Latest news with #Epsom
The Herald Scotland
25 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Unbeaten Midak to be added to the Derby mix
His daughter Princess Zahra has now confirmed that Francis Henri-Graffard's unbeaten Midak will tackle the British showpiece as his next assignment after enhancing his reputation at Saint-Cloud in the Prix Greffulhe. She told Racing TV: 'He's unbeaten in three starts, we know he gets the trip, he's got the right kind of character to be able to handle Tattenham Corner and all the noise that comes with the Epsom Derby. Midak remains unbeaten with a straight-forward success in the Prix Greffulhe at Saint-Cloud!🇫🇷 Another progressive type for @GraffardRacing and @AgaKhanStuds! — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 9, 2025 'It's nice to have a runner this year because the race is being run in honour of my father and he's done everything he should to be a valid runner in the Epsom Derby.' She added: 'When Midak won his last race, I asked Francis 'this is a Jockey Club horse isn't it' and he said 'we can't as you have another runner for that race and there is also another horse in our stable'. 'I then asked 'what are you thinking of doing' and he just looked at me and replied, 'Epsom'. We all thought it would be lovely to have a runner in the race and he has ticked all the boxes and there is no reason not to run him.' Midak's trainer has been a regular visitor to the UK in recent seasons and landed the King Edward VII Stakes with Calandagan and the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Goliath last year. Trainer Francis Henri Graffard would love to win the Derby (John Walton/PA) Calandagan will again visit British shores as part of the Frenchman's Epsom team, but it is the lure of Derby glory that is causing most excitement. Graffard said: 'The Derby at Epsom is a dream race for me, I have walked the course and my grandfather would always talk to me about the Epsom Derby. 'We have this horse Midak who needed supplementing for either the Prix du Jockey Club or Derby, so I said to Princess Zahra 'you already have two runners in the Jockey Club, so why not give it a go in the Derby'. 'British racing has very kindly named the Derby in honour of His Highness the Aga Khan this year, so we will take our chance.' Ladbrokes make Midak a 10-1 shot for Classic glory.
Daily Mail
7 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
CALUM McCLURKIN: Ruling Court and Whirl the way to go at Epsom
Derby and Oaks weekend is just around the corner and I'll be in the Godolphin camp in one race and Ballydoyle in the other. RULING COURT won a strong 2,000 Guineas, with beaten favourite Field Of Gold hacking up in the Irish equivalent. To me that's by far the best form on offer going into the Derby and, while ten furlongs might be his optimum trip, there's enough enthusiasm that Ruling Court can stay the mile and a half at Epsom. Trained by Charlie Appleby, Ruling Court is around the 4-1 mark to bag a second Classic of the season. Appleby and Godolphin have won the Derby with Masar (2018) and Adayar (2021) and Ruling Court very much in the mould of the former. Delacroix is favourite for O'Brien and commands respect but he seems the honourable consistent horse in the race. The one you'd back to get into the top three but not necessarily win. Think the likes of Broome and Los Angeles. He's of much more interest to me at the stiffer Irish Derby test at the Curragh. The Lion In Winter was sixth in the Dante and punters are unsure what to make of him. He's been backed heavily and then drifted out markedly. Is he a generational talent that can bounce back or a bit of a busted flush? He wouldn't be for me. The winner at York was Pride Of Arras and he's a much bigger threat to the selection as he'll improve for the run and was underestimated in the market. He won't be this time, however. Dante second Damysus has an each-way shout for the Gosdens, while the same trainers have Nightwalker who shapes like a stayer. Keep an eye out on him for a St Leger later in the season. Derby 1-2-3: 1: Ruling Court. 2: Pride Of Arras. 3: Delacroix. Desert Flower holds all the aces in the Oaks but the 9-4 last week is all gone and the 13-8 makes little appeal. She's well clear on the figures after winning the 1,000 Guineas but she didn't need to improve upon her juvenile form to win that. Stamina is an unknown, although within her compass and I do wonder if she's really trained on. There are a couple of potential improvers lurking in the market and WHIRL appeals the most out of the O'Brien trio at around the 5-1 mark. She won the Musidora Stakes at York in impressive fashion despite drifting significantly in the market before the off. Whirl gave the impression that there's much more to come on the fitness trip and connections were initially mulling over the French Oaks but will instead head to Epsom. That looks the right call. Minnie Hauk won the Cheshire Oaks in good fashion but needs to improve and may lack the tactical speed required to win an Oaks around Epsom. Giselle is a filly of significant potential and it's difficult to gauge her true ability in winning a three-runner race at Lingfield. She was very raw and pulled hard but a bigger field and a truer pace should help her settle and see her in a different light. She's dangerous to ignore and it'll be very informative who No 1 jockey Ryan Moore selects to ride. I suspect it will either be Whirl or Giselle. With the former maybe a bit more reliable, I'd be hopeful he'd pick Whirl. Elwateen has been supplemented and is not without a chance given she was only beaten a couple of lengths by Desert Flower in the Guineas on just her second-ever start. Oaks 1-2-3: 1: Whirl. 