13:30, Epsom - A good opportunity for Never So Brave
Never So Brave made up into a very smart performer in his first season for Andrew Balding last year, producing one of the best handicap performances in modern times when winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
As expected, he had no problem transitioning into pattern company when following up in what wasn't the deepest renewal of the Summer Mile returned to Ascot next time, before confirming himself very progressive when completing a hat-trick in the Group 1 City of York Stakes.
He hasn't been at his best on his last two starts, too free in the QEII on his final start last season, and again just too fresh to see his race out in the Group 2 Mile at Sandown on his return.
That was a very strong renewal, though, and he now has his sights lowered a little, while the return to seven furlongs will also be in his favour. Never So Brave doesn't have a Group 1 penalty to shoulder and very much sets the standard in this company - he's at least 3lb clear on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings.
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15:15, Epsom - Eclairage has right attributes for the "Dash"
Eclairage started out in handicaps from a low base, but she has quickly flown through the ranks, winning four times, and she was also a very good fifth in a hot race at York last season.
Her brazen speed is her biggest asset, not many horses in training - at this sort of level anyway - able to keep up with her once she leaves the gates, and she confirmed she's returned in excellent form when beaten a head by a well-backed three-year-old at Navan three weeks ago.
Eclairage was only edged out near the line on that occasion, and she promises to be well suited by this much sharper track, arguably the fastest five furlongs in the world which is essentially all down hill. He draw in stall 14 isn't bad and, provided Epsom doesn't get too much rain overnight, she could prove hard to peg back.
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The Derby 16:00, Epsom - Benvenuto Cellini looks the real deal
Benvenuto Cellini looked something out of the ordinary when scorching clear in a Group 2 over a mile at Leopardstown last season and his somewhat below-par performance in the Futurity at Doncaster afterwards was down to heavy ground.
Indeed, he proved a totally different proposition upped significantly in trip when an impressive winner of the Chester Vase on his return last month, as expected given his pedigree, relishing the step up to a mile and a half.
That race was run at a proper gallop and Benvenuto Cellini was very strong at the finish, still managing to post sub 12 second furlongs for the last four furlongs. That marks him out as a high-class prospect and, sure to have come on plenty for that, he can take another marked step forward.
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