Saturday 7th June 2014

A cracking day's racing ahead.

3.15 Epsom Seeking Magic 2pts each-way AND 1pt win @ 9/1 (Generally guaranteed) - E/W 2nd

Seeking Magic appears to have been laid out for this contest, and he makes plenty of appeal as a fairly handicapped horse, with a high cruising speed, who has experience of downhill tracks. His third at Goodwood at last year's Glorious meeting marked him down as a horse to follow in these conditions, and he has come up trumps with a high draw here. He should get a good tow into the race from the likes of Even Stevens and Caspian Prince, and I think he has enough class to pass those horses late on in the race. The booking of a decent 5lb claimer who knows the horse is a bonus. 

4.00 Epsom Orchestra 2pts each-way AND 2pts win @ 16/1 (Generally guaranteed)

I was really impressed by Orchestra's Chester Vase win. His tactical speed, acceleration, nimbleness and his action all marked him down as a potential Epsom natural in my view, and I'm surprised Ryan Moore didn't choose to ride him. Seamie Heffernen rides this track really well (2nd in 2011 Oaks, 2nd in 2010 Derby on a 100/ shot, 2nd in 2009 Derby - thanks to Henry for the research!) and his presence in the saddle is certainly no negative factor. He is beautifully bred, guaranteed to stay, and appears to be well drawn. I think the Chester Vase form might just be the best on offer outside of the 2,000 Guineas, and on that basis Orchestra makes plenty of appeal at eight times the price of Australia. We'll play each-way and win.

4.50 Epsom Blue Wave 2pts each-way AND 2pts win @ 20/1 (Coral, 18/1 Bet Victor, 16/1 generally guaranteed)

Blue Wave looks a typical tough-as-teak Mark Johnston handicapper, and his improvement probably didn't end at Newmarket last time out. He was probably inconvenienced by racing alone in the centre of the track that day, and I actually think Epsom's tighter track will suit him today. The stable's horses have come into form, and I'm surprised he is available at these odds. A wide draw shouldn't hinder him over this trip. Again we'll play each-way and win.

Profit & loss: day: -10.50 / month: -40.90 / year: +283.00