Rory Delargy steers the Punting Pointers ship through Betfred Oaks day at Epsom on Friday.
Racing betting tips: Friday June 5
1pt win Naana’s Shadow in the 13:30 Epsom at 7/2 (General) – min 10/3
1pt e.w Bolster in the 15:15 Epsom at 18/1 (General 1,2,3,4) – min 14/1
13:30 – Win With Zyn 3-y-o Dash (0-100) Handicap 5f
It’s officially good on the sprint track at Epsom but there have been showers since and it may ride slightly slower, although I doubt the downhill track will be as affected by rain as the Derby course.
It used to be thought that a high draw was essential over C&D but the rail is only really a benefit in the last furlong, with raw speed from any part of the course the essential ingredient in Epsom Dash winners.
NAANA'S SHADOW was in front of Shes Got A Brother at York last time, the pair of them shaping as if this sharp 5f would suit even better, and I expect the pair of them to be to the fore from the start, with preference for the former, who has the benefit of Oisin Murphy taking over in the saddle and looks a really honest sort who won’t give in easily. Well balanced and genuine, she can scorch up the centre and whatever reels her in is going to have to be smart.
15:15 - Betfred “Nifty Fifty” Handicap 1m2f17y
BOLSTER has plenty to recommend him despite having a big impost, and he’s taken to repeat his 2024 victory in this valuable handicap. Winless last season, Bolster ran his best race when a good 4th of 18 in the Chesterfield Cup at Goodwood in high summer and although a bit below that form when last seen, it’s interesting than Karl Burke has seen fit to give him a breathing operation and more encouraging still to see a few of the older horses in the Burke yard bounce back to form this season.
The wind surgery is a particularly positive angle. Only eight horses from the Burke stable have returned to the track after a breathing operation in the last two years, but four of those have won, with a further two placed. Bolster will relish any further rain and has a handicap record on ground softer than good which reads 1121. He made all to win this in 2024 and can repeat the feat having dropped to a mark just 3lb higher than when last scoring in handicap company.
Preview posted at 09:55 BST on 05/06/26
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Recent winners
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