Friday Racing Tips: Timeform's three to back at Epsom including Oaks pick

15:15, Epsom - Hand of God can defy 5lb rise

6 (4)

Hand Of God

• J: Lewis Edmunds
• T: Harry Charlton
• F: 11/960-71

• SBK 5/1
• EXC 6.4

Hand of God had a dismal 2025, only seeing the track three times and not at his best in any of them, but he was an impressive winner at Royal Ascot the year before, and caught the eye on his return over a mile at Newbury in April.

Back over a mile and a quarter, he built on that promise to take advantage of a lenient mark returned to the same track last time, matching the form which saw him win the Golden Gates Handicap in 2024.

The manner in which he travelled and overcame some trouble in running to still win convincingly - he was given the Horse In Focus Flag as a result - suggests there's even more to come from him this year and he remains one to keep on the right side.

The Oaks, 16:00, Epsom - Amelia Earhart sets the standard

Ameilia Earhart shaped well on more than one occasion over seven furlongs, including in pattern company, before opening her account in facile fashion upped to a mile at Leopardstown on her final start last season.

Given her pedigree - by Derby winner Camelot and out of a smart filly who won the Munster Oaks - she was always going to come into her own over middle distances as a three-year-old, and she duly showed much improved form on her return to win the Cheshire Oaks.

She wore the unusual combination of a hood and blinkers on that occasion, but it clearly worked well as she travelled well and quickened up nicely for an easy success over the very promising, but still very green, I'm The One.

That form sets the standard in this year's Oak, which perhaps isn't the strongest renewal, and she's very much the one to beat with this slightly longer trip sure to suit and no concerns regards the ground.

17:50, Epsom - Dance In The Storm has even more to offer

Dance In The Storm managed to win twice last year, but was also not seen to best effect on a couple of occasions, and appealed as one who had unfinished business coming into this season.

She doubled down on that impression on her return from seven months off on her return at Chester last month, overcoming a pace bias in eye-catching fashion, the headstrong nature that checked her progress as a three-year-old less in evidence despite enduring a wide trip.

Not for the first time Dance In The Storm displayed a smart turn of foot to quicken into the lead in the final 50 yards and has much more in hand than the half-length winning margin implies. She looks at least a listed class filly, and this Horse In Focus makes plenty of appeal after a 6lb rise in the weights, the manner in which she went round Goodwood last season offering hope that this track shouldn't be an issue for her.

Now read Alan Dudman's Oaks Big Race Verdict