Epsom Derby Festival SmartPlays: Friday June 6

Abseil only made his debut in April but he already looks a smart prospect and can cash in on a favourable handicap mark in the Investec Mile (15:20). Sir Michael Stoute's three-year-old showed obvious signs of promise when staying on strongly to finish third in a strong-looking Kempton maiden, and he improved as anticipated when comfortably getting off the mark at Yarmouth next time. Drawn wide on his handicap debut at Chester, Abseil shaped extremely well as he stayed on powerfully into second close home having been dropped in from his disadvantageous draw, never able to throw down a meaningful challenge to the well-handicapped winner. He remains with plenty of potential, though, and with a more favourable draw this afternoon can return to winning ways.

We at Timeform have been big admirers of Taghrooda ever since she burst onto the scene with an impressive debut success in a Newmarket maiden and believe that John Gosden's unbeaten filly can win the Oaks at 16:00. By Sea The Stars and out of a sister to Ebaziya (dam of Ascot Gold Cup winners Enzeli and Estimate), it was highly encouraging for Taghrooda's future prospects that she had the speed to win over a mile on her racecourse debut, the powerful manner in which she travelled into the contest marking her down as a smart prospect. Taghrooda, who was well supported in the Oaks ante-post market over the winter, made her seasonal return in the listed Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket, and she could hardly have been more impressive, registering a comfortable six-length success. It is true to say that the form of the Pretty Polly has not worked out well, but Taghrooda could only beat what was put in front of her, still pouring it on as she crossed the line well in advance of her rivals, and she remains open to plenty of improvement, particularly over today's trip of a mile and a half.

Our final bet runs in the concluding seven-furlong handicap (17:20) on Epsom's card as we side with the unexposed Kafeel. There aren't as many horses open to improvement as you may expect to find in a three-year-old handicap at this stage of the season, but the thrice-raced Kafeel, who hails from a top yard, is certainly open to progress and can build on an encouraging handicap debut at Kempton last time. Making his seasonal return, Kafeel produced a creditable performance over one mile, looking a big threat in the closing stages before his effort flattened out slightly. He won't be inconvenienced by the return to seven furlongs and can take a step forward. 

Timeform UK SmartPlays:
All at Epsom

Back Abseil in the 15:20
Back Taghrooda in the 16:00
Back Kafeel in the 17:20