ITV racing tips: Epsom Oaks Day – Matt Chapman’s top betting preview for today’s TV racing
Get all the info to bash the bookies as ITV's Matt Chapman runs you through Friday's racing live on ITV
IT seems ridiculous to say it's the calm before the storm, because Oaks and Coronation Cup day is huge, but in many ways it is with the Derby Saturday.
The two days at Epsom this week are huge, and even more so for those of us on ITV who want you to watch and enjoy.
There are so many fascinating people involved with these two races and I hope ITV brings them all to life for you.
Let's get straight into the Friday action, and the 2pm is the Woodcote, a conditions race for juveniles over 6f.
I'll be having a few quid each-way on MENDOZA, who looked sure to improve for the run after finishing third behind The Paddocks at Newbury first time.
He might lack experience for this track, but looks useful for Brian Meehan. Next up is the 2.35pm, a handicap over an extended 1m.
DERBY DAY LIVE Get all the latest odds, tips, news and results with our live Epsom blog
The ground has come right for MEDBURN DREAM, who loves juice in the ground and goes from the front which is useful at this track.
He was impressive for new stable of Peter Hedger first time this season and on softish ground is useful.
It's the Group 1 Coronation Cup over just about 1m4f at 3.10pm. CRACKSMAN will of course take all the beating as one of this season's outstanding horses.
He's impossible to oppose and I'll take Hawkbill to chase him home over Idaho. There's a handicap over an extended 1m3f at 3.45pm, and the one I like here is AJMAN KING.
In the colours of Defoe and Postponed, my Roger Varian-trained selection did really well to score at Epsom last time and can overcome a 5lb rise in the weights.
He could be a group horse. Finally, it's the Group 1 Investec Oaks at 4.30pm over just about 1m4f. This looks a poor renewal and is wide open - just about any of them could win.
Matt Chapman's TV Tips
2.00 Epsom - Mendoza: 'Looked sure to improve from his last start'
2.35 Epsom - Medburn Dream: 'Loves a bit of juice in the ground'
3.10 Epsom - Cracksman: 'Impossible to oppose'
3.45 Epsom - Ajman King: 'Could be a Group horse'
4.30 Epsom - Wild Illusion: 'Brings the best form into the race'
There's no doubt WILD ILLUSION brings the best form into the race as a Group 1 winner and her fourth in the 1000 Guineas was a fine effort on ground that was too fast and a trip too short.
She can win for Charlie Appleby. So best of luck and hope for Yeeehaaas. You Betcha!