Epsom preview: Adam West bids for unique success in Simpex Express Dash

Epsom-based handler Adam West could launch a two-pronged assault for local glory on Saturday afternoon with half-brothers Live In The Moment and Live In The Dream both in contention for the famous ‘Dash’, sponsored for the first time this year by specialist freight carrier Simpex Express.

Live In The Moment has five career victories to his name, but it is his younger half-sibling that is all the rage for the five-furlong sprint following back-to-back wins at Sandown and Chester.

Although running plans are yet to be finalised, West believes it would be some sight for the pair, who both sport the colours of enthusiastic local owner Steve De’Lemos and his wife Jolene, to blaze a trail on what is known as one of the quickest sprint tracks in the country.

“It would be very good to go double-handed and the owner is keen, but we’ll do what is right by the horses on the day,” explained West.

“It’s still to be decided (if both run), it would be a spectacle and exciting, I’m not sure which way Steve (owner) would be leaning on the two runners. It would be interesting, but in my heart of hearts I think everything would have to fall right for Live In The Dream because I think he is a proper sprinter and I think he could be a bit better than a handicapper.

“These handicaps are pretty tasty in terms of prize-money. We could go to the Scurry Stakes for three-year-olds only at Sandown next week with Live In The Dream, which would be his back-up plan, and that is only worth £50,000 and you’ve got double the money in the dash, so it would be worth taking the risk if we do go double-handed."

West is keen to point out his delight for the owners to head to their local track with such a strong hand in a prestigious race taking place on Derby Day, even if some of the excitement is in danger of boiling over.

He continued: “I’m absolutely delighted for the owner. Steve is a big Epsom supporter, he lives locally and can get his whole family there. He’s mad for the Jubilee and its really exciting for him and he’s been like a kid before Christmas – even to the point of almost unbearably excited!”

Remarkably, despite operating on the Surrey Downs and sending out 27 runners at the course over the past five years, West is still to register a victory at Epsom, but thinks success in the Dash would be the perfect way to break his duck at the famous racecourse.

“I don’t really like mentioning it, but I haven’t had a winner at Epsom yet, so it’s been a bit of a bugbear for the last five years,” West added.

“If we started with the Dash, it would be pretty nice. I think they would have a good chance and it would be incredible.”

Scott Dixon is hoping Fine Wine can establish himself among the leading sprinters of the campaign as he prepares for Saturday’s Simpex Express Epsom ‘Dash’ Handicap.

The five-year-old thrives on his racing, having run 13 times already since the turn of the year, and has recorded three wins and only been out of the frame once in his last seven races.

The form of his last victory when downing Raasel by three lengths at York was franked when the Mick Appleby-trained runner-up took the Listed Achilles Stakes at Haydock with ease on Saturday.

Fine Wine’s Nottinghamshire handler feels his charge will be able to handle Epsom’s roller-coaster track, with its sharp descent and uphill finish to the five-furlong Dash.

“That Raasel form stacks up well,” said Dixon.

“I know Mick (Appleby) thought a lot of that horse when we won at York and he did the business at Haydock.

“I would never have run Fine Wine in that race (Achilles Stakes) – the ground was a bit on the quick side. It dried up and they quickened well off that ground, so I don’t think it would have suited him.

“We have got him in the Dash on Saturday. He has shown plenty of early speed and he seems to have handled downhill courses on a couple of occasions, and he ran well at Musselburgh. You never know with Epsom, it is one of those tracks.

“We will give it a good go – I think he is one of the favourites – and that will be his next start.”

Specialist express freight carrier Simpex Express is the new sponsor of the ‘Dash’ at Epsom Downs on Cazoo Derby day this Saturday.

Formed in 2009 the company, which operates out of a headquarters in Birmingham and a second site in Leeds, offers a wide range of express transport services.

Since being founded 13 years ago Simpex Express has enjoyed the support of over 1,000 companies spanning multiple countries in Europe.

A total of 34 entries have been received for the Simpex Express ‘Dash’ Handicap, including last year’s winner Mokaatil from the yard of Ian Williams and the David Griffiths-trained Duke Of Firenze, who claimed the five furlong prize back in 2013.

The five-furlong course at Epsom Downs, which is all downhill until the final 100 yards, is reputed to be the fastest of its kind in the world.

Simon Durrant, General Manager of Epsom Downs, said: “We are pleased to welcome on board Simpex Express Limited as new sponsors of the Dash.

“The race forms part of a wonderful seven race card which this year coincides with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations taking place at Epsom Downs.

“The Dash is often one of the most exhilarating races at the meeting and this year’s contest promises to be no different with some of the quickest horses around holding entries.”

Simon Beechener, Managing Director of Simpex Express Limited, said: "Simpex Express serves its customers by reliably delivering their goods to and from all parts of Europe faster than anyone else, so the opportunity to partner with The Jockey Club and be named alongside the Epsom Dash was too good an opportunity to miss out on.

“Arguably the fastest horserace on earth, we’re excited to see who comes out on top in The Dash and look forward to a wider audience for our express services."