Epsom Weekend+Cork Kerry

The Epsom Derby

Last season Aidan O Brien fired 6 horses at the derby and managed 2^nd3rd,4^th,5^th&7^th as Fame and Glory had to look at Sea the Stars’ backside for the first off many times. This season, he looks to have the race at his mercy even allowing for St Nicholas Abbey’s defection. Jan Vermeer was not fancied winning last time out winning on the Guinea under card at the Curragh. At 6/4 he might have been too short for many punters, but if he was fancied to be a superstar, how did he go off that big. Now bookies are quoting only 15/8. He was impressive that day against albeit modest opposition and is expected to improve for the run but he looks too short now.

Midas Touch is his other big chance at 11/2 and his win in the Derringston trial reads as better Derby form. It must be noted that O Brien has only won this race twice with Galileo and High Chapparral. Back in 2001 & 2002 and in 2002 high Chapparal was the second string that day and prevailed. At the prices he’s the bet.

Of the others to note Henry Cecil has Bullet Train and just like Cecils other two winners Slip Anchor and Reference Point, this fella like s to run from the front all the way and will need to be watched carefully or he could slip the field. Workforce & Coordinated Cut were placed in the Dante and very few placed horses can turn that around come Epsom

At a huge each way price Al Zir with Kieran Fallon in the saddle might turn around a poor Guineas showing.

Verdict: Midas Touch to win the derby (4:00 Sat)
Al Zir Each way

The other races on the Friday (2.45 Friday)see a great battle between last season Oaks winner Sariska & Derby runner up Fame And Glory. Both looked fantastic last time out and it could prove to be the race of the weekend.In the Oaks (4.05 Friday) O Brien throws 3 at it but it looks like throwing darts at a wall hoping something will stick. Ralph

Beckett won this a few seasons ago with Look Here and has used an identical prep for Ceilidh House. At the prices she is worth a go to turn around a poor run at Lingfield where it got blocked off from its true run

Verdict: Ceildh House

Other bets for Friday: Alexandros 1.40 Epsom
Fame & Glory 2.45 Epsom
Holberg 7.20 Goodwood

Saturday to follow........

It's a top weekend of GAA football action with the highlight undoubtedly the meeting of Cork and Kerry. Mulholland's don't fancy the men in green and gold at all and will be top industry price between 3-4 Sunday so make sure to get in shop/phone/online if you fancy the kingdom.

Could Kerry do what the Cork hurlers did to Tipperar y on Sunday. With all the retirements and defections to AFL, many pundits have written off Kerry as old lions but they may have one last roar here before nature takes it's course. Cork must be careful but in truth losing here would not be the end of the world as they would back themselves at the backdoor. Kerry would be vulnerable against the Ulster teams and I can see them wanting this much more than Cork. However at the current prices Cork would still be my bet.

Verdict: Cork to win

Local Hurling Odds this weekend