Three from three on Friday — Thundering On won the Oaks at 11/2, Hickory Lad won at 4/1, Alpha Crucis placed at 9/1. Horse racing P&L into profit for the first time. Now let’s build on it.
She’s Perfect — 2.05 Epsom, 4/1, 1pt win Trainer: Charlie Fellowes | Jockey: Kieran Shoemark | OR: 110
A highly rated filly with an official rating of 110 — a mark that puts her firmly in the quality bracket. By Sioux Nation out of a Galileo mare, she combines speed on the sire’s side with stamina on the dam’s. Charlie Fellowes is a sharp trainer who picks his spots carefully, and Kieran Shoemark takes the ride. In a field of eight, she is the standout play in the opener.
🏆 James J Braddock — 4pm Epsom Derby, 9/1 each way (3 places, 1/5 odds), 1pt EW Trainer: Joseph O’Brien | Jockey: Dylan Browne McMonagle | Stall 10
The Cinderella Man comes to Epsom. Named after the world heavyweight boxing champion of 1935-37 — the ultimate underdog — this three-year-old has already written his own underdog story. Last month at Leopardstown he beat the odds-on favourite in the Derby Trial, and that form demands respect in the world’s greatest Flat race.
By Zarak — a son of Dubawi out of the legendary unbeaten Arc winner Zarkava — the pedigree screams stamina and soft ground. Rain has arrived at Epsom overnight and the going will be testing for the Derby. That plays perfectly into his hands. Trained by Joseph O’Brien in Kilkenny and partnered by Dylan Browne McMonagle, who also rode our Oaks winner Thundering On yesterday — a yard in brilliant form this week.
At 9/1 with three places available, this is our Derby selection.
🌎 Emerging Market — Belmont Stakes, Saratoga, Sunday 12.04am UK, 6/1 EW, 1pt EW Trainer: Chad Brown
The final jewel of the American Triple Crown runs overnight into Sunday. Nine runners at Saratoga — and we’re taking on market favourite Renegade.
Renegade is the favourite but is a deep closer who needs pace to run at. In a field without much early speed, his closing kick could find less to aim at than he needs.
Emerging Market is our value play at 6/1. Trained by Chad Brown — one of America’s elite handlers — he beat the Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo in the Louisiana Derby earlier this season. His 10th place finish in the Kentucky Derby was only his third career start — inexperience was the key factor, and he’s entitled to significant improvement. At 6/1 each way, this is the standout value in the Belmont field.
| Selection | Race | Odds | Stake |
|---|---|---|---|
| She’s Perfect | 2.05 Epsom | 4/1 | 1pt win |
| James J Braddock | 4pm Derby, Epsom | 9/1 | 1pt EW |
| Emerging Market | Belmont Stakes (Sun 12.04am) | 6/1 | 1pt EW |
3 places 1/5 (Derby), EW terms apply to Belmont. Not financial advice. Please be responsible.
