Racing News  

'Dash' Handicap Stakes - Form Comments

02/06/2017

1000m – Turf

1

Kimberella

Only just failed to win last year's 'Dash' pretty amazing considered he missed the break in this super fast 1000m. In fine form in 2017 with two all-weather wins, and, though he has a tough handicap mark, he has a smart young rider taking 7lb off to help.

2

Caspian Prince

Tries to win this super-competitive sprint for a third time, and for a third different trainer. Just fair recent form but he clearly loves this downhill track and he's still handicapped for a big show, both those previous triumphs having come from a high gate.

3

Duke Of Firenze

Has history in this race, winning it in 2013, finishing last of 20 in 2015 and an excellent third last year. His victory at York last time shows he's in grand form especially as he raced too freely early on. A big show at Epsom is again likely.

4

Boom The Groom

Like others here he has history in this event, and finished third in 2015. He won two nice UK sprinting prizes last summer and if he gets the gaps he could well again be right in the mix.

5

Move In Time

This speedster grabbed the money in the last strides when winning the prestigious G1 Prix de l'Abbaye at Longchamp in 2014. He has been struggling lately though at least his handicap mark is sinking. Epsom debut. 

6

Bowson Fred

Frustrating in the fact that he rarely runs a bad race but is also a rare winner, now on a losing run of 14. Another good show at Newbury last time when runner-up despite reportedly having lost a shoe.

7

Edward Lewis

Has improved since joining this stable as many horses do. That said, he was a disappointing favourite last time not helped by racing away from the speed and getting a bump. He has run well on all types of ground conditions.

8

Line Of Reason

A busy sprinter though failing to win on 18 starts since a sprint victory at Beverley almost a year ago. A first visit to Epsom's downhill track for this speedster who would really appreciate drying conditions.

9

Desert Law

Has a formidable Epsom record in his 49-race career, competing here just twice when second in this in 2012, and gaining his first win for three years when winning the 'Dash' in 2015. An easy win on his only 2017 start  suggests we should again take him seriously.

10

El Astronaute

He has won both his starts this season - handicaps at Newmarket and Chester - both times suggesting that he has a bit more in hand than the narrow margins. He has tremendous gate speed so this is the obvious race to aim him for.

11

Union Rose

Has won just two of his 30 starts, those both coming over this distance on a slow surface. He hasn't come very close to winning in his three starts this season but at least the handicapper has eased him 3lb since his last start.

12

Majestic Hero

A wind operation over the winter seems to have galvanised this big gelding who posted a career best when winning here in April, his only previous visit to this downhill speed track. Much less good around Chester's tight bends last time.

13

Exceed The Limit

His two wins came when trained in France, both times on very soft ground. Mostly disappointing in the UK though he did nearly catch a front-runner in an all-weather handicap last month despite losing a shoe during the race.

14

Orvar

Cleverly placed to win a valuable 1200m sprint in Turkey last September. Gambled on for his 2017 debut but just found Edward Lewis - a rival again here - just too strong. The ground was slow then but the current drying conditions may well help.

15

Sign Of The Kodiac

Wearing blinkers for the first time he is having his first start at this specialist sprinting track. He has won just one of his 15 starts in his turf career and this looks tricky, though he does have plenty of gate speed.

16

A Momentofmadness

His trainer has said before that this front-running type may be better in small fields and with a bend, so it is possible that this won't play to his strengths. However he does come here in good form, only just beaten at Goodwood despite missing the break.

17

Blithe Spirit

Looked like grabbing a place in this race last year, tiring very late on to finish fifth. She competes off an easier handicap rating this time mainly because she's been well beaten on all her recent starts. This has probably been the main target however.

18

Dark Shot

From an in-form stable and though he failed to justify favouritism in a handicap at Goodwood last time, he gave the impression he might be approaching his peak. He has been accused of being ungenuine but his owner insists that is not the case.

19

Excessable

Right back at his best this season following a gelding operation. He's shown lots of speed to win his last two starts with the rise in his rating achieving his connections aim of getting into this field. His chance will increase on good or fast ground.

20

Olivia Fallow

Beaten on her last 12 starts but she wasn't beaten far on her only previous Epsom run and also put up a good show last time when third of 11 in a Redcar handicap after failing to get a clear run.

 

Related Website�G

Derby Stakes Day

Close

Copyright © 2000-2024 The Hong Kong Jockey Club. All rights reserved.