UK Horse Racing Tips: Epsom Downs

NEVER SO BRAVE ought to take a bit of beating on the class drop. Progressive last year and winner of the Group 1 City Of York Stakes in August, Andrew Balding's charge was deemed good enough for the QEII at Ascot and then shaped as though he was in need of the run in the Bet365 Mile on his Sandown return. Rated 116, he should be winning a race like this. Ten Bob Tony won this contest when run at Haydock in 2025 and would make some each-way appeal if bouncing back from his latest effort at the same venue, but the main danger is Joseph O'Brien's French recruit Alcantor.
Prediction : 1st Never So Brave 2nd Alcantor 3rd Ten Bob Tony

First past the post before being controversially demoted to second in last year's French 1,000 Guineas, Shes Perfect boasts every chance on that form but needs to improve on her returning Goodwood third. Pacific Mission makes some appeal as the sole three-year-old in the race, but it could be worth chancing SPARKS FLY. It won't be easy conceding weight all round here but she's rated 110 and performed admirably against the boys at Chester last time when finishing two lengths behind last year's Derby hero Lambourn.
Prediction : 1st Sparks Fly 2nd Shes Perfect 3rd Pacific Mission

This is a fascinating renewal and the rematch is on between last year's first and second JAN BRUEGHEL and Calandagan. It was the last time Calandagan tasted defeat as he's been on a remarkable winning streak which has included top races such as the King George, Champion Stakes and Japan Cup. Also a winner on his seasonal return in the Dubai Sheema Classic, the French raider is expected to go well here again but may just come up short if Ryan Moore can give Jan Brueghel another inspired ride like 12 months ago. He looked to be on good terms with himself on his Chester return and, with three runners in the race, Ballydoyle could dominate this tactically, just like they did in the Prix du Jockey Club last weekend. Last year's Derby winner Lambourn also made a pleasing return at Chester in the Huxley Stakes and isn't out of this.
Prediction : 1st Jan Brueghel 2nd Calandagan 3rd Lambourn

Trainer Robert Cowell is renowned for his prowess with sprinters and although he has four entered here, Silvestre De Sousa has been booked to ride Rhythm N Hooves, who looks the most interesting. Vintage Clarets was fifth here last year beaten just three lengths at the line and needs to be taken seriously off an 11lb lower mark. KINSWOMAN was beaten a neck when second at Yarmouth on her return as a four-year-old, despite being carried left by the winner. Upped 3lb for that she could go on from there after her first start since last October.
Prediction : 1st Kinswoman 2nd Vintage Clarets 3rd Rhythm N Hooves

Andrew Balding has been responsible for three of the last eight winners and he relies on Allegresse this season, though both his wins have been on the all-weather and he will need to improve. Sean Woods is a shrewd operator and the lightly-raced SAVVY DISKO could go well on his handicap debut if he takes to the step up in trip after winning over a mile at Lingfield on his return, while York Tower, over three lengths behind the suggestion in Surrey, reopposes on 7lb better terms and should also go close.
Prediction : 1st Savvy Disko 2nd York Tower 3rd Allegresse

Cases can be made for plenty of these, but marginal preference is for ELSASS. The four-year-old arrives here on the back of two impressive victories in recent months and even an 8lb rise for the latest of those wins may not be enough to stop him from making it a hat-trick. That said, Hengest has a similar profile and should not be underestimated. Spinning Wheel only found one too good on his return at Goodwood recently and is likely to be in the mix once again, while Prydwen and Regal Ulixes are others to consider.
Prediction : 1st Elsass 2nd Hengest 3rd Spinning Wheel

Badri and Sondad are previous winners of this race who have to be of interest once again. However, preference is for FINE INTERVIEW, who has won three of his last four starts and the progressive five-year-old may have more improvement left to come. Gold Star Hero has also been a prolific winner of late and Michael Bell's gelding should not be underestimated. Apollo One has made the frame on both previous starts in this contest and is another to consider.
Prediction : 1st Fine Interview 2nd Gold Star Hero 3rd Badri