18:05 Epsom Downs

Thursday 4 July 2019

All18:0518:4019:1519:4520:2020:50

Tapis Libre & Joanna Mason Ladies' Derby Handicap (Lady Amateur Riders)

Off time: 18:09 | Winning time: 2m 37.92s

(1)

Polish¹⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 10-9| J: Miss Sophie Smith⁽⁵⁾| T: J Gallagher| OR: 81| D

7/1

Not disgraced on stable debut when fourth of 12 at Sandown (1m6f, good to soft) when attempting to make all. Will appreciate the drop back in trip and his sole win came over this distance. Interesting if he can build on stable debut.

Form: 2803-04

(10)

Archimento¹⁹

Age: 6| Weight: 10-9| J: Miss Brodie Hampson| T: W J Knight| OR: 81| D

12/1

Couldn't build on creditable effort at Goodwood two starts ago when seventh of 12 at Sandown (1m6f, good to soft) last time out. Held by other rivals on that form and while the drop in trip is a plus, others make more appeal.

Form: 14-7657

(4)

King Of The Sand³⁴

Age: 4| Weight: 10-7| J: Miss Becky Smith| T: G & J Moore| OR: 79| BF| D

7/2

Bounced back to form in dominant fashion at Brighton two starts ago before flopping as odds-on favourite in 1m4f Wolverhampton handicap on latest start. Now 9lb above last winning mark but has good course form. Worth a look at.

Form: 57-3514

(9)

French Mix¹⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 10-4| J: Miss H Welch⁽³⁾| T: Alexandra Dunn| OR: 76| D

12/1

Has raced exclusively in amateur races since being well-beaten in this race last year, and wasn't disgraced when 6l eighth of 13 at York (1m4f, good to soft) last month. But remains 4lb above last winning mark and has a bit to find on form.

Form: 35-1138

(7)

Blazing Saddles^b¹²

Age: 4| Weight: 10-3| J: Ms S Brotherton| T: R M Beckett| OR: 75| BF| D

4/1

Headgear seemed to reduce his quirks when a narrow second in 1m5f Lingfield handicap on latest start (blinkers retained today). Raised 1lb for that effort and upped in grade, but should give a good account if on his best behaviour.

Form: 65-0422

(6)

Tapis Libre^p¹⁹

Age: 11| Weight: 10-0| J: Joanna Mason| T: Samantha & Jacqueline Coward| OR: 72| CD

9/2

Renowned performer in these contests, including when winning this race last year. Looked to be coming back to form when 2l sixth of 13 at York last time out and is now 3lb below last year's mark. More needed but can't be ignored.

Form: 18-8046

(8)

Nabhan^p,t¹²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-11| J: Miss Jessica Llewellyn⁽⁷⁾| T: B J Llewellyn| OR: 69

16/1

Dual-purpose who has been running with credit in last couple of starts, including when fourth of 10 at Lingfield (1m5f, good to soft) last month. But hasn't won since July 2017 and is harshly treated on form. Best watched.

Form: 8/86-624

(2)

Be Perfect⁷^{(ex 4)}

Age: 10| Weight: 9-9| J: Miss Emily Bullock⁽⁵⁾| T: Mrs R Carr| OR: 63| D

5/1

Veteran who gained a deserved victory in 1m5f amateur rider's handicap at Hamilton (good to firm) a week ago. Now off a 4lb higher mark but seems to have taken to this company well. Leading contender.

Form: 375731

(3)

River Dart⁶²

Age: 7| Weight: 9-6| J: Miss S L Bowen⁽⁵⁾| T: A W Carroll| OR: 64| D

33/1

Has been badly out of form this season and was a poor ninth of 10 at Chepstow (1m4f, good) in May. Unlikely that his fortunes will change and others are preferred.

Form: 57-5999

(5)

Gravity Wave^p³⁷

Age: 5| Weight: 9-4| J: Miss Imogen Mathias⁽⁷⁾| T: J L Flint| OR: 62| D

20/1

Couldn't replicate good third placed-finish two starts ago when sixth in 1m5f Ayr handicap (good to firm) last time out. Now 9lb below last winning mark but this is tougher company.

Form: 6-83836

Forecasts

King Of The Sand (7/2), Blazing Saddles (4/1), Tapis Libre (9/2), Be Perfect (5/1), Polish (7/1), French Mix (12/1), Archimento (12/1), Nabhan (16/1), Gravity Wave (20/1), River Dart (33/1)

In a race full of exposed handicappers, BLAZING SADDLES is the one to beat. The gelding has been much-improved in his last two starts and if he can stop his tendency to hang then he looks likely to be provide his jockey with a notable success. The veteran Be Perfect looked to have thrived in this company in his last two starts and while this is a step up in grade, he should give a good account for himself. King Of The Sand could also be a dangerous player if he is given a soft lead in the race.