Epsom best bets: Course-distance specialist expected to shine again in seven-furlong handicap

14:35 Epsom: Quickslide Quick Ride Handicap  (7 furlongs)

Marlay Park is an obvious one for the shortlist because this race is one of his main targets each year and he has recorded figures of 121 in this event over the last three seasons, with his defeat coming by just a neck (to his stablemate, Hodler, who is in the field again off 6lbs lower, but who has shown very little in recent weeks).

Marlay Park’s marks for those three runs were 74, 79, 79, and the ground ranged from soft to good-firm, so he has to be of major interest as he bids to win the prize for a third time off 77.

Next best bet: Marlay Park in the 14:35 at Epsom

One who can beat Marlay Park today is Malcolm Saunders' mare, Redredrobin, who did precisely that when the pair clashed over this course and distance late last month.

That was in a 0-79 handicap in which Redredrobin went very close, finishing second of14, beaten just a neck after attempting to make every yard from stall 6. After the race, her rider said the saddle had slipped, which could have made all the difference.

Back in fifth place that day was Marlay Park, who was almost two lengths behind Redredrobin at the line, having had stall 15 to contend with.

Redredrobin has recorded all her best efforts on ground ranging from soft to good, and four of her top five career performances have come over today’s course and distance.

In fact, ignoring her one run on fast ground, her figures over this c/d are 1122, which could easily have been 1121 with a bit of luck.

Best Bet: Redredrobin in the 14:35 at Epsom

Her current mark of 72 compares favourably with the 73 off which she won a 0-79 over here on soft ground last season, and just a couple of weeks after that, she finished runner-up over this same trip off 76 (4lbs higher than today).

Redredrobin likes nothing better than racing very prominently, either going from the front or racing right up with the pace, so her draw in stall 3 is perfect.

Her price is bigger than it should be because of what appears to be a sub-par run at Chepstow (where she usually goes well) last time, but she has a valid excuse in that she missed the break under a new rider from a wide draw.

Today’s rider Charlie Bennett has won on her before and, from this very handy draw, the mare looks set for yet another bold performance around here. Bearing in mind that Marlay Park has won only one of his last ten visits to this track, Redredrobin appears to be the best bet at the prices.

• Preview and tips provided Steve Jones, who runs CD Systems Daily Bargain on Tipstrr

 

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