2: Giselle. 3: Desert Flower. TRAWLERMAN THE CATCH OF THE DAY FOR ROYAL ASCOT While all eyes will be on Epsom next weekend, Royal Ascot isn't far away either. It's sad that Gold Cup king Kyprios has been retired after aggravating his injury. He enjoyed a remarkable career. But his absence opens the door for others in an open division. Personally, I find Illinois an inexplicably short price as favourite. His reappearance win at Chester was fine but he was outstayed in the St Leger at Doncaster last week and I don't really see how he stays two mile four furlongs at Royal Ascot in open company. I'd rather see him in a Coronation Cup than a Gold Cup. Don't get me wrong. He's a very good horse that's trained on from three to four but I'm unconvinced of his profile to be a top-class staying horse. I'd prefer him over a mile and a half at this stage of his career. Jan Breughel beat Illinois in the Leger but there wasn't much to glean from his reappearance defeat at odds-on. Yes, he was unfit and racing over a trip about a mile too short for him but he his head carriage was high and he didn't really finish off his race with any sort of zest. There must be a niggling doubt that his Leger effort may have left a mark on him. So surely the door is open for TRAWLERMAN to strike gold given his old adversary is sidelined. He beat him once on Champions Day and was only a length behind Kyprios last year and five clear of stablemate Sweet William. Those two pieces of form are lightyears ahead of anything else in the field. He's not getting any younger at the age of seven but that's fine with stayers as we see the same horses dominate this division for years; think Yeats, Order Of St George, Big Orange, Stradivarius and Kyprios. His win at Sandown in midweek should tee him up for another bold bid and odds of 5-1 are still more than fair. French raider Candelari is a potential fly in the ointment but this is significantly tougher than anything he's faced over in France. PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK… There was plenty to like about ESTRANGE in the Group Three Lester Piggott Fillies' Stakes. Trained by David O'Meara and ridden by Daniel Tudhope, the striking grey was always travelling sweetly and just needed to be pushed out to win by four and a quarter lengths from favourite Shaha. Don't be surprised if she takes her chances upped in grade in races such as the Yorkshire and Lancashire Oaks. SELECTION OF THE DAY… It's the French Derby in Chantilly (3.05) and the two to focus on are DETAIN (11-2, Paddy Power) and Ridari who were a little unlucky when fifth and sixth in the French Guineas. Detain is the better drawn of the pair and can take the prize for John and Thady Gosden who won this in 2020 with Mishriff.
The Sun
14 hours ago
- General
- The Sun
Horse racing tips: ‘There should be more to come' – Templegate's NAP is a big improver
TEMPLEGATE tackles Sunday's action confident of building the bank for Epsom next week. Back a horse by clicking their odds below. JOWDDAH (5.00 Nottingham, nap) Looked well above average when following a Newcastle maiden win with victory on her handicap debut at Yarmouth last time. She settled just off the pace and showed a good turn of foot when asked. There should be more to come. LIKEALOT (6.15 Chelmsford, nb) Scooted in on debut here back in February for Ralph Beckett. She didn't run again until a very rusty effort at Newbury 15 days ago and should be spot on today. The drop down from Listed level looks a winning move. Enjoyed stepping up to this mile when second at Yarmouth last time. The handicapper has left his mark alone and he can get off the mark under Cieren Fallon. Templegate's tips 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:
Buzz Feed
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
35 Soothing Products If Your Stress Levels Are High
A spa-quality peel-off jelly mask set that's basically "charcuterie board, but make it skincare" — all 10 varieties of these masks are not only uniquely fun, but designed to target a different skincare concern. This set of 10 comes with masks of Egyptian rose, matcha, 24K gold, and tea tree oil designed to tackle everything from hydration to fine lines to acne to pores. A mini Bob Ross paint-by-numbers kit for anyone on their "happy accidents" beat — this itty bitty set comes with everything you need to create three tiny masterpieces of your very own. A set of delightfully ~~tingly~~ self-heating soothing foot masks made with Epsom salts, lavender, and peppermint perfect for anyone whose recent step count is "too many." Nothing like a lil' self-care on those aching feet to lift your spirits! And a set of leg- and foot-compression air massagers reviewers *swear* by