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.
What a win!💪
Like a true All Black, star Savabeel colt Mo'unga delivers an outstanding victory in the G1 Winx Stakes, beating the champion mare Verry Elleegant! “He’s come back even better!’ exciting words on the WS grad by @ANeashamRacing, congratulations to all connections 🥂 pic.twitter.com/x5axBDRDCZ— Waikato Stud (@WaikatoStud) August 21, 2021
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.
Hungry Heart wins the Group 1 Australian Oaks! 💚💚💚#FRANKEL pic.twitter.com/s1QBLkCWAb
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) April 17, 2021
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.
WHAT A WIN!
VERRY ELLEEGANT WINS HER NINTH GROUP 1 IN THE GEORGE MAIN STAKES! pic.twitter.com/hYjNXlKv11
— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) September 18, 2021
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.
Stop it, Jeff Penza! That's a Group 3 hat-trick for the popular jockey as @kimwaugh6's Ashman leads all the way in the @ausbloodstock2 Cameron Handicap at @newcastleraces_ over Sky Lab and Duais. @tabcomau pic.twitter.com/7O3YSyinw3
— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) September 17, 2021
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.
