Races
EPSOM DOWNS: Three runners to watch out for at the Spring Meeting
A trio of contenders make their way to the famous Epsom Downs on Tuesday afternoon
A new flat season is upon the famous Downs, with a six-race card kicking the action off at Epsom on Tuesday.
The listed Blue Riband Trial is the feature race of the day, with a top-class Derby prospect heading the field for the Gosdens.
The Spring Meeting Novices Stakes is also on the card with four handicaps filling the remaining slots in the schedule.
Here are three horses to look out for at the Spring Meeting.
Duke Of Firenze – 1.45 Epsom
Age is just a number for David Griffiths’ runner, as the 12-year-old has clocked up a decade’s worth of service in racing this year.
The veteran rolled the years back at Lingfield two weeks ago, advancing from the back of the pack in the final furlong and producing an incredible turn of foot to win by a length.
Griffiths’ old boy heads to the Epsom Downs for the eleventh time in his career, holding an entry in the opening contest, the Epsom Downs Welcomes Back Owners Handicap.
It has been eight years since Duke Of Firenze last recorded success on the Downs and it would mark a superb return to form for the veteran if he claimed victory here.
Uncle Bryn – 2.15 Epsom
A potential Derby hope for John and Thady Gosden’s yard, Uncle Bryn makes his debut on the turf after producing two victories on the all-weather over the winter.
The three-year-old’s pedigree catches the eye, with his sire being the 2009 Derby winner Sea The Stars and his half-brother was victorious at Group 3 level.
His dam, Wall Of Sound, recorded several victories on the flat as well which could mean the Gosdens possess a very exciting prospect.
Uncle Bryn is the current favourite for the Listed Blue Riband Trial and is the one to beat in the feature race of the day.
Blue Cup – 2.50 Epsom
Blue Cup joined David Menuisier’s yard last season and made a near-instant impact in handicap company for the Pulborough-based trainer on just his second start on British soil.
The five-year-old claimed fifth on his stable debut over a mile at Newbury last June, but it was at Sandown in July where he stuck for Menuisier.
The French-bred gelding travelled strongly in the straight before quickening away in the final stages to win easily by five lengths.
The gelding is open to further improvement and he is worth keeping an eye on in the City And Suburban Handicap here.
