Owen attacks the Derby and Oaks with 713-1 Epsom classic double

We’re just weeks away from the most important flat race in Great Britain and Ireland. The Epsom Derby is a race steeped in history and a maximum of 20 runners will bid to etch their name into Epsom folklore.

The winner will join the likes of Galileo, New Approach, Sea The Stars, Camelot and Australia. That’s just naming a few of the jaw-dropping winners. We must not also forget the Epsom Oaks too, the second classic staged at the Surrey venue.

We’ll have horse racing tips throughout the Derby Festival, but I’m bidding for something special. Picking the winner of these classics has been tricky in recent years, but I want to get them both! I’ve gone for a pair of runners at bigger prices that form an 713-1 classic double and you can find all the details below!

Sea Empress – Epsom Oaks (20-1)

You can hardly make a case for this being a red-hot Oaks and at a price, Sea Empress is very interesting to me for William Haggas. She made a winning debut at Newcastle last October, defeating Teona, who is more than half a price for Friday feature. She did so in very promising fashion and her Oaks price is likely due to her return sixth at Newbury.

Granted, she did underperform, but it wasn’t as bad of an effort as many have made it out to be. That was a falsely run race and on her turf debut, that caught her out. She was ultimately never able to threaten as a result. She’s capable of far better than that, especially up in distance, given the raw promise of her debut.

William Haggas won the 2011 Oaks with Dancing Rain and will be hoping the extra yardage can propel this filly into the top class. She’s totally unexposed and potentially partnered by Tom Marquand, there’s a lot to like about her chances.

Lone Eagle – Epsom Derby (33-1)

He’s likely to be a St Leger horse in time, but it’d be disappointing if Lone Eagle didn’t take in the Derby. He’s been highly progressive throughout his career, winning three of his four starts as a juvenile. He progressed well through the ranks as a two-year-old, winning his maiden at the second attempt before a handicap success at Doncaster. Ending that campaign with a Group 3 victory at Newmarket, he underwhelmed on return at Sandown.

Shaping as though he needed the run, stepping up to 1m 3f at Goodwood last time paid dividends. Making all, he was the class of the field, quickening clear readily in the straight. A horse with plenty of stamina under the hood, an end to end gallop over 1m 4f will play to all his strengths.

He’s proven on all types of ground and tactically, his chance is unlikely to hinge on a soft lead. His quality is there for all to see and I’m unsure as to why this improving colt is 33-1. He’ll gallop on remorselessly and he’ll be tough to keep out of the frame.

Get clued up for the royal meeting with the latest Ascot tips and Ascot free bets to get a head start on your festival punting.