We kick off proceedings on this most famous of racing occasions with listed Woodcote Stakes over six furlongs (14:05) and the one to keep on side is Baitha Alga. He showed plenty of speed and a good deal of natural ability when overcoming a poor position at Chester last time, eventually winning comfortably having been badly hampered rounding the home turn. That followed a highly promising debut at Haydock and he is clearly capable of significant further improvement on what is only his third career start. The likes of Ballymore Castle and Red Icon merit respect in what is a typical competitive renewal but the Hannons took this contest with Thunder Strip last year and look to have an excellent chance to do so again here.
It's the Coronation Cup under consideration next (14:40) over the Derby's C&D and in truth anything less than an authoritative display from Cirrus des Aigles will come as something of a surprise. Lively conditions would bring Flintshire into the equation and a fast pace would enhance the claims of last year's Oaks winner Talent, but Corine Barande-Barbe's star gelding is bidding for his sixth success at Group 1 level and will be a tough nut to crack. He's already lowered the sights of Treve and Olympic Glory this season following a creditable second in Dubai and if he turns up in similar mood then he's a confident selection to turn this into a one-horse race.
Our final bet of the day comes in the 2014 Investec Derby (16:00) and given that his big-race credentials look impeccable, it's hard to see past Australia. Not only did his parents win the Derby and Oaks respectively in thrilling style, but his third in what looked a strong renewal of the 2,000 Guineas looks the best piece of form on offer too. Given his aforementioned breeding he's sure to improve for the step up to a mile-and-a-half and if he's capable of translating what he reportedly shows at home onto the unique demands of Epsom's undulations then he will be very tough to beat. Geoffrey Chaucer also has sound claims, and True Story's Dante performance looks better now following the The Grey Gatsby's win in France, but if Australia lives up to expectations they may all be playing for place money.
Timeform UK SmartPlays
All at Epsom
Back Baitha Alga in the 14:05
Back Cirrus des Aigles in the 14:40
Back Australia in the 16:00
