Horse racing tips: Templegate’s 12-1 Epsom Derby NAP has everything set up to score for hugely popular trainer
TEMPLEGATE tackles the Epsom Derby certain of having found you the winner.
Read on for our man’s tips, back a horse by clicking their odds and don’t forget to check out our best free bet offers.
SPREWELL (1.30 Epsom, nap)
He was impressive when taking the Leopardstown Derby Trial and looks tailormade for Epsom. We know he sees out this trip well and the quicker ground won’t be a problem looking at his running style.
Jessica Harrington has bravely spoken of her cancer battle and, while the nation might be getting behind Frankie Dettori on Arrest in his last Derby ride, there’s no denying this would be a popular winner too.
CAIUS CHORISTER (4.30 Epsom, nb)
She has a fine record at this track and was a good second here on comeback last time. She was just outpaced in the closing stages and moving up in trip looks a good idea.
PROBE (5.05 Epsom, treble)
He had lots up his sleeve when winning a hot handicap at Newmarket last month. He travelled beautifully and drew nicely clear inside the final furlong. He’s gone up the weights but is in sparkling form and can cope with that.
Templegate’s Epsom verdicts
12.50
HIGHLAND AVENUE can land a a long overdue win. He was used to make the pace for Adayar at Newmarket last time but kept going for third in a contest that was hotter than this.
Dropping back in drop isn’t a problem and he goes on any ground.
Regal Reality was a place behind the tip at HQ and could do better with that run under his belt. He has already won in this class.
Escobar is getting on now and has never won beyond handicaps but he showed some spark at Haydock last time.
Kolsai is lightly raced and was unlucky at Goodwood. He went close in a Newmarket Listed race on comeback and should have more to offer.
Imperial Fighter is dropping in class but hasn’t shown a lot.
1.30 DERBY
You can read Templegate’s complete runner-by-runner guide to the Derby here.
2.10
PROSPEROUS VOYAGE didn’t enjoy the testing ground when midfield on comeback at Newmarket so hopefully it really will be on the fast side of good here.
She won the Group 1 Falmouth last season over a very similar trip and will be fitter today.
Potapova suffered an irregular heartbeat when pulled up at Goodwood in the mud last time.
She was second in this last year and can go close if over that issue.
Astral Beau ran a decent race in a Newmarket Group 2 last time on the back of a Doncaster Listed win. This is stronger opposition but this trip suits.
Roman Mist relished the mud when scoring gamely at Goodwood on comeback.
She was third in this last year and has every chance of matching that.
2.45
GRACE ANGEL found a new gear when scooting in at Redcar last time and she can strike again. A 6lb rise in the weights looks fair enough.
Estate got on top right on the line at Salisbury and should be suited by these conditions.
He has Oisin Murphy on board today which is a bonus.
Betweenthesticks was the horse pipped there and looks in the hunt again.
Tatterstall has lots of pace and will be better suited by Epsom than York where he just ran out of puff last time.
Can To Can put in a barnstorming effort to win by five lengths at Newcastle. This is tougher but she’s clearly in good heart.
JM Jungle has been knocking on the door and could hit the frame again after a good effort at York.
3.20
LIVE IN THE MOMENT just failed to last home when grabbed on the line at Doncaster last time.
He blasted off from the front there and will find it easier to pull off those tactics over this distance at a largely downhill track.
Clarendon House will come on for his solid comebnack fifth in hot company at York and rates a danger.
Navello is in good form after a Thirsk win and close-up third at Windsor.
He was chased home by Sampers Seven in Yorkshire and she looks capable of hitting the frame off this handicap mark.
Ancient Times caught the eye when fourth after a break at Newmarket 14 days ago.
He won on his last visit here and has a 7lb claimer on board.
Zarzyni finished off well at York latest and could come and nick a place.
3.55
TORITO can take a major step forward on this handicap debut. He won at Nottingham in the mud in April before a better run when second at Sandown last time.
There was a good gap back to the third and his opening mark of 95 could well prove to be lenient.
Balance Play has had three runs before going up in distance for this first run in a handicap.
He is bred for this trip and showed plenty when second at Salisbury last time.
Similar comments apply to Promoter who has been showing promise over 7f.
He had a pipe-opener at Chester and should be much fitter for it.
Fox Journey is one of the few in the field to have tried this trip and he had plenty in hand when scoring at Newmarket.
He’s been shot up 9lb for that but should have more to offer.
Perfect Play got the job done well on the Roodee last week and is another with more to come.
4.30
CAIUS CHORISTER has a fine record at this track and was a good second here on comeback last time.
She was just outpaced in the closing stages and moving up in trip looks a good idea.
Scampi clocked a personal best when winning in a big field at York 17 days ago.
There was plenty left in the tank so a 6lb rise in the weights is fair enough. He won’t be far away for Andrew Balding.
