In the world of horse racing, Saturday's card at Epsom Downs promises an exciting day of competition. With the Betfred Tattenham Corner Stakes and the Betfred Derby as the highlights, the stage is set for some thrilling performances. But what makes these races particularly intriguing is the potential for upsets and the chance for lesser-known horses to make a name for themselves. Let's take a closer look at some of the key races and the horses that could surprise us.
Never So Brave: Can He Turn Things Around?
Never So Brave, trained by Andrew Balding, is a horse with a lot of potential. Last year, he made a strong impression in his first season with Balding, producing one of the best handicap performances in modern times when winning the Buckingham Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, his recent form has been less than stellar, with two disappointing performances in his last two starts. But, in my opinion, this could be the perfect opportunity for him to turn things around. The return to seven furlongs will be in his favor, and he doesn't have a Group 1 penalty to shoulder. Personally, I think he sets the standard in this company, and at least 3lb clear on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings.
Calandagan: Can He Exact Revenge?
Calandagan, who was turned over at odds-on by Jan Brueghel in the Coolmore Coronation Cup 12 months ago, has developed into a completely different horse since. He's won all five starts at Group 1 level, and his best performance came when beating top-class Ombudsman and high-class Almaqam with some ease in the Champion Stakes at Ascot last year. Calandagan sets a high standard on form, and at least 5lb clear on Timeform weight-adjusted ratings. In my opinion, he's strongly fancied to reverse the form from 12 months ago and exact revenge on Jan Brueghel.
Aidan O'Brien's Domination of the Derby
Aidan O'Brien is the leading trainer of the Betfred Derby, having won Flat racing's Blue Riband 11 times in total, including the last three renewals. This year, he has four runners in the edition, but the standout one is Benvenuto Cellini, who tops Timeform weight-adjusted ratings. Benvenuto Cellini looked something out of the ordinary when scorching clear of his rivals in a Group 2 over a mile at Leopardstown last season. In my opinion, he's expected to take another marked step forward after his impressive win in the Chester Vase on his return last month.
The Potential for Upsets
What makes these races particularly fascinating is the potential for upsets. In the Betfred Tattenham Corner Stakes, Never So Brave could surprise us with a win, especially given his strong pedigree and the fact that he doesn't have a Group 1 penalty to shoulder. Similarly, in the Betfred Derby, Aidan O'Brien's runners could be vulnerable to an upset, especially if the odds are stacked against them. In my opinion, the key to success in these races is to keep an open mind and be prepared to be surprised.
The Importance of Safer Gambling
As we delve into the world of horse racing, it's important to remember the importance of safer gambling. We are committed to supporting safer gambling practices, and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose. If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133, or visit begambleaware.org or gamblingtherapy.org for further support and information.
In conclusion, Saturday's card at Epsom Downs promises an exciting day of competition, with the potential for upsets and the chance for lesser-known horses to make a name for themselves. As we delve into the world of horse racing, let's keep an open mind, be prepared to be surprised, and remember the importance of safer gambling practices.
