Weekend Racing Picks: Epsom Derby
The Investec Derby card on July 4 at Epsom Downs is not only headed by the classic Group 1 race, but also its sister event, the Investec Oaks (G1). Both races are for three-year-olds going 1 ½ miles. Here are my selections for the entire card:
08:50 EST – Investec Woodcote EBF Stakes - Click here to bet with TVG
Twaasol goes for trainer Owen Burrows in this race for juveniles. The son of Adaay (Ire) won first out at Windsor June 16, outrunning ten rivals over six furlongs. Mutazawwed is trained by Mark Johnston and will have Jim Crowley aboard. He’s by Muhaarar and was slow to find his feet over five panels, but made it work over six furlongs at Lingfield and won as the favorite after showing speed. The Godolphin runner Modern News won at Newmarket at first asking, but could do no better than fifth at Royal Ascot.
09:25 EST – Investec Surrey Stakes - Click here to bet with TVG
Shine So Bright is a Balding runner by Oasis Dream who has won three of eleven and tries this course for the first time. His last win was at York in 2019 over a star in Laurens, and although he has not run well since it has all been in Group company. He gets a class break here. Oh This is Us is closing in on half a million in earnings with 13 wins and 10 seconds in 57 starts. This distance generally suits the son of Acclamation. Safe Voyage is the favorite seeking his 10th win, and has been narrowly missing in his last two tries.
10:00 EST – Investec Handicap - Click here to bet with TVG
Best Bet Desert Icon is a deserving choice, coming in off a June 28 win at Newmarket by over eight lengths. The son of Sea the Stars runs for William Haggas and has won three of nine. Caradoc gets Oisin Murphy for trainer Ed Walker; he was a winner at Newbury in September over a similar distance closed out the year running behind a nice horse in Crossed Baton. This is his 2020 debut after an entry at Windsor didn’t go due to unsuitable ground.
10:40 EST – Investec Oaks (G1) - Click here to bet with TVG
Frankie Dettori rides Frankly Darling, an impressive winner at Royal Ascot in Group 2 company June 16 who is unbeaten in two tries on the year. Gold Wand for Roger Varian was an encouraging winner in maiden company over 1 ¼ miles June 11. Aidan O’Brien is always dangerous and has well-backed Love, Ennistymon, and longshot Passion to round out the top selections.
11:15 EST – Princess Elizabeth Stakes (G3) - Click here to bet with TVG
Cloak of Spirits hasn’t won since her debut last July, but has run well every start and faced tough Group 1 animals last out. She was beaten by Oaks choice Love the start before that and faces class relief. Love and Thunder goes for John Gosden with Frankie Dettori up and ran very well over a mile in her 2020 debut June 12 at Newbury. Rose of Kildare for Mark Johnston will run for the 15th time and has been top three in nine of those, with five wins.
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11:55 EST – Investec Derby (G1) - Click here to bet with TVG
KAMEKO the choice in the Derby as the second betting favorite behind English King; the American-bred son of Kitten’s Joy was very impressive in the QIPCO 2000 Guineas and seeks to stop O’Brien from winning a record eighth Derby. Pyledriver was a longshot winner in Ascot’s Group 2 King Edward VII, but looked good doing it and will be overlooked again today. Max Vega is interesting at a long price after looking so good over 1 ¼ miles last year with two wins, and needed a run on the All Weather at Kempton June 3 to warm up for this.
12:35 EST – Investec Zebra Handicap - Click here to bet with TVG
This race rounds out the day with Corazon Espinado getting Andrea Atzeni to hunt for his seventh win. He did win over this track last year. Medieval is a big price making his first start of the season but usually comes on well and has been top four in six of his last eight. Bet the Epsom Derby card with TVG.