Epsom Downs hosts one of the most prestigious race days in the world, headlined by the legendary Betfred Derby and the Coolmore Coronation Cup. This race-by-race breakdown combines Tom’s Tips and Rich’s Ranks for Derby Day, featuring proven Group performers, emerging three-year-olds, and potential value plays throughout the card.

🏇 EPSOM DOWNS PICKS

RACE 1 – Betfred Tattenham Corner Stakes – 8:30 am ET

Tom’s Tips

8 – Witness Stand – He failed at Meydan, Longchamp, and Ascot in group races. Three earlier races last season were a win and two seconds; the win was in a Group 2 at Goodwood. Fresh horse at big odds and does well first up.

3 – Chicago Critic – ran against Comanche Brave at the Curragh last time at the wrong distance and ran what appears to be a normal first start of the season, does nothing. He’s placed at the group level and won at the listed level. He needed the start and will run on at the end.

5 – Never So Brave – a group one winner last season at this distance didn’t have the best of runs last time out at Sandown, going one mile. He’s better suited for seven furlongs. Needed start and should be the favorite in this race.

Rich’s Ranks

5 – NEVER SO BRAVE – average race is better than the best for most
2 – BALMACARA – best race ever was a boom in the last second up
4 – GOLDEN MIND – faster by 3 seconds in last and another in round two off the sidelines

RACE 2 – Princess Elizabeth Stakes – 9:05 am ET

Tom’s Tips

9 – Pacific Mission – ran second at Del Mar in the Breeders’ Cup. Ran at York last time and didn’t have the best of it in a listed race. Went off the favorite. Favorite again today and should perform better than the first start.

6 – Pina Sonata – won last time out on the all-weather as prep for this race. Her other wins were in novice and maiden races, but now four years old, she is developing into a top racehorse. Watch the odds, 7-1 looks positive.

2 – Arisaig – Two races this season have been ok. A second in a handicap and with class rise, a fourth verse listed company. Third up should result in a good effort today.

Rich’s Ranks

8 – SHES PERFECT – most consistent class in the field
2 – ARISAIG – a little better race by race and just needs to be a little better again
5 – LOVE DYNASTY – ran a big race last out – same race would win

RACE 3 – Coolmore Coronation Cup – 9:40 am ET

Tom’s Tips

2 – Calandagan – the top middle-distance racehorse in the world. He would be the top racehorse in the world if it were not for the presence of Ya King Rising. He’s won at Meydan, Tokyo (beating some of the best in Japan), and Ascot. Being a gelding, he is limited in the European races he can run in, but nothing has beaten him lately.

6 – Lambourn – he won by a neck at Chester and has won over this course last season. I expect another improved effort, but beating the top horse will be a big challenge.

5 – Jan Brueghel – he beat the top horse last season at Epsom. Ran a strong race at Chester for the win, but is he ready for the top horse again? He’s good, but win this time?

Rich’s Ranks

2 – CALANDAGAN – gets revenge over – JAN BRUEGHEL
6 – LAMBOURN – 2nd up should be as good as the last – Group 2 win
5 – JAN BRUEGHEL – beat the top pick in August 24 – but this one could regress in second up

RACE 4 – Betfred ‘Dash’ Handicap – 10:15 am ET

Tom’s Tips

8 – King of Light – A good start to the season with a second at Goodwood in a handicap. He made up ground with a furlong to go. There appears to be good early speed in this race so with his midpack running style, he should be able to run them down.

14 – Arklow Lad – He started his season on the all-weather with a win, moved up a class level, and ran fifth. Ran on the turf with an outside draw and won in a class two. In his last race, he ran fifth in a class two but against a better overall horse. He has six places from ten starts, and that’s where I see running today.

5 – Eclairage – He returned to the races with a second-place finish at Navan in a handicap over soft going. This is his first race outside Ireland, and he has never won on the turf but has placed twice from eight starts. I will take a chance on the fact that they are bringing him over to run here.

Rich’s Ranks

3 – LEXINGTON BLITZ – repeat last race and that would be good to go
7 – KINSWOMAN – been the betting favorite in 6 straight and is a neck, head, and neck from winning them all
17 – DREAM COMPOSER – Tom horse always close at the end
18 – RHYTHM N HOOVES – most consistent in the race

RACE 5 – Betfred Derby – 11:00 am ET

Tom’s Tips

11 – Maltese Cross – a very strong race at Lingfield in the Derby Trial last time out. Battled down the stretch to win by a neck. He ran second in his first start on the soft going and then won the next three races. Distance is right for him.

6 – Bay of Brilliance – he ran second to my top choice last time, and I am looking at this Lingfield race as a key race. The two horses ran an outstanding race, and he pushed Maltese Cross all the way in the race.

1 – Action – good second in the Dante last time out. He’s only a maiden winner, but Aiden O’Brien has placed him in group races with good overall results: two seconds, one third, and one fourth. Forwardly placed in this race, and certainly has the breeding to get the distance.

Rich’s Ranks

11 – MALTESE CROSS – a neck from winning 4 of 4 and his times are the fastest
9 – ITEM – undefeated in 3 and make easy work of everybody
7 – BENVENUTO CELLINI – “impressive” is the chart caller’s comment – that’s usually good
6 – BAY OF BRILLIANCE – just missed versus the top pick – got like this one too then

RACE 6 – Cherryfield (Croydon) Lester Piggott Handicap – Class 2

Tom’s Tips

10 – Starlight Time
5 – Allegresse
4 – Folk Pageant

RACE 7 – HKJC World Pool Northern Dancer Handicap – Class 2

Tom’s Tips

17 – Lord Melbourne
4 – Dancing in Paris
10 – Give It To Me OJ

RACE 8 – JRA Tokyo Trophy Handicap – Class 2

Tom’s Tips

14 – Partisan Hero
11 – Topwarrior
8 – Fine Interview