THE 2019 Investec Derby Festival will live long in the memory, as the atmosphere on course and on the Epsom hill was buzzing on Oaks and Derby day.
From a punting perspective Telecaster and Bangkok had both run their races before the start and yet as expected the 2019 Derby was always going to see a very tight finish with Aidan
O’Brien demonstrating once again what a brilliant trainer he is with Anthony Van Dyck’s success. Madhmoon ran a tremendous race to be second for Kevin Prendergast and I’m looking forward to following Madhmoon for the rest of the season.
I was delighted to tip up the Oaks winner Anapurna in my Unibet blog and as predicted she saw out the trip tremendously well under a peach of a ride by Frankie Dettori.
From a culinary perspective it was a hugely successful two days, with the walk-in new Parade Bar and Bistro proving a very popular dining experience, whilst it was fantastic to have Albert Roux, Michel Roux Jr and Emily Roux in Chez Roux in the Queen’s Stand. Finally a big shout out to Epsom’s Head Chef Rhys Owen and all his team across the course for delivering a great food experience. Cheers!
1.30 Nottingham Handicap 1m ½f
Mutafani never settled at York last month on his first start for nearly a year in a competitive handicap and wasn’t given a hard race by his regular pilot Silvestre De Sousa when finishing unplaced. The winner of two good novices in 2018, Mutafani will surely show his true potential this afternoon.
Unibet 11/4 win
2.00 Nottingham Handicap 1m 2f
Front runners have done well on the round course at Nottingham this year and Turnbury might be able to improve that stat a bit more. In a field that lacks any obvious front runner, he might be able to get the lead and dictate terms. Ran well enough after a wind operation at Chelmsford to think there’s a race in him soon.
Unibet 20/1 each way
2,25 Newton Abbot Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase 2m 5f
Pingshou was a Grade 1 winning hurdler in 2017 and then struggled last season, however he showed on his chasing debut that he certainly retains plenty of ability when winning comfortably in a novices’ chase at Flos Las last month.
Today’s conditions certainly look in his favour based on his recent success and old form.
Unibet 10/11 win
3.45 Nottingham Handicap 6f
First Excel might be better on sand surfaces rather than turf, which is reflected in his mark here, but he retains plenty of ability and has gone well after a break before. Throw in the fact he’s drawn stall 1, which could be an advantage if there’s a bit of cut, and he might take some pegging back.
Unibet 6/1 each way
8.00 Ripon Handicap 6f
Hyperfocus (nap) ultimately became disappointing for Hugo Palmer but judging by his head second at Thirsk last time, it’s not taken long for Tim Easterby’s yard to have found the key to him. Could have a good draw in stall 1 and really ought to be right on the premises if repeating his latest effort in a good contest.
Unibet 15/2 each way
