THE Cazoo Derby sees Aidan O’Brien with one runner Bolshoi Ballet, the short-priced favourite. This is not something that would have been predicted earlier this week and it is the first time that Aidan O’Brien has had a sole runner since 2004. His charge Bolshoi Ballet definitely deserves to be favourite and yet this is a fascinating Derby with Mac Swiney another Irish raider, who if the going was softer would be more strongly fancied. From the home challenge, there is John Leeper, named after John Dunlop, and trained by his son Ed Dunlop. John Leeper has loads more improvement to come, with Frankie Dettori now taking the ride and this would be a poignant winner for Ed Dunlop. Hurricane Lane and Mohaafeth (see below), who I’m hoping for his chances that the forecast showers are only light, have strong claims too.

A terrific renewal to watch whether you are on the Epsom Downs or enjoying from home.

Enjoy

Cheers!

The Wine Tipster

2.00 Epsom – Handicap (1m 2f)

Patient Dream for the inform Ralph Beckett team has a really good chance here.

Patient Dream won here on seasonal debut at the Spring Meeting in progressive style and the form could not be working out any better with second, third, fourth and sixth all winners since. Up in trip, no problem on pedigree and on a handy mark too. Unibet's 15 To Go Free Bet Offer is running on this race.

Unibet 4/1 win

3.45 Epsom – “Dash” Handicap (5f)

Stone Of Destiny from stall 17 can strike here after a good second to Desert Safari at Goodwood last time out when just touched off in early May. He hasn’t raced since so clearly this contest has been on the agenda. He is very straightforward, will like the ground and the 2020 Portland winner is a smart performer. Unibet's 15 To Go Free Bet Offer is running on this race.

Unibet 8/1 each way

Recon Mission in stall 2 has a good chance of following up his Spring Meeting success here, when beating Dark Shot over this trip. This course definitely suits him, he is not ground dependent, and he looks like he has been laid out for the race. Unibet's 15 To Go Free Bet Offer is running on this race.

Unibet 11/1 each way

4.30 Epsom – Cazoo Derby Group 1 (1m 4f)

Bolshoi Ballet (nap) is by far the likeliest winner here on the back of his excellent win in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial when winning by six lengths after looking so visually impressive, quickening clear and recording an impressive time too. This was on the back of a win on seasonal debut. Stepping up to this trip is only going to suit and he can strike for Aidan O’Brien.

Unibet 11/10 win

Mohaafeth is three from three this season and really caught the eye when winning at the Craven meeting on his second start in 2021. He then followed up in a Listed race at the Guineas meeting, when cruising to victory, beating Secret Protector hard held with a visually impressive performance. This Frankel colt has to step up, looks sure to get the trip and will relish the quick ground.  

Unibet 13/2 each way

5.15 Epsom – Handicap (1m 4f)

Group One Power won here over this trip at the Spring Meeting holding off another of today’s rivals Soto Sizzler. He was always doing enough that day and there was plenty to like about his performance. Next time out he went off too quickly at Ascot when finishing second after being headed with a furlong to go. He has some smart form from last season when fourth at Royal Ascot to Hukum. This looks a good opportunity for this smart performer.

Unibet 100/30 win