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If there’s one thing you can guarantee about Britain, it’s that the weather is wildly unpredictable.
Cast your mind back 12 months to Epsom’s big meeting. It was a decent Friday afternoon before a dramatic downpour altered the going as Snowfall romped to a record-breaking victory in the Oaks. In classic British fashion, it was blazing hot 24 hours later as 16/1 shot Adayar secured Derby glory.
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A bit of rain or drying conditions could affect your horses’ chances so it’s always worth taking a note of the official going and the weather forecast before having a punt.
To save you doing a spot of amateur meteorology, Paddy’s tasked us with bringing you the latest conditions at Epsom ahead of Friday’s Oaks and Saturday’s Derby.
As of Thursday, the going at Epsom is officially described as Good to Soft, Good (in places) ahead of the two-day Derby Festival. If the ground does change, you’ll be able to keep up with the official going on the Paddy Power website.
A few downpours at the start of the week softened up the turf but dry conditions with highs of around 20 degrees celsius are forecast for Friday and Saturday. Pack away the brollies, racegoers!
Epsom Derby favourite Desert Crown has successfully handled these sort of conditions on his previous career starts. The Nathaniel colt scored in the Dante Stakes on Good ground and broke his maiden status on Soft ground.
Aidan O’Brien might be hoping the ground continues to dry as Stone Age has come alive in his three-year-old campaign on Good ground with two wins from two including the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes last time out.
As for the Oaks, the hot favourite Emily Upjohn is unbeaten in three career starts on ground varying from Good to Soft.
Read More on the Epsom Derby
- Gallop over to Paddy Power News for all the latest racing tips
- When is the Epsom Derby? Date, start time, runners and riders & betting
- Epsom Derby favourites: Paddy Power’s leading contenders for June Classic
- How long does it take horses to complete the Epsom Derby? How fast are the runners?
- How do they choose Epsom Derby stall numbers? Is there a bias?
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