Heavy Rain Expected at Epsom, Benefiting Five Derby Horses Adaptable to Soft Terrain Prior to the £1.5m Race
Prepare for a torrential downpour in Epsom this afternoon, just before the explosive £1.5 million Derby race.
The track condition shifted to good, with patches of soft ground, after the predicted deluge didn't materialize overnight. However, a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and hail still looms over the Surrey course.
According to Oli Bell on ITV Racing, anywhere between 20mm to 30mm of rain could fall between now and the Derby at 3:30 PM. Clerk of the course Andrew Cooper warns, "By 10 or 11 AM, we're at a high risk of showers, some of which could be heavy. There will be areas that won't see any rain, while others will face a deluge."
So, let's check out some horses that can handle the muddy conditions:
- Delacroix
With Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore joining forces to win the Oaks on Friday, Delacroix shouldn't have trouble adapting to wet turf. He sports a 2-2 record this year and even finished a narrow second on soft ground in last October's William Hill Futurity at Doncaster.
- Midak
The French-bred Midak thrives on soft ground, thanks to his usual racing conditions. This improving colt cost £75,000 to enter the race, and the hefty price tag may prove to be smart investment under the Aga Khan silks.
- Tennessee Stud
Odds for Tennessee Stud have plummeted due to the anticipated rain, and there's a good reason for it. He brings robust form to Epsom, boasting victories over key Derby contenders like Delacroix, Green Storm, and Hotazhell. In addition, he's a Group 1 winner on heavy ground at Saint-Cloud in France last October.
- New Ground
This French raider offers juicy odds at 50-1, but don't underestimate him. While he's struggled at higher levels, ultra-soft ground might be just what he needs to shine. His sire won the French Derby on heavy ground, giving him a considerable edge in the mud.
- Green Storm
Ahmad Al Shaikh, known for nabbing big-price fancies in the Derby, owns Green Storm. While a victory would be considered a massive upset, Al Shaikh’s obsession with winning the Derby could make this an intriguing outside shot. A small each-way bet could be the shrewd move for avid gamblers.
Keep in mind that weather conditions can change rapidly, so you should check more recent forecasts for Epsom as the race approaches. And remember to gamble responsibly. May the best horse win the race!
Despite the revised track condition of good ground with soft patches, the weather forecast for intense thunderstorms and hail later today poses a potential challenge. In light of this, horse-racing enthusiasts may want to consider participants who excel in muddy conditions, such as Delacroix, who has shown resilience on soft ground, or Green Storm, owned by a Derby veteran with a penchant for longshots.