Max Mayhem enjoyed himself when scoring on the all-weather at Kempton. He picked up sharply and has won off this sort of mark.
Jungle Cove has had a little nudge down the weights and will be fitter for his comeback run.
He scored at Ascot last summer and will appreciate this decent ground.
Sea King would prefer a longer trip but could run into a place late on for Sir Mark Prescott.
5.05
PROBE had lots up his sleeve when winning a hot handicap at Newmarket last month.
He travelled beautifully and drew nicely clear inside the final furlong.
He’s gone up the weights but is in sparkling form and can cope with that.
Apollo One was third in that contest at HQ and should be in the mix again.
Mr Wagyu won this 12 months ago and has come nicely down the weights thanks to a few flat runs.
This will be been the plan and he will be right in the mix.
Haymaker kept pulling out more to score at Windsor and should have no problems handling the track.
Venturous tried to come from a mile back when beaten just a neck at Ayr and the ten-year-old will do himself justice again.
Templegate’s tips
EPSOM
12.50 Highland Avenue
Encouraging third on comeback and enjoys this distance.
1.30 SPREWELL (nap)
Impressive at Leopardstown and is capable of better.
2.10 Prosperous Voyage
Will enjoy this ground and takes a drop in class.
2.45 Grace Angel
Much improved when scoring at Redcar last time out.
3.20 Live In The Moment
Went close at Doncaster and this shorter trip will suit.
3.55 Torito
Showed promise in maidens and more to come now handicapping.
4.30 Caius Chorister (nb)
Saves her best for this track and Ryan Moore on board.
5.05 Probe (treble)
Has looked a different horse since joining his current trainer.
HEXHAM
1.05 Jimmy Rabbitte
Been knocking on the door and coming down weights.
1.45 Universal Folly
Plenty in hand when winning last time out.
2.20 Miss Lamb
Went close here last time and will be right there again.
2.55 Indication Rocket
Decent form on the Flat and should make a hurdler.
3.30 Lights Are Green
Comes here on the back of two excellent wins.
4.05 Derracrin
Improved when winning over course and distance latest.
4.40 Lord Caprio
Good effort when fourth here last time out.
MUSSELBURGH
1.15 Laertes
Much better effort at Chelmsford last time out.
1.50 Abduction
Unlucky not to score at Ayr on latest outing.
2.30 Grays Inn
Good start when second at Ripon on debut.
3.05 Heredia
Royal Ascot winner who shaped well last time out.
3.40 Common Acclaim
Good run at Beverley and longer trip should suit.
4.15 Rory
Hit and miss but good effort at Ayr last time out.
4.50 Laakhof
Won on debut for this trainer at Catterick latest.
WORCESTER
2.00 Sir Jack West
Good winner over course and distance last time.
2.35 Aviewtosea
Needed his comeback run and can do himself justice.
3.10 Johnny Blue
Nicky Henderson makes hay in bumpers at this track.
3.45 Latino Fling
Plenty in hand when winning at Aintree last time.
4.20 Playtogetaway
Looked a nice prospect when winning at Huntingdon.
4.55 Ruler Legend
Irish Flat winner who should make a nice hurdler.
5.25 The Gooner
Showed promise in stronger race last time out.
DONCASTER
2.15 Daniel Deronda
Consistent and will be right in the mix again.
2.50 Jwin
Made a decent start when second at Yarmouth.
3.25 Resolute Man
Won on debut and another good effort at Newbury.
4.00 True Legend
Two good wins since going handicapping and more to come.
4.35 Shimmering Sands
Solid run last time and longer trip should be fine.
5.10 Lerwick
Has shown enough to figure in an open race like this.
5.40 Madame Fenella
Ran on strongly at Haydock last time out.
STRATFORD
5.45 Estacas
Been in good form and drop in trip should help.
6.15 Begin The Luck
High strike-rate and this looks another good chance.
6.50 Shantou Express
Has been running in stronger races than this.
7.20 Admiral’s Sunset
Up fair 4lb for winning here last time out.
7.50 Scudamore
Been in good form and looks well up to this level.
8.20 Tommie Beau
Bit in hand when scoring at Newton Abbot on Wednesday.
8.55 Pak Army
Won his last two and every chance of the hat-trick.
LINGFIELD
5.35 Gallimimus
Won again here earlier this week.
6.10 Appier
Has shown best over this course and distance.
6.40 Thanksbutnothanks
Showed lots of promise when second on debut.
7.10 Gone
Bit in the tank when scoring at Carlisle latest.
7.40 Desert Falcon
Improving with every run and this looks a good chance.
8.10 Cloud Queen
Well drawn and visor could spark improvement.
8.45 Michaels Choice
Solid run at Salisbury and won’t be far away.