for relief from pain, swelling, and edema symptoms. Your calves, toes, ankles, and heels are all going to be so happy that the rest of your human body will be jealous of them. Pocket World, a stress relief coloring book for adults full of whimsical miniature Polly Pocket-esque worlds to color, with no two alike. I'm talking fairy gardens, tiny hygge-style living rooms, quirky restaurants, and more. And a delightfully irreverent Maybe Swearing Will Help coloring book that's equal parts cheeky, cathartic, and genuinely fun to color. It even comes with a set of markers so you can get down to business immediately. Reviewers especially love this since it leans more optimistic and clever than other swearing coloring books, without losing its edge. A weighted eye mask that's basically like a weighted blanket for your human eyes, designed to decrease stress and encourage ~deep sleep~. They also feature a 3D contour, so they're hollowed out in the middle and won't rest right on top of your eyes. And a set of self-heating lavender eye masks, which might be juuuuust the ticket to releasing the stress and tension that keeps your brain going in circles at night. Reviewers also swear by these for headache and migraine relief! Eos Cashmere Vanilla Cashmere Whipped Oil Body Butter — yes, that's right, the astronomically TikTok-famous Eos "cashmere" body lotion now comes in a luxurious body butter form, and it's every bit as decadent as it sounds. Now you can spend all your self-care nights fully moisturized in a cloud of whipped vanilla, musk, and soft caramel. A set of reviewer-beloved "Loops Quiet 2," aka the "earplugs for people who hate earplugs." These lightweight plugs are meticulously designed to muffle distracting, irritating, or overwhelming noise without completely blocking out the world around you, so you'll still be able to hear your alarm clock or any concerning noises. (Parents especially love these for muffling noise without blocking out their kids!) A copy of Burn After Writing, a guided journal that tens of thousands of reviewers swear by — through a series of questions and thought experiments, it encourages people to take time away from their screens to explore their feelings, both new and old, so they can embrace meaningful ones and try to let others go. And an "Everyday Mindfulness"-themed word search book full of unique, relaxing puzzles designed to keep you engaged without stressing you out. A NeeDoh "Dream Drop," the latest drop from the *elite* Needoh sensory fidget toy line for anyone who wants to add more calm and focus to their day. This goo-filled, delightfully colorful fidget has a satisfying squish with a "slow rise" before going back to its original shape. Reviewers also love that it doesn't have the kind of stickiness that picks up debris and makes it hard to clean. And a wildly popular mini magnet "putty" fidget reviewers absolutely swearrrrr by for anxiety, stress, and boredom. These smooth, soft, itty bitty pieces are designed with a weak magnetism to ~glide~ around each other and let you build them into shapes, and are so versatile that you'll never run out of ways to tinker with them. A 5-pound bucket of Crayola Air Dry Clay to let you finally follow your inner pottery dreams without all the mess and effort of taking classes. After you pull the clay out to shape it, it'll harden on its own — no oven or any effort required! From there you can leave it as is or paint over it for a fun vibe. A guided visual "breathing partner" you can use for meditation and calm to help wind your body down before bed. This is designed to guide you through either the popular 4/7/8 or 5/5 "calming breaths" to help reduce stress and anxiety, using colors that fade in and out softly as cues. Bonus: it's kid friendly! An easy-to-install padded hammock chair to lovingly swaddle you on the porch for all your springtime sunshine naps, so you can finally be as cozy and content as all the neighborhood cats. Murdle, Volume 1, a true essential for anyone who relaxes to true crime podcasts or Only Murders in the Building. The book is full of 100 mystery-themed logic puzzles with four different levels of difficulty that they can do solo or with pals, and in order or out of order (although if they do it in order, they get the full scoop on Deductive Logico and Inspector Irratino, whose hilarious misadventures guide you through the book). Teeccino for anyone who loves coffee but not as much as they love sleep — this caffeine-free, acid-free strong herbal blend steeps like regular tea, but somehow mimics the taste of coffee so brilliantly that you'll get all the flavor and satisfaction without the insomnia of a late-night cuppa. Orrr for another vibe, a set of espresso martini instant cocktail tea bags — all the sophistication of tea, the zing! of coffee, and the 😜 of a cheeky cocktail, without the exorbitant bar price tags. All you have to do is add three ounces of cold water, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor, and the tea sachet into a glass, and you'll have a delicious cocktail in one minute. A set of affordable lavender shower steamers so you can have a dose of ~calm~ to cap off a long day of capitalism and help your poor overworked