Evening Racing Tips from Epsom & Doncaster
Epsom is always a nice track to get involved with punting wise as it is a real specialists track. Ramona Chase is favourite for the 12f handicap at 7.25 and this veteran has won here and been placed 7 times. That said, a win record of 2-52 does not inspire me to take odds of 2/1 and at double the price, NEW CODE looks a better option. Gary Moore has handled this 4-y-o well as 5 wins from 7 starts testifies. Soft ground is a bit of an unknown but the dam is German bred and the gelding's positive attitude to winning could be an asset against the market leader.
YOUNG DOTTIE could go well in the 8.00 at Epsom. Although only modest, the mare has run well fresh more than once and handles this track well enough, always something to consider here. Not really shown her AW form on turf but well handicapped as a consequence and might be allowed to go off at a big price.
Submission will be a warm order for the Doncaster 8.10 but GRACEFIELD could be better value. The Godolphin filly was clearly still quite green when making a succesful debut and she was sent off not too much bigger than her price tonight when contesting a listed race last time. The step down to a class 4 handicap is a big one and at 8/1, she appeals each-way.
In the Epsom claimer at 8.35, TROOPINGTHECOLOUR can continue his winning run switched back to turf. The 5-y-o has proven form on soft ground and has returned from an absence in great heart. Likely to make this a test of stamina as is the yard's preferred tactic and with market rival Avon River's stamina far from proven, the selection should be able to take advantage.
Up at Doncaster, SENSE OF PRIDE could be very well in for the handicap at 8.45 and John Gosden is not only in really good form, he has a 6-14 record with older horses here. The Juddmonte filly is notably unexposed and I will be disappointed if she can't see off her rivals
Back at Epsom, PERFECT PASTIME could be up to beating some exposed older rivals in the 6f handicap at 9.05. The soft ground poses a bit of an unknown but Walter Swinburn's gelding looked a reasonable type for the grade when winning at Goodwood three starts back and the yard are 2-15 here so there are reasons to think the gelding will handle the track.
John Balding runs a couple in the final race of the day, the Doncaster 9.15 and both of his runners can be fancied. Garstang is very well handicapped if he wants to take advantage but MILTON OF CAMPSIE also appeals. The mare rattled up a hat-trick in 2009 but found it tougher last season of higher marks. Given a good break before her recent comeback at Redcar and I fancy she will improve for that run. Down in class today and a couple of pounds down in the weights so at 8/1, she could be good value. Richard Fahey's Crimson Cloud is also one to consider.