Epsom this weekend. Two of the most iconic races in the world — the Oaks on Friday and the Derby on Saturday. The Twister Tipster analysis has identified one selection for each race, and if the rain comes as forecast, both could be right in the mix.
🏇 The Betfred Oaks — Friday 6 June, Epsom, 4pm
Thundering On — 11/2 each way (3 places, 1/5 odds) Trained by Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Stall 5 1pt each way
Thundering On is a Frankel filly with one of the most extraordinary stories in this year’s Classics. Her dam, the Group 1 winner Thundering Nights, sadly passed away — and this filly now carries the entire legacy of that family on her shoulders. She’s already shown she’s worthy of it.
A commanding win in the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes at Navan over ten furlongs showed she relishes a test of stamina, and the step up to Epsom’s twelve furlongs looks well within her compass. With Joseph O’Brien training and Dylan Browne McMonagle aboard, the team is set up perfectly.
The key angle is the ground. Thundering On handles testing conditions well, and if the rain arrives at Epsom as expected, that plays right into her hands. At 11/2 with three places available, this is our Oaks selection.
🏇 The Betfred Derby — Saturday 7 June, Epsom, 4pm
James J Braddock — 10/1 each way (4 places, 1/5 odds) Trained by Joseph O’Brien, Kilkenny | Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle 1pt each way
The name tells you everything you need to know. James J Braddock was the American heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1935 to 1937 — the ultimate underdog, nicknamed the Cinderella Man for his remarkable comeback from near-destitution to world champion. And just like his namesake, this three-year-old doesn’t read the script.
By Zarak — a son of Dubawi out of the legendary Zarkava, unbeaten Arc winner — the pedigree screams stamina and soft ground. That matters enormously at Epsom this weekend with rain forecast. Last month at Leopardstown, James J Braddock upset an odds-on favourite in the Derby Trial, and that form demands respect. His earlier fifth this season looks a blip; the Derby Trial performance is what tells the story.
Trained by Joseph O’Brien in Kilkenny and partnered again by Dylan Browne McMonagle — who also rides Thundering On in the Oaks the day before — the yard is clearly operating at the top of its game. Drawn in stall 10 of 13, he’ll get a clean run around Epsom’s famous horseshoe bend rather than getting boxed in on the rail.
The Cinderella Man. Epsom. Saturday. Let’s see.
| Race | Selection | Odds | Stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Oaks (Fri) | Thundering On | 11/2 EW | 1pt EW |
| The Derby (Sat) | James J Braddock | 10/1 EW | 1pt EW |
3 places 1/5 (Oaks), 4 places 1/5 (Derby). Not financial advice. Please be responsible.
