16:30 Investec Oaks
The two day Epsom meeting begins today with the highlight of the afternoon being the Investec Oaks, the fillies equivalent of tomorrow's Derby.
Minding, for the O'Brien family, is the short priced favourite having won four of her six starts to date. She was mightily impressive when winning the 1,000 guineas at Newmarket but was beaten into second place when heavily odds on in the Irish version two weeks ago. The going was soft on that occasion and she didn't appear to get home that well over a mile, therefore I have strong reservations about her being able to see out the extra four furlongs on such an undulating course. She is undoubtedly the class horse in the race, and with Ryan Moore on board she will have plenty of backers, however at the short price and given the doubt about her ability to last home the trip, I will be looking elsewhere for value in this race.
Skiffle has had just the two runs to date, winning last time out at Goodwood where she was staying on nicely at the finish which suggests the extra three furlongs here today would be within her reach. She is very well regarded by Godolphin who decided to supplement her after the impressive performance at Goodwood, and there has been plenty of money thrown in her direction this week.
Diamonds Pour Moi was third behind Somehow at Chester where she was doing a lot of her best work at the finish. That was just her second run after winning a nice maiden at Kempton so she should hopefully come on plenty for that and I think Ralph Beckett's horse has plenty going for her at a very nice price. Over the past few years there have been plenty of big priced winners in this race and at best price 20/1, I think she is a fantastic each way bet.
15:10 Epsom
Arod was a little disappointing when third in a Listed contest at Ascot on his first run this year, however it could be argued that the run was needed and if he shows anything like the form where he was just half a length behind Solow at Goodwood last year, then he will be extremely tough to stop and although the favourite here, I think there is still value in his price of 3/1.
Today's Selections
Epsom 16:30 - Diamonds Pour Moi - 1 point each way @ 20/1 (Betfred, Betvictor)
15:10 Epsom - Arod - 3 points @ 3/1 (Ladbrokes)