Login
WATCH FREE
The Irish Angle: Johnny Ward's best bets on Friday
By Johnny Ward
Last Updated: Fri 5 Jun 2026
It's Betfred Oaks day at Epsom, with Amelia Earhart looking worth taking on in her bid to fly highest in the Classic, but it is not a race with clear punting appeal. Here are six to consider closer to home. As with Epsom, keep an eye on the weather.
Join Racing TV for FREE and watch 39 live races TODAY!
4.20 Fairyhouse: Telegraph Road
Johnny Ward
Finished: 6thSP: 9/1
Must get by Florida Bay, which is odds-against, but the Leopardstown run was really promising, he has a fine pedigree and he looks a cracking each-way bet for a yard going well. His rider rode him a little for education at Leopardstown and that should benefit him hugely.
Epsom money back offer with Tote | World Pool
6.00 Fairyhouse: Tango Flare
Johnny Ward
Finished: 1stSP: 4/1
Has a remarkable record in this race and looks very hard to beat at the weights, assuming the ground remains good or better.
Win a £250 Betfred FREE BET!
6.10 Clonmel: Rogue Sea
Johnny Ward
Finished: F SP: 10/1
The handicapper has taken the view that this six-year-old, by Sea The Stars, showed fair form when eye-catching in third of four at 80s at Sedgefield last year. Given how sharp his new trainer is, and what he has done on the Flat, he is worth taking a chance on. Was scratched lately due to the rain at Tramore so note weather.
6.34 Fairyhouse: Unfamiliar
Johnny Ward
Finished: 5thSP: 9/1
Clearly has it to prove after two Gowran disappointments but hard to get away from how eye-catching she was on her handicap debut over about six furlongs at Naas and there is a lot of apparent pace here. Worth another chance with the hood off for the first time in her career.
FREE Racing TV Flat Season Gilet
7.44 Fairyhouse: Sweet Baby Zou
Johnny Ward
Finished: 11thSP: 11/8
I doubt I've ever backed a horse to win three different races in the space of seven days before. Down Royal was disappointing a week ago but the ground seemed to blame. The rain is coming and she's hard to get away from on what she did at Gowran (when curiously weak in the wagering). Scratched Thursday in a better race at Leopardstown.
7.55 Clonmel: Coded Welder
Johnny Ward
Finished: 4thSP: 9/4
Quite the gamble on stable debut at Cork, he ran into one, and at worst should be in the first four here, given the yard won two handicap hurdles with similar horses Sunday in Kilbeggan.
Betfred Derby Festival 2026 - Unmissable content!
Racing TV encourages responsible gambling - to find out more click here to head to our dedicated website page.
Related posts
Derby drama as Benvenuto Cellini is declared non-runner after race
Dave Nevison's Saturday tips: Derby selection and a 25-1 fancy
Five horses to follow at Epsom on Derby day
Martin Dixon's Derby day tips: Epsom bets on Saturday and more
Ryan Moore column: views on my Derby day rides at Epsom
Featured offers
Get up to a £25 Bonus + 50 free spins with Genting
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with TalkSportBet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 Get £30 in free bets + Money back 2nd to SP fav with BOYLE Sports
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Get a £50 free bet when you bet £50 with Coral
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved