Tips Category: Epsom Handicap

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2022 Epsom Handicap Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

The $1.5m Epsom Handicap is a Group 1 held at Royal Randwick Racecourse for three year olds and older. First run way back in 1865, the mile feature has become one of the highlights on the Australian racing calendar and has been taken out by some of the best horses to step foot on a racetrack, including champion mare Winx, in 2015. Last year’s Epsom was taken out by Private Eye, with Regan Bayliss on board, who came from last on the home turn to secure his first Group 1 victory.

Last start George Main Stakes runner up, Icebath, is currently $3.90 favourite for this year’s Epsom Handicap with Dabble. Hinged, who also placed in the G1 George Main last start, has been heavily backed and is currently $4.40 and Top Ranked is a $4.60 chance after a strong first up win. Cross Talk, $8.00, and Fangirl, $9.00, are also given a hope in the market.

With three runners vying for favouritism and a host of different form lines coming into the race, it looks a tough field for punters to assess. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Epsom Handicap along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Top Ranked (4) – $4.60
Jockey – Hugh Bowman 56.5kg
Trainer – Annabel Neasham


Former UK galloper who has shown good ability in his three runs to date down under. His first up win here at Randwick a fortnight ago was strong and he gets to his pet trip here second up. Should get a nice run from the gate and can make it two from two this prep, and keep his brilliant record intact.

2. Converge (1) – $20
Jockey – Tim Clark 56.5kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

*This horse has since been scratched.*

G1 winner this track/distance who is struggling to find his best form this prep. Should be cherry ripe third up and the inside gate gives in form jock, Tim Clark, a few options. Not willing to completely rule him out but needs to find on recent efforts.

3. Ellsberg (3) – $21
Jockey – Brenton Avdulla 56kg
Trainer – Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou

Hasn’t been far away both runs back this prep. This race looks tougher but he wasn’t beaten far in the Doncaster before placing in the All Aged earlier this year. Will press forward from the low draw and be in it for a long way.

4. Nimalee (10) – $14
Jockey – Regan Bayliss 55.5kg
Trainer – Matthew Smith

Battled away well behind Zaaki before returning to the winner’s stall last Saturday at Rosehill. Bolted in this track/distance at G1 level in the Autumn. Will push forward from the wide gate and handles all conditions.

5. Icebath (7) – $3.90F
Jockey – James McDonald 54.5kg
Trainer – Brad Widdup


Looks to have returned in fine fettle this prep and her latest effort in the George Main was excellent. Loves the Randwick mile and gets a good opportunity to bag her first G1. Go close.

6. Fangirl (5) – $9.00
Jockey – Tommy Berry 54kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Savaged the line first up behind Anamoe before an even effort in the George Main last start. Will get a nice trail from the good gate and should be ready to fire third up.

7. Kiku (12) – $31
Jockey – Jason Collett 54kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Came from a mile back first up to win the Theo Marks in good style. Steps up in grade now but the mile second up suits. Will need to be at her absolute best to win but isn’t the worst.

8. Hinged (9) – $4.40
Jockey – Kerrin McEvoy 51.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Continued her consistent form last start when running a gallant third in the George Main behind Anamoe. Looks well suited at handicap conditions and races well in any conditions. Will roll forward and be hard to run down.


9. Cross Talk (6) – $8.00
Jockey – Rachel King 51kg
Trainer – Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott

Battled away strongly last start in the Bill Ritchie but was no match for Top Ranked. Will be sent forward and be rock hard fit, but may need to find an extra gear if he’s to win this.

10. Character (11) – SCRATCHED
Jockey – Reece Jones (a) 51kg
Trainer – James Cummings

N/A.

11. Pippali (8) – $91
Jockey – Kathy O’Hara 51kg
Trainer – Jason Coyle

On the seven day back up after hitting the line hard behind Nimalee last Saturday. Can run a big race on her day but will need a career best if she’s to take the winners trophy home here.

12. War Eternal (2) – $26
Jockey – Jay Ford 51kg
Trainer – Bjorn Baker

Chased hard behind stablemate Ita in BM78 grade last start. Step up in trip is a bonus but it’s hard to see that form being good enough for this.

Final Word

Although this year’s Epsom Handicap may lack some class and depth in comparison to previous editions, it still looks an open and competitive race.

There looks to be good speed on paper from a host of runners which should set the race up nicely for those just off the speed, and as we’ve come to expect in recent times, the track looks as though it’ll race in the soft/heavy range come Saturday.


Brad Widdup’s quality mare, Icebath, is racing in good form. Her last start second to Anamoe in the George Main was strong and she maps to get a beautiful cart here. She handles all conditions, loves the Randwick mile and gets a grand opportunity to win her first G1.

Hard to knock the first up win of import, Top Ranked. His three Australian runs have been very good behind some top class horses, the mile suits second up and he looks the main danger for mine.

Chris Waller’s mare, Hinged, looks the best of the on-pacers. She battled away gamely in the George Main last start and looks well suited under the handicap conditions. Her stablemate, Fangirl, should also be cherry ripe third up and has the right draw to be competitive, providing the track isn’t too heavy.

Epsom Handicap TipLogo

5. Icebath – Win ($3.90)

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*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

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2021 Epsom Handicap Runner By Runner Preview, Odds & Tips

It may not be a vintage edition of the race, but the 2021 Epsom Handicap looks wide open with a number of chances at very healthy odds!

There are many progressive four-year-olds here including Mo’unga, Hungry Heart, Atishu, Hungry Heart, and Skylab, most of whom look well suited by the Handicap conditions of the race.

It’s a big field with plenty of value, let’s dive into the Runner By Runner analysis of the 2021 Epsom Handicap!

1. Mo’unga (13) – $7.50
Jockey – Tommy Berry
Trainer – Annabel Neasham

Probably the best horse in the race, and is a bit stiff to be the top weight here, in most other years he wouldn’t be. If you’re a fan, we wouldn’t talk you out of backing him, but with the big weight, there is better value in the field… especially when his Grand Final is the Golden Eagle later in the spring.

2. Cascadian (12) – $18
Jockey – Hugh Bowman
Trainer – James Cummings

It’s a big price for a classy horse, but his get back and run on racing style doesn’t do him any favours, and we don’t want our heart broken again. Will probably flash home for a place or top five finish, and you can include in all exotics.

3. Dalasan (8) – $13
Jockey – James McDonald
Trainer – L MacDonald & A Gluyvas

It’s been a long time between drinks for this galloper, who has had 12 tries at Group 1 level without success. However, he’s exceptionally well in at the weights, has the best rider in the country, is up to a suitable trip, and is travelling in career-best form at the moment. There’s a lot to like at the double figure quote.

4. Star Of The Seas (1) – $34
Jockey – Sam Clipperton
Trainer – Chris Waller

Will have to roll forward from the inside marble, and a return to his best would see him right in this. However, he hasn’t looked near that level this preparation, and his price is a fair reflection of where he is at… not in this.

5. Lion’s Roar (3) – $81
Jockey – Jean Van Overmeire
Trainer – John O’Shea

Was dominant in his own age group as a three-year-old last season and has been thrown in the deep end so far this spring and hasn’t measured up. No.

6. Hungry Heart (10) – $8.50
Jockey – Kieran McEvoy
Trainer – Chris Waller

Very credible performances in the Winx Stakes and the George Main Stakes for the Australian Oaks winner, and McEvoy should be able to find some cover from barrier 10. Certainly in this, will be steaming home late, and just needs some luck in transit.

7. Icebath (14) – $11
Jockey – Robbie Dolan
Trainer – Brad Widdup

Outstanding run last start in the Golden Pendant, and was desperately unlucky not to win the Doncaster Mile here during the spring. In this up to her eyeballs, and will relish the conditions if rain continues to fall in Sydney.

8. Rock (9) – $101
Jockey – Blake Ryan
Trainer – Wayne, John, and Michael Hawkes

Hasn’t looked at his best this preparation but is generally peaking when at the mile in these big fields. Can throw in exotics at the monster odds.

9. Riodini (15) – $5
Jockey – Rachel King
Trainer – G Waterhouse and A Bott

Has been in great form this preparation with huge runs in the Chelmsford Stakes and the George Main Stakes, just getting run down by Think It Over, and Verry Elleegant… fantastic form for this. However, had uncontested leads both times, and there will be a frenzy at the front here. Looks unders at the price.

10. Aramayo (5) – $13
Jockey – Alysha Collett
Trainer – Chris Waller

Big performances in the Tramway Stakes and the Bill Ritchie Handicap, and is now third up and ready to peak here. Huge winning chance and must include in everything.

11. Reloaded (6) – $34
“Jockey – Glen Boss
Trainer – Chris Waller

On the quick backup and gets Group 1 Glen Boss onboard. Not the worst at odds down in the weights, and can be thrown in exotics.

