2.00pm Epsom Tips & Betting Preview 29/08/2017

A field of nine go to post for the first race of the day at Epsom on Tuesday, see our betting tips and the full race preview below.

IN SUMMARY: Panophobia ran his best race to date when third at Musselburgh on nursery debut and should be on the premises off the same mark. That said, VICEROY MAC ran his best maiden race when third at Haydock, running on strongly late on and he now gets an extra furlong in distance on his nursery debut. Josie Gordon takes the ride which is an obvious plus and he can get off the mark for David Loughnane with conditions fine.

1 ANOTHER DAY OF SUN – Won a Novice race at Thirsk in June and although he produced three poor runs since, he returned to form on his latest start to finish third at Wolverhampton. He kept on well on his all weather debut to only be beaten around two lengths. He now goes back into nursery company off a mark of 74 which does demand more and he’s not sure to back that effort up now returned to the turf. Each way claims but that is all.

2 HARD GRAFT – Showed promise on his debut at Haydock and although he was poor in two subsequent runs, he returned to form on his nursery debut to take a good fourth. He was doing his best work late on and this extra furlong should suit him, with stamina on the dam side. Hector Crouch takes off a very useful three pounds and he has to be considered as he remains very much unexposed.

3 SEAELLA – Struck on her third start to win a big field seller at York in June but she’s been expensive to follow since. She has gone off 2/1 and 4/5 favourite on her last two runs in nursery company, last seen when only second (and brushed aside) in a three horse race. She is only a pound lower here and this is no easier, so it’s not hard to look elsewhere on this occasion, as she more often that not disappoints.

4 RUYSCH – Showed ability on her first two maidens for Ed Dunlop before taking a backwards step on her latest start, only sixth at Newmarket in softer ground. She handled some cut on debut so whether the ground can be used an excuse is certainly up for debate, though she does look like the type to do better handicapping regardless. She starts off on a mark of 72 which isn’t harsh and with a return to better ground in her favour, she’s another to consider.

5 VICEROY MAC – Two poor efforts in maidens sandwich a very respectable third at Haydock on his second start, keeping on well to take that position late on. On that evidence, a step up in trip should suit on nursery debut and the booking of Josie Gordon raises the eyebrows. Conditions will be fine and with a mark of 71 certainly not harsh, so he’s touted to get off the mark at the fourth attempt.

6 RAINBOW JAZZ – Showed a good amount of ability on his first two runs for Mark Usher before floundering on his latest start, finishing eleventh and he was struggling from a long way out. He makes his nursery debut off a mark of 70 which demands more and the cheekpieces will need to perk him up to see him fighting out the finish. He has marginal each way claims but others look far better treated.

7 DIAMOND PURSUIT – Daughter of Pastoral Pursuits who hasn’t improved for Jo Hughes, winning a maiden at the second attempt but she’s only been running at a similar level since. She was last seen in a French claimer at Deauville where she was a well beaten eighth, losing her place when ridden. Far more is needed back into nursery company and she’s not high on the list this time around.

8 LEXINGTON GRACE – Finally gained her second victory when winning a seller at Newmarket on her latest start, winning easily ahead of some very modest types. This is a much tougher race now she returns to handicapping and she was never involved on her latest nursery start at Catterick. It’s hard to give her any more than each way claims against some interesting types, as she does look exposed in this field.

9 PANOPHOBIA – Richard Fahey has a 50% strike-rate in Epsom nursery races and this two year old produced his best effort yet when third on nursery debut at Musselburgh. He wasn’t beaten far and he remains on the same mark, remaining unexposed at the seven furlong distance. Adam McNamara takes off three pounds from his back and he shouldn’t be far away with conditions to suit.