DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY JUNE 5
4.00 EPSOM
A race dominated by Messrs O’Brien and Gosden over the years and the same narrative looks very likely again with the two powerhouses represented by Amelia Earhart and LEGACY LINK.
The former carries plenty of confidence behind her following her victory in the Cheshire Oaks but, as that contest was the least conclusive of the Oaks trials based on the clock, preference is for the latter who, in contrast, posted a big speed figure in landing the Musidora at York.
There might have only been five runners on the Knavesmire but Sea The Storm ensured the race was run at a sound tempo and, having travelled well throughout, the daughter of Dubawi saw out the trip well after a protracted dual with main market rival, Felicitas.
Although not a flashy winner a month ago by any means, she showed the sort of battling qualities that should stand her in good stead for bigger tests ahead and providing she handles the unique nature of the track, it is hard to see her not putting up a bold bid to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Taghrooda, Enable and Soul Sister.
If the Musidora turns out to be the key trial, there is also every chance that K SARRA will outrun her odds, and she is worth a small interest accordingly.
Strictly speaking, she has a bit to find with her old rival from 23 days ago, but it was noticeable she was gaining ground in the closing stages after being slightly caught out of her ground three out and with an extra furlong and a half to race here today, it is reasonable to suggest she has been slightly overlooked.
Housed in a stable who have been the only proper outlier in the Oaks in recent times (Talent and Look Here), Ralph Beckett’s filly is fancied to justify the decision to come to Epsom rather than wait for The Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot.
LEGACY LINK – 1-point win@7-2
K SARRA – ½ point each-way@20-1
5.50 EPSOM
Dance In The Storm won in style of a rapidly progressive filly at Chester last time out and it would come as no surprise if she could work into pattern company sooner rather than later.
The only main issue today, however, is whether she turns out to be as compatible to softer ground in comparison to her more favourable quicker surface and if she were to come unstuck, CRIMSON SPIRIT is one of the likelier rivals waiting in the wings to pounce.
Daniel & Clare Kubler’s gelding was never a factor when facing Dance In The Storm on the Roodee but unlike his old rival who had a clear run of things out wide, he got hooked up on the inside rail with nowhere to go.
Allowed to come home in his own time that day, the son of Harry Angel took full advantage of a more favourable draw at Goodwood last time out and, in beating a competitive field with a shade of comfort, he posted a very useful speed figure.
Unlike many of his rivals here this afternoon, he is well converse the contours of the track, with a record of 12314 at the Surrey venue backing up that view, and with plenty of form on soft ground, any further easing of the conditions will suit him more than most.
CRIMSON SPIRIT – ½ point each-way@9-1 (five places)