Course form to fore in Epsom Dash

It would be easy to miss the Derby this afternoon with the race due off at 1:30 to avoid clashing with the FA Cup final! That is a reasonable decision as no sport can compete with the popularity of football, not even an Epsom Derby.

We concentrate on the fastest turf sprint race in the world, namely "The Dash". We have two proven course performers on side who looks well primed to win this afternoon on fast summer ground.

Mokaatil is interesting down to a rating of 85 with trainer Ian Williams booking 7lb claimer Sean D Bowen. I do not know much about the jockey but he rides lots for Irish trainer Denis Hogan. Mokaatil loves fast ground and gets that tomorrow as well as a good middle draw in stall 11. He loves Epsom with three wins from five runs. Claiming jockeys have ridden him to three of his nine wins so he is a straightforward ride. Mokaatil is due to carry 8-4 and hopefully his jockey is able to get down to 7-11 or close to that weight which is as light as you can get almost!

Mountain Peak was second in “The Dash” last year when drawn low in stall 1. He jumped smartly and led for most of the race only to lose out to Tees Spirit who got a dream run along the stands rail last year. Mountain Peak can win this year with the ground fast rather than good as it was last season. He is a classy sprinter who reached a rating as high as 108 in the past. Tom Marquand has ridden him to win before and it’s a big chance for trainer Ed Walker.

Dangers abound with the likes of Ancient Times, Silky Wilky & Vintage Clarets on the shortlist.

Epsom 3:20

0.5 point each way Mokaatil 10/1 William Hill else 9/1 Paddy Power & Bet365, all paying 6 places.

0.5 point each way Mountain Peak 12/1 Paddy Power & Bet365, both paying 6 places.

Best of Luck, Nicky