Oaks Day 2013 - Epsom Friday 30th 2013

The flat season always seems to move far quicker than the jump counterparts. We've already seen the new potential double classic winning superstar in the shape of Dawn Approach and I wouldn't be surprised to see him hack up in the Derby tomorrow. However, our attentions now turn to the beautiful, majestic fillies on show today and what an Oaks day to look forward too. On with the card... 13.35pm Princess Elzabeth Stakes (group 3) 1m 114y The starting point with the majority of races will be track experience, as is always mentioned when the two days start at Epsom experience of the undulating track with its uphill climb and then the ability to handle the camber around tattenham corner is crucial. The form pick and the form choice of trainer without question goes to THISTLE BIRD. Her recent form behind Dank and Chigun has been rubber stamped by the latter, Chigun hosed up to win the Abu Dhabi Stakes at the Curragh last week and with only losing by a neck I think THISTLE BIRD although likely favourite will enjoy this extended mile trip and looks like the current mark 107 will be winnable once again. My only concern is that she handles the track but trip and ground are no concerns here. A solid selection. 14.10pm Handicap 1m 2f With handicaps as I've mentioned many times on this blog before its important to look at whether the horses current form and handicap mark work together in giving them a chance. Obviously, this isn't solely what you should work from but in my selection here I'm going for one out of those two variables to be on my side. I also see the undulations of Epsom will suit this horse who has winning form at Goodwood and Newmarket and a horse that although out of form has ability and is certainly running off a winnable mark. Paul Cole the trainer is in respectable form but needs to start delivering a few more winners and today could be his day. CIRCUMVENT is the each way selection here and it's interesting to delve into his form figures as when he's dropped to a mark within the 90's he seems to run credibly. Another positive is Tom Queally in the saddle who has a terrific strike rate at this track. This lovely chestnut will get the trip and a return to form on ground that suits coupled with a lenient handicap mark points to a good run possible. Each way. 15.20pm Investec Mile 1m The partnership between David Probert and Andrew Balding at the Surrey track is simple brilliant. When these two partner up a serious strike rate has developed over the last few years and its close to a third of those hitting the target. Consequently, it's no surprise that BENZANNO is my selection here, hailing from a good enough draw as low numbers seem to be the ones to follow indeed Highland Knight won this race last year from exactly the same stall (7) and funny enough it was the Balding/Probert partnership that landed this prize 12 months ago. A course and distance winner off a pound lower mark than his last win and looks a nice each way price. 16.00pm Investec Oaks 1m 4f A truly exciting race to look forward to today and I'm very much looking forward to seeing how the two fillies Moth and Liber Nauticus fair as they head the market and on form look the likely winners. However, progress is a word that's springs to mind in a race of this nature and any one of the 11 that go to post could produce something unexpected and that's why official ratings count for little today. On that basis I'm tipping a horse I have backed at 50/1 earlier last week and thats THE LARK, being closely related to Sariska and showing signs of needing the run last time out I think progress will be made over the 1m 4f trip, she travelled supremely well in her previous race and looked like she would go on a hack up, that didnt quite transpire but I blame that on fitnness mo than anything else. The trainer Michael Bell has always done ŵell with his fillies and the current form illustrates her last run was needed. I'm expecting THE LARK to enjoy a little cut in the ground which will play into her strengths. Not such a value price today but it seems people are showing a little interest in her and I'm expecting progress. Each way selection. Good Luck all and enjoy today's racing!