brain getting into de-stressing mode. And a bottle of sensitive skin-friendly Honest Company lavender bubble bath reviewers are obsessed with because the bubbles are GINORMOUS and super long-lasting. Rumor has it Glinda came down in a bubble made from this very bubble bath blend. A vintage-style teddy mug so un-bear-ably cute that after you sip your coffee in it, you'll spend the whole day vibing like Paddington with a big smile on your face. A Woobles crochet starter kit with clear, easy instructional videos to make new tiny friends, because you can never have too many "coworkers" on your desk cheering you on. A cheery little "Buttercup" butter maker so you can make delicious butter in less than five (!!) minutes and enter a cottagecore era unlike any you've ever known. Time to impress your friends by gifting them with small batch butters in garlic, honey, truffle, and all kiiiinds of flavors you haven't even fathomed yet. A gorgeously designed Hatch Restore 3 for all the insomniacs and bad sleepers out there. This sunrise alarm and sound machine works overtime as a touch-controlled smart light, bedtime reading light, and even a wind-down light that helps you get into a healthier sleep routine at night and a much more calm, gradually soothing wake-up in the morning. Other bedside lamps could truly never. And Dr Teal's Sleep Spray with melatonin to help wind you down for the night when your unsuspecting circadian rhythms are disrupted by life, by the seasons changing, or any other miscellaneous sleep chaos. All you have to do is spray this on your pillow before bed for a relaxing sleep vibe. A tear-off daily self-care calendar for a gentle way to start your day and still keep it productive and fulfilling so you'll be less tempted by the vortex of TikTok — this has space not just for a to-do list, but affirmations, things you're thankful for, reflections, meals, and plans for self-care. A mini weighted blanket perfect for people who want a quick dose of calm and relaxation, but don't want to overheat or commit to the expensive, heavy shebang of a full-size weighted blanket. This one's the perfect size to easily drape over yourself on the couch without breaking the bank. A beginner's guide to calligraphy that is far more thorough and specific about technique and ink types than other versions, and will have you writing inspirational messages to your friends and drafting fancy invitations to your dog's birthday party in NO time. An affordable brown noise sound machine as a gentler option to white noise — it's a steady, deeper sound that's a little less harsh, and a lot of people swear by it for calmer sleep. That said, this versatile gizmo not only has three brown noise options, but white noise, pink noise (a sort of "in between" brown and white), fan noises, lullabies, and 15 nature sounds to choose from. Oh — and it's an optional multi-color night-light! A set of miniature moon and star crystals to introduce some calm and mindfulness into your life — this lovely, beginner-friendly set includes explanation cards for what qualities each stone possesses, and how you can apply them to your life. A set of "Sleep & Recharge" melatonin Neuromints with lemon balm and chamomile to help get you in the ~zone~ for sleep on days when your brain is particularly wired after a hard day's work. A northern lights projector for anyone whose heart is in the magic of the cosmos, but whose butt would much rather be snuggled on a couch than freezing by a glacier. Bonus: This also plays soothing noises and doubles as a Bluetooth speaker! The Little Book of Hygge, a best-selling book for anyone whose life could use more coziness, togetherness, and calm. The home-like feeling of the Danish term "hygge" is right there at the core of it, and you can learn all about little ways to infuse it in your own life with this book written by the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen.
Powys County Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Desert Flower chasing more Classic glory as nine go forward for Oaks
A total of nine horses are in contention for the Betfred Oaks on Friday, with Desert Flower on track to bid for a Classic double. The Charlie Appleby-trained daughter of Night Of Thunder took her unbeaten record to five in landing the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, her first start since ending her two-year-old campaign with victory in the Fillies' Mile. In fourth at Newmarket was Saeed bin Suroor's Elwateen, running a big race on her second career start. She has been supplemented at a cost of £30,000 by her Shadwell connections, who as expected have taken out Falakeyah. Aidan O'Brien has three leading chances of making it an 11th win in the Epsom showpiece, with trial winners Giselle and Minnie Hauk having looked good at Lingfield and Chester respectively while Whirl impressed at York. The Betfred Coronation Cup on the same card features eight, headed by Francis-Henri Graffard's Calandagan, whose last three starts have been runner-up finishes in the Juddmonte International, Champion Stakes and Dubai Sheema Classic. Last year's St Leger winner Jan Brueghel is one of the possibles for O'Brien, with Marco Botti's Giavellotto another of note.
