Tuesday 28th April 2026
My first selection of the afternoon on Tuesday comes from Yarmouth, and within the 2.12, which is a Class 5 apprentice handicap over seven furlongs. I’m strong on the chances of DIAMONT KATIE in this for Karl Burke, who’s the mount of three-pound claimer Jack Nicholls. She comes into this contest on the back of a dominant success at Pontefract last week, where she won an eight-runner affair by four and a half lengths, easing down in the closing stages. That success came under today’s rider, and if she’s in the same form, she should be tough to beat under a penalty.
Next up for me will be the 3.15 at Epsom, a Class 2 handicap set to be run over a mile and two furlongs. I’m with the Roger Varian-trained SALLAAL here, who’s set to be ridden by Ray Dawson. He’s top-rated in the race by quite a significant margin, and whilst that means he has to give weight away, if he’s anywhere near his best, he should be bang there at the business end of things. He was progressive last term, winning a Class 2 handicap at Hamilton in July, before not being disgraced in a couple of Listed events. He’s stepped up in distance here, which should suit him based on his breeding. If he settles, he should go close.
I’ll be staying at Epsom for my third selection, and this comes within the 3.50, a Class 3 handicap over a mile and four furlongs. I’m siding with ASGARD’S CAPTAIN here for the team of Dylan Cunha and John Egan. He won this race twelve months ago in impressive style by four and a half lengths, and will come into this year’s renewal with race fitness on his side, having been running at Meydan throughout the winter and spring. He placed twice whilst in the Middle East, and he should be primed for another bid at this particular contest. Another big run would be no surprise.
My fourth and concluding selection of the afternoon comes back at Yarmouth, and in the 4.28, a Class 3 fillies’ handicap over seven furlongs. I like another top-weight here, and that comes in the form of MISS NIGHTFALL for James Fanshawe and Daniel Muscutt. She takes a significant drop in grade here, having contested pattern company for the second half of last season, and should make her presence felt at this level. When she last contested handicap company, she was placing at Class 2 level off just a pound lower mark than her current one, and she also acts on fast ground.
Tuesday Selections
28/04/26
2.12 Yarmouth
DIAMONT KATIE – (11/10) (Win) (NAP)
3.15 Epsom
SALLAAL – (9/2) (Win)
3.50 Epsom
ASGARD’S CAPTAIN – (11/4) (Win)
4.28 Yarmouth
MISS NIGHTFALL – (11/4) (Win) (NB)
