In what appears a tough-to-decipher Group Three, to begin Epsom Derby Day, I think it’s worth taking on the short-priced favourite, Never So Brave. That runner blotted his copybook at Sandown last time, despite being in a higher grade. I don’t believe his form is deserving of him being so short in the betting. Although WITNESS STAND has a question to answer, following a lengthy absence, at least he may improve after a wind operation. At his best, he isn’t too far away from the leading players, in terms of ratings, and may be able to lead from a good low draw.

Purely from a mathematical point of view, PACIFIC MISSION must hold leading claims for her powerful owners, who boast a highly prestigious record at this iconic track - with a brace of Oaks winners and a trio of Derby winners. The selection has a huge weight-for-age advantage, receiving a whopping 12lb from her rivals, and her form stacks up positively. She was runner-up in both a Grade One and Two race last season and should improve second-time-out this term. If she can progress from a modest York run, then she can go close. She’s Perfect is a huge rival after a big third at Goodwood.

This season’s G1 Coronation Cup looks likely to be a stellar renewal, with a pair of exceptional five-year-olds, battling against a Derby winner and an improving four-year-old. Preference is marginally for JAN BRUEGHEL, who delivered a surprise success over likely favourite here (and the world’s best racehorse on ratings), Calandagan, in last year’s race. The selection just outbattled the latter, at this unique circuit, which gives him the nod, especially after proving his current wellbeing by winning at Chester.

2024 winner, DREAM COMPOSER, is certainly in with an each-way chance at double-figure odds. The eight-year-old Dream Ahead gelding had been in a downward spiral for his previous trainer, prior to a pair of highly promising runs for his new trainer. He is now a seriously well-handicapped type, who is 5lb lower than when winning this race previously. As a course winner, who won’t mind any rain falling, he ticks plenty of boxes, despite this race often being one where plenty of luck in-running is required.

PIERRE BONNARD is definitely not one to dismiss lightly, for the all-conquering Aidan O’Brien stable. Despite having a seemingly stronger runner at the head of the market, the yard is notorious for landing this prestigious race with varied priced horses, including some at big prices, such as Serpentine (25/1 in 2020) and Wings Of Eagles (40/1 in 2017). Pierre Bonnard was a classy juvenile, who won a Group One as a two-year-old. His three-year-old career is yet to take-off, admittedly, with a pair of disappointing efforts, but his trainer has stated that he returned to training as a big and strong frame, suggesting that those two runs would have him at peak fitness for this huge target. The flurry of market support for the selection this week is a promising sign.

ALLEGRESSE is a three-year-old Oasis Dream colt with serious handicapping potential. The dangerous trainer/jockey combination of Andrew Balding and Oisin Murphy team-up here with a completely unexposed type, who enters a first handicap from a lenient-looking mark of 93. A dual novice winner, he was outclassed in Group company, prior to finishing last of four at Goodwood. That was still a fine performance, with the second and third now rated in the 100s. The rise in trip could suit, too, as there is plenty of stamina in his pedigree.

I’m utterly intrigued by TOO SOON for the ever shrewd trainers, Gary and Josh Moore. The son of Too Darn Hot is 1-14 in his career, but the sole success came at this venue. He has often been highly tried, too, which is a sign that the yard may expect him to be better than his current rating of 88. He has first-time cheekpieces, which may prove to be a catalyst, and he has the assistance of Warren Fentiman in the saddle, who rides Epsom particularly well (three wins from 11 rides). He is something of a strange jockey booking, which also catches the eye. Bulletin is one of the most consistent horses in training, and is certainly another to keep inside for a placing. 

PARTISAN HERO holds reasonable each-way appeal in the concluding race of the 2026 Epsom Derby meeting. The six-year-old is unbeaten at Epsom, winning both starts, including at this fixture last season. He scored impressively at York over 5f last year, and despite a 4lb rise in the weights, may have more to offer over sprint distances. Fine Interview looks a classic improver, since sporting cheekpieces (3-4), and has scope to rank higher than his current handicap mark, especially with his trainer arriving in excellent form. Ignore him at your peril.