Horse Racing Tips: Matt Chapman's 7 best bets for Derby Day at Epsom

It promises to be an awesome weekend for horse racing with the Blue Riband the Derby on Saturday plus the Oaks, and then the return of Enable in the Eclipse on Sunday.

I’ll be blogging here at Paddy Power both days, so make sure you check out my selections!

Let’s get straight to it Saturday, with seven fabulous events to choose.

Epsom-Derby-Day

13:50 Epsom – Twaasol

We kick off with a conditions race for juveniles over 6 furlongs. TWAASOL looked a bright prospect on debut at Windsor for Owen Burrows and could be very useful.

My selection is ridden once again by Martin Harley and he beat a horse with experience on debut and that rival had not been disgraced at Newmarket the time before. The form looks solid and I am sure he will improve.

14:25 Epsom – Safe Voyage

Next a Listed contest for three-year-olds and above over 7 furlongs. It’s hard to get away from SAFE VOYAGE here, who has the highest rating and the best form.

One negative for the John Quinn-trained challenger is lack of form at the track, but there’s no reason why he won’t handle the course and provided the ground has a bit of juice, he should take all the beating after a fine second at Haydock last time. Shine So Bright looks better at 6 furlongs.

15:00 Epsom – Caradoc

A tricky handicap now over 1m 2f for older horses. Desert Icon was gifted a race at Newmarket last time with an uncontested lead. He will go well again, but I like CARADOC here for Ed Walker each-way.

My hope improved throughout last season and this distance is perfect. He can get better still and in a big field will be suited by a decent pace to run at under champion jockey Oisin Murphy.

15:40 Epsom – Frankly Darling

Now a Group 1, the Oaks over 1m 4f for fillies. Love brings the class from the 1000 Guineas, but I am all over FRANKLY DARLING, who may well get first run under Frankie Dettori for John Gosden.

The daughter of Frankel stays strong and can be kicked on down the hill. Love will have to stay strong to beat her and it’s hard to see a shock outside the big two.

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EnglishKingJun20

16:15 Epsom – Love And Thunder

It’s Group 3 company here with the Princess Elizabeth Stakes over an extended 1m. I want to take on the favourites as Fooraat has something to prove on turf and Cloak of Spirits might not be a strong stayer.

I’ll chance LOVE AND THUNDER for Dettori and Gosden once again. Obviously, he has much to find on form after a little win at Newbury last time, but he comes from a stable with bundles of talent and he’s worth chancing.

The favourites may have too much ability. But, they are short priced horses with questions to answer.

16:55 Epsom – English King

And now the big one, the Group 1 Derby over 1m 4f. I’m all over ENGLISH KING here, who I suggested on Sky Sports Racing might be better than a handicapper when he won at Newcastle last season. I was right there!

English King is another for Walker and ridden by Dettori. He looked a monster when landing the Lingfield Trial in facile fashion from an animal not disgraced at Royal Ascot.

Stamina seems a strong suit and there should be a decent pace. He can outstay Kameko, with Russian Emperor the each-way bet at longer odds.

17:35 Epsom – Comin Through

This Australian import was once rated much higher. He showed a bit more last time at Newmarket and this could be very winnable. The trip is ideal for him.

So best of luck and pray for Yeeehaaas. You hear me Paddy?

* Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.

Matt Chapman’s tips summary:

13:50 Epsom – Twaasol
14:25 Epsom – Safe Voyage
15:00 Epsom – Caradoc
15:40 Epsom – Frankly Darling
16:15 Epsom – Love And Thunder
16:55 Epsom – English King
17:35 Epsom – Comin Through

*Prices on our snazzy new bet widget are bang up to date.

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Horse Racing Tips: Matt Chapman’s magnificent 7 for Derby Day at Epsom