12. Private Eye (7) – $10
Jockey – Regan Bayliss
Trainer – Joe Pride

In very good form and will be right in the finish here down in the weights. Drawn well enough and will need luck in transit in the crowded ruck. Goes in all exotics and wouldn’t be surprised to see it win.

13. Atishu (11) – $18
Jockey – Kathy O’Hara
Trainer – Chris Waller

The fifth and final Waller runner here is another at generous odds that you could be talked into. She’s won two from three this prep including the Group 3 Bill Ritchie last start. She’ll enjoy the mile but would need to go to a new peak to win this.

14. Discharged (2) – $34
Jockey – James Innes Jnr
Trainer – G Waterhouse & A Bott

The camp is flying and his galloper has drawn perfectly. Is right down in the weights and should lead this, and certainly give them something to chase down at big odds.

15. Ashman (17) – $126
Jockey – Jeff Penza
Trainer – Kim Waugh

Won the Cameron Handicap but has drawn the car park here and would need a miracle. No.

16. Harmony Rose (16) – $26
Jockey – Andrew Adkins
Trainer – Mark Newnham

Might be a run short here hitting this second up, and a mile may be a bit too sharp. Is a classy type but the price is about right with the wide draw.

17. Sky Lab (4) – $19
Jockey – Tim Clark
Trainer – Paul Perry

Maps beautifully, third up, rock bottom in the weights. Should be right in the finish and must go in all exotics at the price.

Final Word

It’s a wide-open edition of the Epsom Handicap, with many horses having big cases to win the $1.47m up for grabs.

We think Dalasan ticks lots of boxes: third up and ready for the mile, big performances so far this preparation at Weight For Age level, the best rider in the country, a good draw, and the ability to handle the wet.

The $13 on offer for Dalasan is a good each way play, with Icebath the other notable mention. Outside of that, a number of gallopers have big claims to place, with Hungry Heart, Aramayo, Private Eye, and Sky Lab the next in line.

Enjoy!

Best Epsom Handicap Tip: 3. Dalasan – Win – $13

There is plenty more Group One racing happening this weekend! If you want a preview of the talented three-year-olds contesting the Flight Stakes, click here! And lastly, if you want to see our analysis on The Metropolitan Handicap, click here!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Sportsbet.

 

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2020 Epsom Handicap Preview, Odds, & Tips

It’s a wide-open edition of the Epsom Handicap on a massive day at Royal Randwick, with three Group 1 contests plus some Everest contenders going head-to-head in the Premiere Stakes.

Let’s take a look at each of the runners in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m), In what is a bit of a raffle with plenty of chances.

1 – Kolding

Scratched

2 – Mister Sea Wolf – $23 ?

Had a blessed run in the Chelmsford Stakes at this track and trip, with fellow Waller pace maker Wu Gok making life easy for this old boy. Will have far more talented back markers rocketing home this time around, but he will give you a very honest showing at big odds.

3 – Star Of The Seas – $5 ??

Has run incredibly well without any luck this preparation, could easily have taken out both the Winx Stakes and the George Main Stakes. I thought he was a wet tracker but he’s performed well on the Good surfaces as well, and has to go in everything, and can win with even luck, which may be tough from the inside gate.

4 – Imaging – $13

Another Waller runner who is absolutely humming along, has looked very good in all three runs this preparation and will be very honest once again. Has drawn the carpark which makes it very tough.

5 – Nettoyer – $67

Obviously has ability, winning the Doncaster in the spring at this track and trip in spectacular fashion. However, is second up here and usually takes longer than that to be at her best. Happy to be against her in this.

6 – Brandenburg – $27

Could kick up from the low draw and be put in the race, and if so, is a big chance to run a big race at the juicy odds, has placed in the Doncaster Mile, albeit at a rock bottom 50.5kgs.

7 – Yulong Prince – $26

Kept coming in the Chelmsford and was very close to winning with the big 59kgs that day, drops 5kgs here and will be in this for a long way if ridden with intent. Similarly to Mister Sea Wolf, he runs into far more talented swoopers in this field who will be gunning for him.

8 – The Candy Man – $35

The cult hero is being looked after by the Snowdens in Sydney, and will need to sharply improve to be in this after his middling performance at Newcastle last start.

9 – Wild Planet – $15 ???

Has drawn perfectly and could take a sit or even dictate things and lead if they want. Ran down Funstar to win over the 1400m last start and hit the line really strongly, looking like the mile will suit. Is now third up and this could be a Hawkes grand final job. Goes in everything and is a massive chance.

10 – Niccanova – $71 ?

