Derby Day World Pool preview: a tip for every race at Epsom

Never So Brave claimed Group One glory at York last season and is the one to beat on ratings. He looked ring rusty on his return but has already attracted support for this 1400m contest, and may have even more to offer.  However, preference is for ALCANTOR who has some strong French form next to his name, and has gone close at Group One level numerous times, including when fourth in last year's Prix du Moulin. He should strip fitter for his recent outing (which was also his stable debut) and is a fascinating contender here. His main market rival may not be suited by cut in the ground, but the selection will not be hindered by any further rain.

A fascinating contest on paper. Shes Perfect almost recorded a fairytale victory in the French 1000 Guineas last year and a return to that form would see her go close. Sparks Fly, who finished third in this race last year, will enjoy conditions and performed to a high level at Chester last time out. A case can certainly be made for those contenders, as well as Arisaig who is a smart performer when things fall right. Slight preference is for PACIFIC MISSION, though. Andrew Balding's charge remains lightly-raced and was placed at Group One and Two level last year. She would have needed the run on her return and can resume her progress now.

One of two Group One contests on a brilliant card at Epsom on Saturday. Jan Brueghel and Calandagan fought out the finish last year and lock horns again, and the former is one of three contenders for Aidan O'Brien. It's unlikely there will be much between the high-class pair again, and CALANDAGAN may be able to get his revenge this year, providing the ground isn't too soft. The French raider has won all five of his starts (all at Group One level) since last year's defeat, and is the highest-rated racehorse in the world, so could prove tough to beat here.

Blink and you'll miss them! This 1000m contest will be fast and furious, and the pace appears evenly spread across the track. Dream Composer won this race two years ago off a 5lb higher mark and appears to hold place claims again following another good effort at Goodwood last time out. There are plenty of others you can make a case for, but most look exposed, and it's KINSWOMAN who stands out on paper. She's improved since stepping down to five furlongs, has only had ten starts, and was only narrowly denied on her return to action. There's also a chance she could be better than a handicapper, and has plenty going for her.

The feature race of the day run over 2400m, and the race the every jockey, trainer and owner wants to win. Aidan O'Brien holds a strong hand with four runners - Action, BENVENUTO CELLINI, Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard. The latter has been a talking horse in the build-up to this contest, and could take a big step forward now following his recent defeat behind James J Braddock. Ryan Moore has deserted him, though, and it's the favourite, and Moore's mount, who makes most appeal. The impressive Chester Vase winner appears to have a potent blend of speed and stamina, and holds the strongest claims on paper.

A wide-open contest. Three contenders - Allegresse, Hell Yeah He Did and Starlight Time - are all vying for favouritism, and obvious cases can be made for those three. One at a slightly chunkier price is FOLK PAGEANT, and a chance is taken on Charlie Johnston's charge who impressed at Chester when last seen. A career-best effort off a 6lb higher mark demands more now, but she is improving, and she has gone close with cut in the ground in the past.

A deeply competitive renewal of this 2400m contest. Elsass is sure to prove popular with punters having won his past two starts, although an 8lb rise means more is required to complete the hat-trick. Ryan Moore's son, Toby, takes a handy 7lb off GIVE IT TO ME OJ, and this useful dual-purpose performer should be primed for this following his warm-up effort at Goodwood. He's proven on soft and represents last year's winning yard.  

FINE INTERVIEW travelled strongly en route to success last time out and should make another bold bid off a 5lb higher mark. He gets the vote, with further progress possible, and his handler is in top form. Course specialist Partisan Hero is two from two and scored at this meeting last year. He could still have more to offer, and won a strong handicap at York when last seen. Sondad is another who you can make a case for in what is another wide-open handicap on Derby day.

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