UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

This is open and only a tentative vote can be afforded to NAANA'S SHADOW, who followed up her Catterick win with a creditable third in a similar event to this at York three weeks ago. She had the measure of Shes Got A Brother (fourth) that day and is now 1lb worse off, but Oisin Murphy gets aboard for the first time and that might be a tip in itself. Wedonttelllies recorded a cosy success at Goodwood recently and must be respected, while Riley Rocks and Coyy are others to watch out for.
Prediction : 1st Naanas Shadow 2nd Shes Got A Brother 3rd Wedonttelllies

DANDYMAN DAN proved that his 40/1 debut win was no fluke when running with plenty of credit in the National Stakes at Sandown and he might still be worth keeping onside. Possessive is likely to prove popular following last month's York triumph, as is Alpe d'Huez, who created quite the impression when winning cosily on his racecourse bow at Lingfield. Ardad Steve could also run well and Rlasthope is another to keep in mind.
Prediction : 1st Dandyman Dan 2nd Possessive 3rd Alpe dHuez

PERSICA made it two wins from two starts at this venue when triumphant in this race 12 months ago. Richard Hannon's gelding was not disgraced on his return in the Earl Of Sefton in April, but it would be no surprise to see him find some improvement here. Boiling Point claimed Listed honours at Goodwood last month and might represent the biggest danger, but last year's shock Sussex Stakes winner Qirat should not be underestimated.
Prediction : 1st Persica 2nd Boiling Point 3rd Qirat

Having continued his upward trajectory with a third career victory at Chester last month, Respond isn't easily dismissed. However, a 9lb hike could anchor the four-year-old, with SALLAAL taken to capitalise. Roger Varian's gelding caught the eye when a never-nearer second over C&D in April and a 5lb higher mark may be workable. Tycoon and Hand Of God are others of interest in their current heart.
Prediction : 1st Sallaal 2nd Respond 3rd Tycoon

Amelia Earhart relished a step up in distance when making a winning return in the Cheshire Oaks and she must rank high on the shortlist. The daughter of Camelot appears to possess all of the attributes required to land a race of this nature and she isn't taken lightly, but LEGACY LINK shades the vote. Having finished her juvenile campaign with a solid fourth in the Fillies' Mile, the Gosdens' inmate displayed a willing attitude when winning the Musidora and that form could prove to be stronger. Irish raiders Thundering On and Cameo add further spice to the mix.
Prediction : 1st Legacy Link 2nd Amelia Earhart 3rd Thundering On

Sterling Knight looked better than ever when regaining the winning thread at Newmarket last time, while Principality also enjoyed a drop in class when landing the spoils at Nottingham. However, that pair need more in these deeper waters, with STEM getting the vote. Richard Hannon's gelding returned with a solid ninth in the Spring Cup at Newbury and any improvement could see him score. Mister Winston and Celeborn are also worth a second look in an open contest.
Prediction : 1st Stem 2nd Sterling Knight 3rd Principality

ARDISIA was highly tried after he won the Redcar Two Year Old Trophy last year and ran with credit on multiple occasions. The son of Ardad has a wealth of experience and his commendable durability is persuasive. Northern Champion and Postmodern are closely matched based on their clash in a conditions event at Meydan in February. The former was last seen in the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint and can confirm his superiority over the latter at this level. Oisin Murphy chases a hat-trick of wins in this contest and his presence in the saddle is a boost for Stellar Sunrise.
Prediction : 1st Ardisia 2nd Northern Champion 3rd Postmodern

Rhoscolyn won this in 2021 and 2024 and his liking for Epsom is handy, while Pietro is another C&D winner that can put his experience to good use. However, the latter was no match for DANCE IN THE STORM at Chester's May meeting and the Andrew Balding-trained filly shades the vote. Drawn wide that day, the daughter of Night Of Thunder showed her mettle under a skilful ride from the retained Oisin Murphy. A 6lb rise might not prevent the partnership from completing a brace. Hat-trick seeker, Zarathos, is another must for the shortlist.
Prediction : 1st Dance In The Storm 2nd Rhoscolyn 3rd Pietro