Templegate's Derby tip: ‘He's extremely impressive and has way more to come' – My NAP on a huge day at Epsom
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
Our man goes through every single runner and reveals his 1-2-3-4 Derby prediction in his brilliant
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.
Most read in Horse Racing
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
Templegate's tips
FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS
Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org
.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
Read more on the Irish Sun
Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
Never chases their losses
Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed
Gamcare –
Gamble Aware –
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
13 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Willie Mullins enters three potential star horses – including one his wife owns – in race he's won for past six years
TRIPLE THREAT Willie Mullins enters three potential star horses – including one his wife owns – in race he's won for past six years WILLIE MULLINS has entered three potential superstar horses - including one his wife owns - in a race he's won for the past six years. The Closutton boss has made the Friday bumper at Tramore his own since 2019, when he claimed it with future Listed winner Getaway Gorgeous. Advertisement 1 Willie Mullins, here with wife Jackie on the left and son Patrick, has entered three horses - including one owned by his other half - in a bumper race he's won every year since 2019 Credit: Getty Since then the roll call of honour includes Ruaille Buaille, Coole Og, Space Tourist, Caman Eileen and, most recently, More Coko. Every single one of Mullins' six winners has been sent off odds-on favourite for the 2m½f Flat race. While none of them went onto become household names, the three he has entered for this year's renewal all boast fascinating pedigrees. Certainly good enough to suggest one of them could burst through into his top tier for the upcoming season. Advertisement Among them is five-year-old mare Katie Can't Count, who is owned by Mullins' wife Jackie. Katie Can't Count is by the former Aidan O'Brien-trained multiple Group 1 winner Order Of St George, who has the Ascot Gold Cup on his CV. Among his best progeny is Grade 2 bumper-winning mare Seo Linn, who won at this year's Aintree Grand National Festival. Mullins has also entered fellow five-year-old La Confiner, a No Risk At All mare who will be making her debut as well for owner Brendan O'Sullivan. Advertisement La Confiner was bought for around £30,000 at the Goffs Arkle stores sale in June 2023. But arguably the most interesting of the lot is four-year-old gelding Highland Realm. He is by globe-trotting middle-distance superstar Highland Reel and out of Stops A Nation - a half-sister to Mullins' beloved Wicklow Brave. A 'horse of a lifetime', Wicklow Brave won just shy of £1million with 17 wins from 59 races before being fatally injured in the 2019 American Grand National. Advertisement Stops A Nation, who was also trained by Mullins, won a Tramore bumper on debut in April 2019 and is also a half-sister to the former John Gosden mare Brass Ring, who won four times over staying trips. Mullins will make his final declarations for the race on Wednesday. He is busy readying his massive squad for the 2025-26 National Hunt season - but will go into it without two big names. Sir Gerhard and Kilcruit were recently retired. Advertisement But it is hoped former Gold Cup king Galopin Des Champs will come back all guns blazing. And jumps fans could be in for an early treat should he start his season in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown once more. Gavin Cromwell revealed his Gold Cup winner Inothewayurthinkin is likely to run there first time out. That means this year's Gold Cup 1-2 could have the first of a few head-to-heads there at the end of November. Advertisement FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘She could be very smart' – Templegate's NAP to burst through under top jockey
Scroll down for his selections TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'She could be very smart' – Templegate's NAP to burst through under top jockey TEMPLEGATE takes on Tuesday's racing confident of building the bank for next week's Ebor meeting at York. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. SILENT CITY (4.07 Lingfield, nap) Roger Varian's filly looked potentially smart when bolting up by nearly four lengths at Windsor two starts ago. She had an inexperienced jockey in the plate when she allowed a useful rival too much rope at Hamilton last time, but she still pulled miles clear of the rest. With Silvestre De Sousa back on board, she can return to winning ways. NOBLE HORIZON (7.10 Hamilton, nb) Bumped into a useful horse at Newmarket two starts ago. He made no mistake in a weaker race at Leicester 26 days ago and he can go on a roll now for his top stable. NOVAK (7.40 Hamilton, treble) Came back to form with a good second at Musselburgh last time. He is a C&D winner and is still on a winning mark. VALOR SPIRIT (2.15 Carlisle, Lucky 15) He ran three nice races on maidens and goes handicapping off a fair mark with a top apprentice taking off 5lb. Templegate's tips CARLISLE 2.15 Valor Spirit 2.45 One Of Our Own 3.15 Curran 3.50 Ice Sovereigns 4.25 Reenie's Dream 5.00 Homeland LINGFIELD 2.30 Semser 3.00 Al Joory 3.32 Perfect Panda 4.07 Silent City (nap) 4.42 Foinix 5.17 Dogged HAMILTON 5.40 Happier 6.10 Star Noir 6.40 Golden Horse 7.10 Noble Horizon (nb) 7.40 Novak (treble) 8.10 Shabu Shabu 8.40 Temper Trap FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘Strong pace to suit' – Templegate's 15-2 NAP is in spectacular form
Scroll down for the tips TEMPLEGATE'S TIPS Horse racing tips: 'Strong pace to suit' – Templegate's 15-2 NAP is in spectacular form TEMPLEGATE takes on Monday's racing looking to start the week with a bang. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. Advertisement CHIEF MANKATO (7.10 Windsor, nap) Jack Channon's sprinter has been in great nick, winning nicely at Chepstow two starts ago before an unlucky third behind a couple of today's rivals over C&D last time. He was checked in his run before flashing home late for third. He is now 4lb better off with the winner, Badri, and he should get a strong pace to aim at. JOHN L SULLIVAN (3.00 Ayr, nb) Caught the eye when third behind the re-opposing Jannas Journey over a mile at this track last time. He travelled like the winner but ran out of gas late. He can turn the tables over this shorter trip. Advertisement SEA THE WONDER (5.22 Kempton, treble) Ran disappointingly at Newbury but it was in a much stronger race than this. She won well on her debut at Chelmsford and will be happier back on the all-weather. DWINDLING FUNDS (4.35 Ayr) Looks good for the Lucky 15. He has been on a roll, winning over C&D and at Hamilton, and he still looks ahead of his mark. Advertisement Templegate's tips AYR 1.30 Special Thanks 2.00 Unthinkable 2.30 Keep Me Stable 3.00 John L Sullivan (nb) 3.30 Glistening Nights 4.00 I'm Spartacus 4.35 Dwindling Funds KEMPTON Advertisement 2.45 Isambard Kingdom 3.15 Bintshuaa 3.45 Hoe Benham 4.17 Relentless Hero 4.52 Princess Rascal 5.22 Sea The Wonder (treble) WINDSOR 5.40 Kinswoman 6.10 Gwen John 6.40 Jimmy Mark 7.10 Chief Mankato (nap) 7.40 Just Queen High 8.10 Kranjcar FREE BETS - GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Advertisement Establishes time and monetary limits before playing Only gambles with money they can afford to lose Never chases their losses Doesn't gamble if they're upset, angry or depressed Gamcare – Gamble Aware – Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
