Yesterday’s Review
0.5pt e/way Flying Fletcher (99) – A messy race in which the selection didn’t get a clear run from two furlongs out. He kept on well to the line to make the frame and better will be seen from him in a more truly run race. Result 4th 11/2, 5/1 adv….9/2 SP.
Today’s Advice
No Investments
Nothing strong enough at the right price for me today.
There is rain due at Epsom for Friday’s card and with prices already out it may pay to get involved early.
HICKORY LAD (6f Cns Woodcote Stakes) – This two-year-old has shown himself to be very capable on the clock lately with a fine second place finish behind Adonius at Chester from a wide draw lately while recording a (104) timefigure. The form of his second place finish behind Where Love Lives at Thirsk has also been franked by the winner in the Listed National Stakes at Sandown, and the selection holds the top timefigures of Friday’s (2.05) Epsom field. With the going currently advertised as Good to Soft and with more rain due (11mm forecast for Thursday) it is a step into the unknown for most of the contestants. A positive sign for the selection is that his dam Park Glen won at Ffos Las on Soft ground and was also a 6f winner. He does look like he could appreciate a bit of cut and a step up in trip and at the odds on offer looks worth an interest.
SPOKEN TRUTH (10f Hcap) – This five-year-old has been improving nicely on the clock this season for trainer David O’Meara and he was just pipped by Ripon specialist Spioradalta last month from a 4lb lower mark having taken up the running over a furlong from home. The winner has franked the form since and while he looked held by Danger Bay in the Zetland Gold Cup 11 days ago all his best form is on a softer surface. His dam Joailliere was a Soft ground Listed winner for trainer Dermot Weld in Germany and he should appreciate conditions more than most of the field for Friday’s (3.15) Epsom. Luke Morris has been booked to ride at 8st 1lb, which is a weight he hasn’t raced off since 2021, so a lot of the boxes appear to be ticked. Hopefully, he has recovered from his latest exertions and can show his best.
THUNDERING ON (12f Gp1) – The (4.00) Epsom Oaks looks an interesting renewal of the Classic event and with the rain that was due it was always going to be doubtful that recent Curragh winner Precise would show up. While the favourite Amelia Earhart has form on a Yielding surface at Leopardstown, I would be worried about her if the going became soft. The selection should have no such worries as her dam Thundering Nights won her maiden on a Soft to Heavy surface at Galway and was victorious in a Group 3 event on a soft surface over 9f at the Curragh. She travelled extremely well in her latest start over the extended 10f at Navan in the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes and quickened away form the field in impressive style to win by just over 3 lengths. There looks to be plenty of stamina in the pedigree with grand dam Cape Castle having won over 14f.
Champion Irish jockey Dylan Brown McMonagle is on board and the stable will be looking to improve on last year’s placing where Wemightakedlongway finished fourth behind Minnie Hauk. She looks the right price for a sporting interest and her main danger could well be the Musidora Stakes winner Legacy Link who looks sure to appreciate a bit of soft ground judging by her action and is bred to appreciate the longer trip.
0.75pt e/way Hickory Lad (7/1 Paddy Power,13/2 William Hill, Skybet 4 places) 2.05 Epsom Friday
0.5pt e/way Spoken Truth (16/1 William Hill, 12/1 Unibet, 4 places, 12/1 Paddy Power 5 places for those who can avail) 3.15 Epsom Friday
0.75pt e/way Thundering On (6/1 Ladbrokes, Coral, 5/1 Paddy Power) 4.00 Epsom Friday