Templegate's Derby tip: ‘He's extremely impressive and has way more to come' – My NAP on a huge day at Epsom

Scottish Sun

06-06-2025

TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Templegate's Derby tip: 'He's extremely impressive and has way more to come' – My NAP on a huge day at Epsom
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TEMPLEGATE tackles a massive Saturday of racing confident of smashing the bookies.
The big race of the day - the year, even - is the Derby and 19 runners go to post for the 3.30 live on ITV1 - although one huge name could be pulled at the last minute amid a dire weather warning.
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Our man goes through every single runner and reveals his 1-2-3-4 Derby prediction in his brilliant runner-by-runner guide.
You'll find all his picks below, so grab yourself a free bet offer and back a horse simply by clicking their odds.
PRIDE OF ARRAS (3.30 Epsom, nap)
He was extremely impressive when winning the Dante at York last time on just his second outing. That was his first start for nine months and he burst through the line to suggest this longer trip will be fine. His high draw could be tricky but not impossible and he has more to come.
DOCKLANDS (1.35 Epsom, nb)
He has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot. He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time. He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground.
VALVANO (4.15 Epsom, treble)
He showed lots of promise last season and returned with a solid fourth at Goodwood last time. He should improve for that fitness wise and he handles any ground.
Templegate's TV verdicts
EPSOM
1.00
IF it comes up properly soft by racetime, Sparks Fly would be a cracking bet given her superb record in testing conditions.
But assuming it's good to soft or quicker, ROYAL DRESS is the one to be on.
She was an unlucky third in this last year before striking in this grade at The Curragh.
She has since held her own in better races including when third at York last time. William Buick is an eyecatching booking too.
Bermuda Longtail looked promising when beaten half a length in a York Listed contest last month and has much more to come.
She gets plenty of weight for age too.
Skellet progressed last season and is another who should be capable of better for Ralph Beckett.
1.35
DOCKLANDS has some fancy Group 1 form including his second in the Queen Anne at last year's Royal Ascot.
He was sent all over the globe after that with solid results and ran a solid comeback at Ascot last time.
He'll be fitter for that and has won on quick and slow ground.
Persica didn't fire in the Lockinge last time but took a Newmarket Group 3 easily enough on comeback and has won here before.
Ryan Moore's a good booking and he's a big threat.
Royal Playwright gets the best part of a stone from his older rivals and didn't get the run of the race in the Dante last time.
He could take a major step forward here.
Royal Dubai wasn't disgraced at Ascot last time and looks the pick of the bigger prices.
2.10
AGAINST THE WIND could be the answer to this tricky puzzle.
He has plenty of weight but has been running well with a Thirsk win followed by a fine York third last time.
He gets away quickly so should be suited by this track.
Naana's Sparkle ran a nice race at Goodwood last time when third and showed lots of pace. He looks on a fair mark.
Ruby's Profit got the better of Mademoiselle in that race and they should both be right at home here too after showing a lot of boot.
Tees Aggregates saves his best for Catterick so should love Epsom which is another tricky track.
He may not be quite good enough to win but could be an each-way bet if you can get extra places.
Blinky won a couple on the all-weather before a decent third at Chester last time.
A repeat of that would put him in the place picture from what should be an ideal draw.
2.45
JER BATT always faced a tough task from a wide draw at Chester last time yet still ran a good race.
He has some fine handicap form over this trip yet is still on a fair weight and the booking of Oisin Murphy is a plus. He'll be right there.
Clarendon House is quirky but has enough quality to figure if he fancies it.
He went well in the Group 3 Palace House at Newmarket last time.
Last year's winner Dream Composer was also badly drawn at Chester latest but looked much better when second at Pontefract on comeback. He can figure again.
Jm Jungle has been placed in hot York handicaps on his past two outings.
He likes this trip and is a quick starter so has every chance.
Vintage Clarets showed positive signs on the Knavesmire latest and is in the each-way picture too.
3.30
PRIDE OF ARRAS was a brilliant Dante winner at York and has more to come.
French raider Midak looks overpriced, while Lambourn would have a say if the rain comes.
And you never rule out Ryan Moore on Delacroix, especially as the jockey was simply brilliant on Minnie Hauk in the Oaks.
Read my full guide to the field and 1-2-3-4 prediction here.
Templegate's tips
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