Epsom, 14:05 - Woodcote Staks: Back Possessive @ 10/34.33
It's Oaks day at Epsom on Friday and, while I don't have a strong fancy in the big race itself, there are several other good bets on the supporting card, starting with the Karl Burke-trained Possessive in the Woodcote Stakes.
The stable made a slightly slower start than usual with its juveniles this season, but they're firing on all cylinders now and Possessive showed plenty of ability when winning what could turn out to be a strong novice contest on his debut just under a fortnight ago.
The son of Starman did show some signs of greenness (flashed tail) but knuckled down really well when push came to shove, coming home a length clear of a pair of other newcomers.
There should be plenty more to come from Possessive and I fancy him to take care of fellow northern raider Hickory Lad, who just about sets the standard on the form of his last few starts but doesn't appear open to the same amount of improvement as the selection.
Back Possessive to win 14:05 Epsom
Epsom, 14:40 - Diomed Stakes: Back Boiling Point @ 5/16.00
Burke also fields two in the following Group 3 Diomed Stakes and they come from opposite ends of the temperature spectrum. Boiling Point and Ice Max are both in the same ownership and I fancy the former to come out on top ahead of his stablemate.
Last year's Cambridgeshire winner, Boiling Point has acquitted himself switched back to stakes races this season, finishing a good third to Damysus at this level on his penultimate start before building on that with a win in a listed race at Goodwood last time.
That success showcased his ability to handle somewhat unorthodox tracks, which could well be a big plus as the selection makes his first trip to Epsom.
This won't be easy, however, and it looks a deep race for the level, particularly with last year's winner Persica biding to follow up, while the likes of Chancellor and Qirat are respected.
Persica in particular may be a tough nut to crack, especially as he's proven at this venue, though I firmly believe Boiling Point has it in him to be successful at Group level and am hoping he'll prove it here.
Back Boiling Point to win 14:40 Epsom
Epsom, 15:15 - Back Quai De Bethune E/W @ 12/113.00
This 1m 2f handicap is just about as deep as they come and chances can be given to plenty of the 17-strong field.
Respond and Sallaal will be high on many shortlists, with both looking highly progressive in this sphere, and it would be no surprise were they to be plying their trade in stakes race before the season is out.
The former has been a revelation since being switched to front-running tactics and he won with plenty in hand at Chester last time, in the process underlining his ability to act on less orthodox tracks.
Sallaal should also handle Epsom well, with the experience he gained on his first visit to this track last time sure to stand him in good stead. He was set plenty to do when finishing second that day and went into many notebooks as a sure-fire future winner.
The knock on both is that they have two of the highest draws to contend with, and though not impossible to overcome, it makes them easy enough to pass over at their current prices.
The one that catches my eye from an each-way perspective is Quai De Bethune, who hasn't been seen since winning a good handicap for Andrew Balding at Royal Ascot nearly a year ago and makes his debut for trainer Hamad Al Jehani.
Wathnan went to 775,000 guineas to secure him after that and I'm pretty sure he'll have been purchased with more than handicaps in mind further down the line.
With five places available on the Sportsbook, I'm happy to take a chance on Quai De Bethune's fitness at 12/113.00.
Back Quai De Bethune E/W, five places, in 15:15 Epsom