Friday 6th June 2025
1.30 Epsom: Nyetimber Surrey Stakes: The first of my selections on Oaks Day at Epsom comes in the opener at 1.30, which is the Listed Surrey Stakes contested over seven furlongs. I find it hard to see past Diego Ventura here for Hamad Al Jehani and the mount of James Doyle. He was placed in several pattern races before opening his account in a similar contest at Longchamp last month, when running on to win by a short neck. He should naturally continue to progress from that run, and I think he looks rock-solid and the one to beat in this particular affair. Diego Ventura – 2/1 (1pt Win)
3.15 Epsom: Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap: My second selection of the afternoon comes within the 3.15, and this is a Class 2 handicap that’s ridden over a mile and two furlongs. I’ve come down on Botanical here, who represents George Boughey and has the services of Ryan Moore on board. He signed off his campaign last term when being narrowly denied by Novus in Listed company at Goodwood, and hasn’t been disgraced in a couple of Listed events in his two starts to date this term. He reverts back into handicap company here and will contest this off just a pound higher than when he was second in the John Smith’s Cup at York last year. He’s also versatile ground-wise, but would welcome the rain forecast. Botanical – 9/2 (0.5pts Each-Way) (4 places – Several firms)
4.00 Epsom: Betfred Oaks: The big one is set to take place at 4.00, and this is the Group 1 Betfred Oaks that’s contested over a mile and four furlongs. I’ve had a win selection and an each-way play in this, the win selection comes in the form of market leader Desert Flower for Charlie Appleby and William Buick. This race is a rare accolade that Appleby doesn’t yet have on his CV, but he has a very live player here in this unbeaten filly to put that right. There are stamina doubts over this trip, but she seemed to respond to pressure very well when winning the 1000 Guineas last time out. I think she oozes class and ability, which could be crucial in getting her home here. She’s the best horse in the race for me, and if she does see out the trip, she should be very tough to beat. Desert Flower – 13/8 (1.5pts Win)
4.00 Epsom: Betfred Oaks: My each-way play in the race comes in the form of Revoir, who represents Ralph Beckett and the mount of Hector Crouch. She ploughed through the mud to win on her racecourse debut at Nottingham on heavy going back in October, and returned to the track at Newbury last month when running a fine race to finish a shoulder second to the much more experienced Qilin Queen within Listed company. She should naturally continue to progress following her Newbury effort, and whilst this requires another big step up from her, it remains to be seen where her ceiling is, and I think she could prove to be an exciting filly. Revoir – 9/1 (0.25pts Each-Way)