third over 6f on both starts to date.
Prediction : 1st Gap Year 2nd Tactical Plan 3rd Letsbeatsepsis

BOBBY BENNU won novice events at Chester and Thirsk before failing to land a serious blow on his handicap bow at Newmarket, but that was a decent contest and the runner-up has won well since. He could be worth another chance off the same mark now eased in class and his trainer, Roger Varian, won the race last year. It was no surprise that Son Of Man found the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot too hot and his second in a similar event off a 2lb lower at Goodwood the time before puts him right in the picture today. Summer Of Love was only touched off late on when third over this trip at Doncaster latest and a 1lb rise for that effort doesn't rule her out, while Piz Nair has been threatening to score.
Prediction : 1st Bobby Bennu 2nd Son Of Man 3rd Summer Of Love

There was a lot to like about the way HOT FASHION stayed on to win well over this trip at Sandown last month (third has won since) and, with scope for further progress, Ralph Beckett's filly is fancied to defy a 4lb rise for a double. The main threat may come from Celtic Warrior, who shaped like this extra furlong would suit when keeping on for fourth off 1lb higher at Goodwood latest, while a drop in class and trip will suit top-weight Good Too.
Prediction : 1st Hot Fashion 2nd Celtic Warrior 3rd Good Too

GORDON GREY recorded a career-best effort when taking the Ladies' Derby over C&D and the reliable four-year-old may well have more to come, despite a 7lb rise. Warning Sign arrives following a brace of seconds, with the most recent effort seeing him beaten a head at Newbury. He is respected off 2lb higher, while Lord Melbourne, winner of the Queen Mother's Cup at York in June, is more than capable of being in the mix.
Prediction : 1st Gordon Grey 2nd Warning Sign 3rd Lord Melbourne

Big Bear Hug appeared to be slightly unlucky in third here at the start of the month, when attempting to follow up her course victory over 1m2f the time before. She got the better of AMANCIO (second) on that occasion, but the drop back in trip should play to the latter's strengths and it wouldn't be a huge surprise if Jack Channon's charge reversed the form. Others to consider include Atlantis Blue and Unreal Connection.
Prediction : 1st Amancio 2nd Big Bear Hug 3rd Atlantis Blue

Dream Of Mischief returned to winning ways at this track 10 days ago, having run with plenty of credit in defeat on his outings prior to that success. He is expected to be in the mix once again, but a chance is taken with GUITEAU. A C&D winner on his return to action in July, he raced far too keenly when tried over a mile at Sandown last time and the return to 7f, combined with a good draw, can see him bounce back. Shot Of Love, Giorgio M and Extrication appeal most of the remainder.
Prediction : 1st Guiteau 2nd Dream Of Mischief 3rd Shot Of Love