THE Investec Derby Festival is almost upon us and I was at the Epsom Downs racecourse for the final preparations on Thursday ahead of

top-quality racing, entertainment and food for racegoers. Behind the scenes, Jockey Club Catering’s Head Chef Rhys Owen, 100 chefs and another 1,200 catering staff are completing final preparations ahead of delivering a delicious array of food and drinks over the two-day festival, which includes The Winning Post Restaurant, The Derby Suite and Chez Roux @Blue Riband. Racegoers can enjoy

a relaxed day in the Tattenham Straight enclosure with a beautiful “Best of British” picnic hamper and there are gastronomic experiences to suit every palate and pocket.

In the Tattenham Straight enclosure there is the famous Coates & Seely Albion Bus where you can enjoy a glass of Coates & Seely Brut Reserve or their lovely Coates and Seely Rosé Brut from Hampshire.

This week is English Wine Week and you can celebrate with a fabulous glass of English Sparkling.

The Investec Oaks is as fascinating as ever and I backed Pink Dogwood at 8/1 and so I can’t take the price on offer now, Instead I have looked at two good each way selections as well as covering all bases with a small each way on Blue Gardenia at a massive price. She will step up and stay.

Have a fantastic day.

2.35 Investec Mile Handicap 1m

Firmament is one of my favourite horses in training and this evergreen seven-year-old was an impressive second last time out at York. Interestingly this is his first start at Epsom and he will love the quick ground over his optimum trip. Unibet are paying an EXTRA PLACE on the race too!

Unibet each way 11/1

3.10 Investec Coronation Cup (Group 1) 1m 4f

Salouen for Sylvester Kirk has some of the best turf form on show, sixth in the Arc and only beaten a head by Cracksman in this last year. Easy winner on return at Ascot earlier this month and looks overpriced.

Unibet each way 6/1

3.45 Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap 1m 2f

Hard to knock Elector’s Newmarket win at the Guineas Festival, with fifth Al Muffrih and eighth Aquarium both winners since. He looks sure to improve and a 2lb rise for that victory is nothing. Big chance and the quick ground is going to definitely suit.

Unibet win 100/30

4.30 Investec Oaks Group One Fillies’ 1m 4f

Manuela De Vega (nap) for Ralph Beckett has plenty of ground to make up on Mediyaah on Chester form but two things to remember – one, Mediyaah was match fit after a run out at Chelmsford and Manuela De Vega was giving her 3lb too. She suffered no run at crucial stages and I think she could reverse form today. Will appreciate quicker ground too and having walked part of the course today, there is a lovely covering of grass on quick ground.

Unibet 18/1

Anapurna was a very comfortable winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, which followed an easy success at the same course earlier in the season. This filly by Frankel will most definitely stay as her damsire is Montjeu. There is plenty of improvement to come here for the John Gosden and Frankie Dettori.

Unibet 15/2