UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

DIEGO VENTURA looks very much the one to beat. A two-time winning juvenile, he returned with a respectable third in the Listed King Charles II Stakes at Newmarket and backed that up with a gritty success at the same level at Longchamp. The forecast rain is very much in his favour and, providing he handles the undulations of this track, he will take some stopping. Hallasan can confirm Ascot form with Rebel's Gamble on 3lb better terms, while unexposed filly Saqqara Sands adds further spice to the race.
Prediction : 1st Diego Ventura 2nd Hallasan 3rd Saqqara Sands

Havana Hurricane overcame a tardy start to make a successful debut over 5f at Goodwood and reopposing runner-up Logi Bear franked that form when winning readily over this trip at Newmarket. Norman's Cay justified favouritism when getting up on the line in the Brocklesby and will almost certainly improve for this extra furlong, but MAXIMIZED rates the one to beat. He looked very laid-back prior to his Haydock introduction and did everything easily during the race, eventually beating a better-fancied stablemate eased down. Providing slower ground doesn't bother him, he can complete a double.
Prediction : 1st Maximized 2nd Havana Hurricane 3rd Logi Bear

It is difficult to oppose CALANDAGAN, who produced numerous top-class performances last season, including a six-length romp in the King Edward VII Stakes and a highly-creditable second to City Of Troy in the Juddmonte International. There was a lot to like about his comeback second in the Dubai Sheema Classic, coming from off the pace and recording the best finishing sectionals, and a first Group 1 success looms large. Last year's St Leger hero Jan Brueghel will appreciate stepping back up in distance and rates the biggest threat, ahead of Hong Kong Vase scorer Giavellotto, who was behind Calandagan at Meydan.
Prediction : 1st Calandagan 2nd Jan Brueghel 3rd Giavellotto

MUTAAWID went some way to living up to his top-class pedigree when scoring easily at Newmarket and a 10lb rise may not be enough to stop him from going in again. Botanical must enter calculations on his first start in handicap company since finishing second in the John Smith's Cup last summer, while Irish raider Akecheta caught the eye when not getting a clear run and keeping on late in a valuable contest over a mile at the Curragh. Arriving here on a four-timer after ending last season in top form, Ashariba is of interest on her return, as are Rathgar and Defiance.
Prediction : 1st Mutaawid 2nd Botanical 3rd Akecheta

DESERT FLOWER looks more than capable of giving Charlie Appleby a first Oaks success. Unbeaten in five career outings, the daughter of Night Of Thunder only ever seems to do enough and the way she finished off the 1000 Guineas gave a strong indication that she may relish this rise in distance. A taking winner of the Cheshire Oaks, Minnie Hauk must enter calculations as a proven stayer but the best of the Ballydoyle contingent may be Whirl, who produced a career-best performance when landing the Musidora at York. Hailing from a family that includes Oaks winner Look Here, Revoir is another to consider on the rise in trip, as is the supplemented Elwateen, who caught the eye on only her second start when a highly-encouraging fourth in the Guineas.
Prediction : 1st Desert Flower 2nd Whirl 3rd Revoir

Having dictated the pace to lift the Thirsk Hunt Cup, Flight Plan should give another bold sight. However, Karl Burke's charge may have more competition for the lead and a 3lb higher mark could be enough to prevent him from following up. With that in mind, last year's winner of this contest TWO TEMPTING might be the answer. The six-year-old displayed his well-being with a triumph at Chester and a 5lb rise looks workable. Ebt's Guard and Mr Baloo are others to note.
Prediction : 1st Two Tempting 2nd Flight Plan 3rd Ebts Guard

C&D winner MISS INFORMATION arrives on the back of a cosy victory at Newmarket and there could be more to come. Andrew Balding's filly is on an upward curve at present and she can make light work of a 4lb rise. The biggest threat may emerge in the shape of Darkness, who bounced back to form with a comfortable triumph at Thirsk last month, although last year's hero Rhoscolyn cannot be dismissed lightly.
Prediction : 1st Miss Information 2nd Darkness 3rd Rhoscolyn