Has drawn reasonably well to sit midfield with cover, but will need a big dose of luck to get out and find a run. Talented on his day and up to the mile suits, but it’s a low percentage play. You could do worse things than throwing him in exotics or having a small saver on him at the massive odds.

11 – Probabeel – $6 ???

Is short in the market but probably deserves to be after her big win in the Bill Ritchie Handicap. Looks like it’s all come together for this powerful mare, and stepping up to the mile is a plus. Not a great draw but she’ll probably just motor wide the trip and come flying home. Big chance.

12 – Funstar – $11 ??

What do we do with Funstar? There was improvement to come in her condition when run down by Wild Planet, and at her best there’s no doubt she’ll go very close. Will she bring it? If Boss is aggressive from the wide draw she’s a chance, and is worth considering.

13 – Rock – $6.50 ???

Opened at $8.50 so there’s been some support for the Cameron Handicap winner, and it’s easy to see why after the way he won that. Ran well in this race last year and is right in this.

14 – Colette – $18

Has been thrown in the deep end this preparation with the big boys, and I think she’ll find this too tough. Want to follow her over a longer distance, very talented stayer.

15 – Reloaded

Scratched

16 – Looks Like Elvis – $71

Had the flashing light run in the Tramway Stakes and battled in the Shannon Stakes, this may be too tough for him.

17 – Riodini – $27 ??

Ran in some good Group races in New Zealand and is now third up, I’d imagine they’ll put him into the race and lead from the barrier and with the light weight. Could throw into exotics.

18 – Savacool – $201

You could write your own ticket here, too tough.

19 – Glenall – $151

Same as the above.

20 – Vanna Girl – $18 ??

Unbeaten over the mile and rock bottom in the weights, ran home well in the Tramway first up. Think she’s a real show at the big odds.

21 – Just Thinkin’

Scratched

Tip: 9-11-13-10 – without much confidence.

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

2020 Epsom Stakes Odds

*Odds correct at time of posting this article

HorseWinPlace
1Kolding (20)J: Hugh Bowman 56.5kg T: C J Waller$11.00$3.50Bet Now
2Mister Sea Wolf (4)J: Brenton Avdulla 56kg T: C J Waller$19.00$5.50Bet Now
3Star Of The Seas (1)J: Nash Rawiller 55.5kg T: C J Waller$4.80$1.95Bet Now
4Imaging (21)J: James Mcdonald 55.5kg T: C J Waller$12.00$3.80Bet Now
5Nettoyer (14)J: James Innes Jnr 54kg T: Ms W Roche$51.00$10.00Bet Now
6Brandenburg (3)J: Jason Collett 54kg T: J G Sargent$26.00$6.50Bet Now
7Yulong Prince (2)J: Sam Clipperton 54kg T: C J Waller$26.00$6.50Bet Now
8The Candy Man (9)J: Regan Bayliss 53.5kg T: P & P Snowden$34.00$7.50Bet Now
9Wild Planet (6)J: Tim Clark 53kg T: M, W & J Hawkes$14.00$4.20Bet Now
10Niccanova (11)J: Blaike Mcdougall 53kg T: Craig Carmody$61.00$13.00Bet Now
11Probabeel (18)J: Kerrin Mcevoy 52.5kg T: J W Richards$5.50$2.15Bet Now
12Funstar (19)J: Glen Boss 52.5kg T: C J Waller$10.00$3.30Bet Now
13Rock (13)J: Tommy Berry 52.5kg T: M, W & J Hawkes$6.00$2.25Bet Now
14Colette (10)J: Ms Rachel King 52kg T: James Cummings$17.00$5.00Bet Now
15Reloaded (7)J: Ms Kathy O’hara 51kg T: C J Waller$26.00$6.50Bet Now
16Looks Like Elvis (8)J: Ms Jess Taylor 50kg T: J M Austin$61.00$13.00Bet Now
17Riodini (12)J: Ms Winona Costin 50kg T: G Waterhouse & A Bott$26.00$6.50Bet Now
18Savacool (16)J: Ms Alysha Collett 50kg T: C J Waller$126.00$26.00Bet Now
19Glenall (5)J: Brock Ryan 50kg T: M, W & J Hawkes$101.00$26.00Bet Now
20Vanna Girl (15)J: Robbie Dolan 50kg T: A J & T Edmonds$17.00$5.00Bet Now
21Just Thinkin’ (17)J: Unknown 50kg T: G Waterhouse & A Bott$51.00$11.00Bet Now