The Epsom Derby was run yesterday at 16:00. One of the most famous races in the world, a £1,000,000 Group 1 over a mile and a half on the most unique racecourse in Britain. Here is the full picture from Horse Racing Oracle AI.
The NAP Selection — Benvenuto Cellini
Horse Racing Oracle AI's Derby NAP was Benvenuto Cellini — the Frankel colt trained by Aidan O'Brien, ridden by Ryan Moore, who won the Chester Vase last month and arrived at Epsom with an RPR of 127, among the best form in the field. The one caveat going in was the ground — good to soft, which was softer than his best form but firmer than the heavy at Doncaster that had stopped him previously.
The selection was made on the basis of the clearest form in the race, the most reliable trial route via the Chester Vase, and the most experienced connections on the course. At 7/4 it was recommended each-way at minimum given the quality of the field.
What the Derby Form Means for Royal Ascot
The form from the Derby and Oaks always reverberates through the summer programme. Horses who ran well without winning at Epsom — those who handled the course, stayed the trip, and finished in the frame — become immediately interesting for Royal Ascot's middle-distance programme. The Prince of Wales's Stakes and the King George at Ascot regularly attract Derby-placed horses who improve again stepping back to a more conventional track.
Watch for the horses who finished second and third in the Derby appearing at Royal Ascot in two weeks. Their Epsom form is fresh, their connections will have targeted the summer festival as the next step, and the market sometimes underestimates them as the focus shifts to new entries.
The Oaks — Amelia Earhart
Yesterday's earlier NAP was Amelia Earhart in the Betfred Oaks at 11/4 — the Ballydoyle filly who followed the same route as last year's winner, wearing the hood and blinkers that unlocked a two-length Listed win at Chester. Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien again. The combination that has dominated Classic week.
Royal Ascot Is Two Weeks Away
Horse Racing Oracle AI will be publishing free daily NAP selections for every day of Royal Ascot — Tuesday June 17 through Saturday June 21. The same 200-variable process that has produced consistent winners through May and June, applied to the biggest betting week of the Flat season.
Sign up free at horseracingoracleai.com to get the selections in your inbox at 11am every morning.
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