Diomed Stakes, Epsom, 14.40 - Back Ice Max each-way @ 9/25.50
I was fortunate enough to be ringside at Goodwood when Ice Max contested the Listed event won by his stablemate Boiling Point.
Both horses looked incredible in the pre-parade and paddock and, given it is often difficult for greys to look exceptional coat-wise, Ice Max defintely ticked that box by boasting a wonderful sheen to his.
In truth, Ice Max probably felt a little too well as he powered through the race with his customary verve before the 10 furlongs trip and being situated towards the far rail (not always the quickest part of the track) took its toll late on. He was beaten a length-and-three-quarters by his stablemate who enjoyed the bragging rights in the box back to Yorkshire that night.
Today's drop in trip should suit this habitual strong traveller and I'm hoping the likes of likely front-runners Seagulls Eleven and Skukuza ensure a good tempo from the offset. That scenario would give Ice Max a good chance of reversing last year's placings with Persica who received a superb ride 12 months ago to land this event.
Back Ice Max each-way in 14.40 at Epsom
Epsom, 15.15 - Back Sallaal @ 3/14.00
The handicapper took a dim view of Sallaal's return to action at this venue in April, raising the Frankel gelding 5lb for his length defeat at the hands of Rathgar.
Like many onlookers, the assessor clearly felt Roger Varian's talented four-year-old should have won that Class 2 handicap and that rider Ray Dawson probably overdid the waiting tactics.
In Dawson's defence, he hasn't got a lot wrong this summer and his mount can be a little too headstrong for his own good, hence the hood was applied for his last start as a three-year-old at Leopardstown in the autumn.
There was also the case that Sallaal's stamina was unproved over 10 furlongs and connections were clearly keen to try and settle the half-brother to Benbatl on his reappearance with a view to tackling some nice races this summer.
Unfortunately, with a horse of this profile, the selection is never going to be a huge price to win a handicap and that is again the case here, but he is worth saving on if you are playing the race as he has the potential to blow an event like this apart if the stars align.
A bigger field and stronger pace should suit and, with the ground on the easier side and runners more likely to migrate to the middle to near side of the track, Dawson should have options from stall 16.
Back Sallaal in 5:15 at Epsom
Epsom, 15.15 - Back Alpha Crucis each-way @ 9/110.00
Some of the larger prices about Alpha Crucis disappeared quicker than the summer temperatures this week, but with five places on offer with the Sportsbook, the likeable six-year-old is added to the portfolio with Jason Watson back on board.
Watson was in inspired form in Italy on Tuesday, winning the Derby Italiano aboard Venetian Prince, driving his steed to the front in the shadows of the post courtesy of a phenomenal ride.
With that in mind, it is good to see him reunited with Alpha Crucis on whom his record reads 1213541422 and every shower that hits Epsom should increase his chance.
The son of Derby winner Australia has visited today's venue twice, finishing runner-up on both occasion and he has also won at Goodwood on three separate occasions to endorse the view he loves an undulating, switchback track.
The selection hasn't been seen since finishing a commendable fifth in the Lincoln back in March and the absence should be no issue given he has won following sizeable absences in the past.
Hopefully, Alpha Crucis can go one better than his fine second to Mirsky in the mile handicap here 12 months ago.
Back Alpha Crucis each-way in 15:15 at Epsom
The Oaks, Epsom, 16.00 - Back Thundering On each-way @ 9/25.50
Thundering On was originally being targeted at the French equivalent of this race, but she posted such a powerful staying performance at Navan that connections must have been convinced that 12 furlongs was well within her remit.
The daughter of Frankel really caught the eye with the way she moved through the Group 3 Salsabil Stakes back in April and she appears the ideal type for Epsom as he looks like she relaxes and quickens in her races.
The data endorses that view with her closing stride pattern in the latter stages revealing that she stretched her sizeable stride to an even greater extent late on in a manner synonymous of a true stayer.
A 40-metre climb through the first five furlongs of the Oaks is an exacting early test for young horses, but her handler's gallop features a 64-metre ascent which encourages a low cadence and a relaxed way of galloping, attributes which will stand her in good stead for this assignment.
Easy conditions appear no issue either following a fine run at the Curragh as a juvenile on heavy ground so Thundering On looks set to have a serious impact on today's feature.
Back Thundering On each-way in 16:00 at Epsom