Epsom Day 1 Betting Tips – 2.45pm Diomed Stakes

June 5, 2014January 31, 2015 Thatsbettingtips Staff

Horse racing betting tips for the 2.45pm Investec Diomed Stakes at Epsom on Friday.

Friday sees the start of the two-day Investec Derby Festival from Epsom, of which the opening highlight is the Investec Oaks. Alongside that prestigious race we have a number of good quality contests, including the Group 3 Diomed Stakes which has attracted a field of seven runners this year.

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Last year’s victor – GREGORIAN (5/2 William Hill), returns to defend his title, making his seasonal reappearance in the process. Trained by John Gosden this son of Clodovil is one of only two horses in the field with C&D winning form, something which is hugely important when faced with the unique demands of Epsom. After winning last year’s renewal he went on to contest some of the best Group contests between 7f – 8f, including the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes (finished 3rd), the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes (finished 1st) and the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes (finished 3rd). Clearly a good quality horse he seemed to be at his best when fresh and could very well return with a huge run here. The conditions shouldn't pose a problem (has won on good to soft as well as good) and he could well continue the great form that his stable is currently in.

A serious contender is the progressive Graphic (3/1 SkyBet). A winner on debut this season in a Listed event at Doncaster over 8f, this horse performed admirably to finish third on his next start under a penalty at Ascot. After making the successful jump from handicapping to condition races this horse looks to have further improvement in him and, providing he handles the track, he could have this race run to suit. A regular front runner, he may very well be allowed a soft lead and the opportunity to pounce from the front. With Epsom’s undulations and camber, undoubtedly the best position in the run is to be up with the pace and Graphic could well find himself ideally positioned coming around Tattenham Corner.

This race looks a competitive affair on paper and the two Godolphin representatives certainly must be respected. French Navy (9/2 Betfred) is the mount of Adam Kirby and won last time out at Goodwood beating his stablemate Windhoek (6/1 bet365) by half a length over 10f on soft ground. The field split into two groups and French Navy was given a great ride which saw him pass Windhoek in the final stages. Certainly the runner-up looks to be better on better ground but French Navy looks to be progressive and, with stamina not an issue, is preferred of the two Godolphin runners.

Despite being 8 years-old Penitent (13/2 SkyBet) has shown himself to be a hardy horse who still looks to be in love with the game and arrives here on the back of a Group 3 victory in last weekend’s Timeform Jury Stakes. Thanks to that victory, he haste shoulder a 3lb penalty and could be vulnerable because of that. Nevertheless, he did finish a close third in last year’s renewal and should go well once again.

The remaining pair look to be the clad outsiders of the race. Highland Knight (14/1 Coral) has been a great servant to his connections, running well in a number of Group and Listed contests during his career. He has C&D winning form (a Class 2 handicap in 2012) and should give a good account of himself, but similarly to Penitent, has to shoulder a 3lb penalty which could be crucial.

Finally, we have Edu Querido (25/1 William Hill) who is a Brazilian import to the Marco Botti yard. Unsuccessful since 2012, this horse didn't show a great deal on his first start on these shores at Chester and can’t be backed today.

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This race could well end up being a slightly tactical contest with not a lot of these runners likely to want to lead and set off at a good pace. One horse who is likely to bound out in front is Graphic, a tactic which could make him vulnerable here. In particularly it could make him vulnerable to GREGORIAN who likes to sit just off the pace and who has the necessary gears (and ability to handle the track) in order to assert near the line. Gregorian employed similar tactics in last year’s renewal and it could well be the same again. As a whole John Gosden’s horses have run well first time out, so although his rivals are race fit, Gregorian may well have the class and ability needed to see him start his 2014 campaign with a win.

Diomed Betting Tip –

GREGORIAN (WIN)(NAP) (5/2 William Hill)

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