I saw Tom Marquand getting a few pelters on twitter for the ride on Eternal Force.
Personally, I don't think he did too much wrong. I guess he could have gone a little bit earlier, and that might have seen him win, but it's hard to tell. The horse lost in a head bob, but had plenty of time to go past the eventual winner, but didn't.
Call Margot 28/1 (0.5pt EW, 5pl) – Epsom 1.30
I tipped up Call Margot last time out at York in a sprint handicap. She didn't perform to how I expected, but she was too keen in the early stages, and that saw her have no finishing kick.
I've seen enough of her recent races to believe that she might find trouble in running in this race. She is drawn towards the middle of the field, so if they take the same approach as her previous runs, she is going to need luck in running. She showed that she can overcome trouble in running, as she won nicely at Southwell. I think this track and race could be what she needs. This is going to be run at a very strong gallop, so there should be no time for her to be keen.
She finished seventh last time out, and given she didn't give herself the best chance, it wasn't a bad effort. Gemma Tutty has only had one runner at Epsom and it came in this race in 2024, which she won. It's interesting that the yard has not had a runner at this track since, but they are taking a chance on Call Margot, who is a very big price. I'm going to give her another chance.
Seagulls Eleven 4/1 (1pt) – Epsom 2.40
There's no guarantee that Oisin will be able to lead on Seagulls Eleven, as the likes of Qirat will want to be up with the pace. However, he should be able to sit close to the pace and pick them off when they aren't going quick enough for him.
Hugo Palmer's four-year-old has continued his progression with two good starts in France. He won last time out when tipped up, and was given a solid ride from the front. He was pestered, but managed to fend them off and win with a bit to spare. I think you've got to say that this is a tougher race, as we have a freak Group 1 winner from last year, as well as last year's winner of this race.
If he can progress a tiny bit further from his runs from France, he should be the one to beat. Oisin is booked, and he has had his fair share of winners for Hugo Palmer.
Stem 5/1 (1pt) – Epsom 4.40
There's a strong possibility that Stem will struggle for a clear run through at Epsom from a wide stall, but I'll take the chance that he will be fine.
I tipped up Stem when he was a non-runner last time out, and I was confident in a big run that day. I have to give him a chance in this race on the basis I fancied him last time out, and the jockey booking of Pat Dobbs has to be a good indicator of a big run. Pat is riding extremely well with the small amount of rides he takes, with 4/7 in the last fortnight.
His form from last season was strong, and I think he has to be better than his handicap mark.
GambleAware