Racing tips: Go nuts over Monkey at Epsom

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GAS MONKEY (4.10) has enjoyed a lucrative season and he can continue his winning ways in the Apprentices' Derby at Epsom.

Heavy rain will ensure the track is testing and Gas Monkey is proven on soft ground. He travelled strongly before being pushed clear at Newbury last month. Gas Monkey idled in front but was always holding Landa Beach, with the runner-up coming out at Haydock this month to run Ginistrelli very close. Gas Monkey's best form has come on galloping tracks so the undulations on Epsom Downs will present a new challenge. He is worth the risk at around 4-1 generally. Hat-trick seeker Culture and top weight Ocala look the ones to beat.

ROVING MISSION (4.45) is too big a price at 11-4 with Paddy Power to land the 1m 2f Novice Stakes. Hot favourite Edinburgh Castle hasn't run for almost a year so who knows what sort of form he is in, while Roving Mission's fourth to Monica Sheriff and second to impressive Tonyx at Salisbury underline her well-being. Memphis Bleek is fairly consistent at a modest level and should show up.

DONNELLY’S RAINBOW (4.55) is holding his form well in a busy campaign and another big run is expected at Musselburgh.

Rebecca Bastiman’s gelding is a talented but tricky customer, but has become fairly consistent at this level. A 4lb rise for beating Zorovan and Storm Ahead at Ayr is reasonable and Donnelly’s Rainbow scored here in early August, underlining his effectiveness at the track. He was trading at 9-2 with Bet365 last night and that is a generous each-way price in a race where only a few count. The obvious threat is Lagenda, seeking a third course victory but up another 6lb, and disappointing class-dropper Vive La Difference.

KYLIE RULES (3.15) belied her 28-1 starting price when a close third to Waarif and Kynren at Ayr and would be very hard to beat if able to repeat that effort. Ruth Carr saddled her to win four races on the bounce at Beverley earlier in the season and Kylie Rules added another victory at Thirsk in August for good measure. Warning Fire scored quite readily at Wolverhampton and should go close.

Chica Buena returned from a 239-day absence to land some big bets at Hamilton last week and is trading at 4-9 in places to defy a 5lb penalty. She beat a poor bunch on deep ground and I’d rather scout around for an each-way alternative and LINCOLN TALE (1.40) fits the bill.

David O’Meara employed hold-up tactics over 1m 6f at Redcar last time but his filly met traffic problems before fading out of contention behind well-touted The Fiddler. The quick ground wouldn’t have helped and Danny Tudhope could coax Beverley winner Lincoln Tale back to form if the track is riding on the yielding side of good. Smart Lass, beaten a head by Beaufort at Newcastle, is another to consider.

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