Coronation Cup

The other big feature at Epsom today is the Coronation Cup for older horses over 1 1/2 miles at 15.45 CET. This is another tricky event, with another doubtful favourite in Youmzain (Mick Channon/ Richard Hills). Nobody doubts this horse´s abilitiy - he has finished runner-up in the last 2 "Arc"s - but the fact remains that he has a very poor strike rate and needs everything to fall right. Ask (Sir Michael Stoute/ Ryan Moore) was a very easy winner of the Yorkshire Cup and this distance is probably even more suitable. The much improved Duncan (John Gosden/ Jimmy Fortune) is taking a huge leap in class but has won both his starts this season with the greatest of ease. Buccellati (Andrew Balding/ William Buick) won a farcical race at Chester with last year´s Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire (Aidan O´Brien/ Johnny Murtagh) last of 3. Eastern Anthem (Saeed bin Suroor/ Frankie Dettori) won the Dubai Sheema Classic last time (Youmzain fourth), but the Godolphin stable is still not fir ing on all fronts.

The filly Look Here (Ralph Beckett/ Seb Sanders) could be a big danger; she won the Oaks over this CD a year ago, but has only run once since. Our fancy here is Ask, but almost anything could happen. Should Duncan run well, that would be a clear pointer to the chances of Lake Poet (Clive Brittain/ Ryan Moore) in the 10 furlongs handicap at 16.25. The Group 3 Diomed Stakes that opens the card at 14.40 could be another winner for the Stoute/ Moore team with Confront, although Lovelace (Mark Johnston/ Jamie Spencer), despite the concession of 5 lbs, looks dangerous; we have not forgotten the way he won last year at Baden-Baden.

Betting forecast:
1. Race: Confront - General Eliott - Lovelace
2. Race: Philario - Plum Pudding - Bencoolen
3. Race: Youmzain - Look Here - Ask
4. Race: Lake Poet - Charm School - Seeking The Buck
5. Race: Sariska - Rainbow View - Midday
6. Race: Nasri - Mastoora - Croisultan
7. Race: All About You - Shamwari Lodge - Satwa Laird