Five key horses to follow at Epsom on Betfred Derby day

Race: 1.25pm -

Tipster: Harry Allwood.

Odds: 9-2.

showed plenty of promise last season winning two of his four starts, and the form of his novice win has worked out particularly well (the runner-up is now rated 95, and the fourth is now rated 109).

His second victory came in a 0-85 nursery handicap, which he won with something up his sleeve off a rating of 86, and returned this season to finish third behind QIPCO 2000 Guineas winner Notable Speech at Kempton. 

That was a fine effort in defeat for his return to action, and his latest effort, when fourth in the London Gold Cup, can be upgraded as he came from a fair way back plus was forced to challenge wide.

This doesn't look the strongest contest on paper and a repeat of that effort should be good enough to go close. It is wise to expect a lot more improvement from Richard Hannon's charge this season, though, especially as connections said last year he'd make a better three-year-old. His physique also suggests that, too.

He races off the same mark here and remains unexposed over this trip, so everything looks in place for a big run provided he handles this unique track.

Race: 2.00pm -

Tipster: Katie Midwinter.

Odds: 12-1.

The James Tate-trained filly makes plenty of appeal at the prices following a narrow victory in the Listed Conqueror Stakes when last seen. 

There is little between the Night Of Thunder filly and her re-opposing rival Breege on form, yet Royal Dress represents plenty of value in comparison, especially considering she had to come from the rear of the field and was doing her best work late on at Goodwood. 

The extra distance plus likely softer going conditions at Epsom should be in her favour once again as she bids for back-to-back victories for her new trainer.

Race: 3.10pm -

Tipster: Harry Allwood.

Odds: 12-1.

Royal Ascot was mentioned for this youngster following his debut success at Pontefract last year, which came as a surprise to his handler who believed Billy Webster would improve plenty for the run.

However, he was not seen again until finishing down the field in a novice stakes six months later before winning a nursery handicap off a rating of 75 - his first start on the all-weather - where he scored with plenty to spare.

It was a similar scenario next time out, too, as the gelding defied a 9lb higher mark to score eased down, and while he was unable to complete a hat-trick in a class 2 handicap at Lingfield next time out, he was drawn widest of all, and stayed on in eye-catching style to finish fifth.

Both of his victories came over the minimum trip, and Billy Webster impressed with the way he travelled through both contests. It certainly signalled as though a fast five furlongs would be ideal for him, and a rating of 90 could still underestimate him. 

His latest outing at Chester was a shade disappointing where, despite travelling well, he didn't quite pick up as expected once in the clear. That run was after a 68-day break, so there's a chance he will strip fitter for it, and not every horse handles Chester.

He returns to a straight five furlongs on Saturday, and apprentice Liam Wright takes off a handy 5lb. The selection also has a win on good to soft, so any cut in the ground shouldn't be a hinderance, and stall 12 should allow this hold-up performer to get some cover early. 

Provided he avoids traffic problems, the three-year-old looks to hold decent each-way claims with further progress surely on the horizon.

Race: 4.30pm -

Tipster: Andy Stephens.

Odds: 14-1.

The 245th running of the Derby revolves, to a large extent, around City Of Troy. He looked exceptional as a two-year-old but he ran lamentably on his return in the 2000 Guineas and, at the odds on offer, I’m happy to let him slide.

One who looks sure to give his running is Macduff, who wasn’t beaten far in the Royal Lodge on his final start last term and shaped well when chasing home Arabian Crown in the Classic Trial at Sandown at a time when his stable’s runners were needing the run.

I’m a big fan of the winner, who has since met with an untimely setback, and Macduff can take advantage of his absence. He delighted connections with his spin over a mile at Epsom last week (handled the track well) and the son of Sea The Stars, brilliant winner of the Derby in 2009, is open to plenty more improvement.

His profile is not dissimilar to Westover, a luckless third for the same team in 2022, and, like him, he’s a fine stamp of a horse.

Ambiente Friendly was a revelation at Lingfield and must go well if he can reproduce that form, while Los Angeles  should relish moving up in trip and will be hard to keep out of the frame. 

Race: 5.50pm - .

Tipster: Danny Archer.

Best odds: 7-1.

Apollo One has long been a stable star for connections and he deserves a day in the sun on the Downs on Saturday.

Ultra-consistent last year, he was chinned by a neck in this event last year, and was unlucky not to get the win.

Clearly, the undulations and idiosyncrasies of Epsom suit him and there was plenty to like about his reappearance effort when a staying-on second at Newmarket.

Up another couple of pounds to a mark of 102, just 1lb below his career high mark, I think there is still scope for improvement and, given a mixed weather forecast, his versatility regarding the ground is another positive.