A capacity field has been assembled for the Epsom Handicap (1600m) this Saturday at Randwick in what looks like it will be a wide open race.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Epsom Handicap.
Market 💰: View the Odds for the Epsom Handicap
2023 Epsom Handicap Speed Map
No real designated here. Golden Mile drawn wide will likely slide across to find a spot, likewise Communist and Going Global. Democracy Manifest and Rediener will look to hold a forward spot from the inside gates.
2023 Epsom Handicap Runner Preview:
1. My Oberon: My Oberon is flying for Annabel and would be a clear top pick if the track had juice in it. He has been excellent in two runs back, the latest being two weeks ago in the 7 Stakes when game in defeat at WFA behind Think It Over. That is the A1 form for this and despite a tricky gate, I think he has to rate highly as a key winning chance.
2. Pericles: SCRATCHED
3. The Inevitable: The pride of Tasmania this guy. Fabulous return in the Theo Marks behind Golden Mile…but is that strong form? It didn’t stand up last weekend, but he does have a placing to Mr Brightside in the All Star Mile, which is A1, and David Pires is back on.
4. Going Global: I think the only reason she is $23/thereabouts is J Mac booked. Otherwise, she’d be $101. Two runs back have been plain…not for me.
5. Converge: Seemingly had every chance in the Bill Ritchie and was comfortably held by Rediener. Does get a slight weight pull, but not enough to turn the tables.
6. Golden Mile: Had the A1 run in transit in the Theo Marks and under a peach from Nash, he was too good. Drawn outside here, he’ll have to do too much work to be in the finish.
7. Kirwan’s Lane: For wider exotics, he can be entertained. He ran in the Shannon last Saturday and was pretty good without threatening behind Cepheus. Proven performer at the Randwick mile and rarely runs poorly at the track/distance. Only runs well IMO.
8. Hope In Your Heart: Hope In Your Heart is a ripping mare for Kerry Parker that has to rate highly against these. This mare resumed several weeks ago in the Tramway where she got back on the fence in a slowly run affair, which wasn’t to her liking, but I did really like the way she found the line late in the piece. Tick over trial was good and given how genuine she is, proven Randwick mile performer, hard to beat.
9. Diamil: Wide no cover in the 7 Stakes but the first up run was poor so the jury is out on how well he is going. Happy to let him go through to the keeper.
10. Kovalica: Kovalica might want one more and a further rise in trip but he is a very good horse when right and I thought he did more than enough when resuming, which was at Rsoehill several weeks ago in the Theo Marks when the market said he had three legs and while he didn’t win, I thought his run was full of merit given the race shape and the fact he was first up off a Derby win. Too good of a horse to pen off one run so giving him another look.
11. Nugget: Had every chance in the Theo Marks. Drawn the carpark, not keen on him.
12. Pounding: Another that is value and in with a shout. No luck at The Valley in the Feehan and can easily make a case to say he wins with clear air. Could have been saved for the Toorak but instead runs here and should be able to get decent cover from the gate. Leading contender.
13. Communist: Done nothing since the Randwick Guineas win. Pass.
14. Duke De Sessa: He is too good of a horse to pen. Resumed in the Memsie behind Mr Brightside and was no chance given the race shape. He actually found the line well enough in defeat. Loved his run in the Doncaster so at big odds, he is a must include in exotics.
15. Madame Pommery: Talented mare but I don’t think she is up to this level. More of a Mares only type.
16. Democracy Manifest: Got the A1 run in the Cameron, a 12/10 from Schiller to win, so IMO, he was flattered. Gate one could be a blessing, does no work again, or a negative given he likes to get back and will rely on luck. He can win, but without me.
17. Rediener: He only runs well this guy. Resumed with a bang when winning the Bill Ritchie, which followed three trials, so there was clear intent. You’d like to think there is natural improvement and maps to get the A1 run once again.
18. Barbie’s Fox: The Invitation would be a perfect race for her. Not here.
19. Waterford: Talented horse, but not a Group l horse. Drawn the carpark, disappointing last Saturday, pass.
20. Olentia: Ridden like a barrier trial in the Bill Ritchie and rightfully found the line well. Drawn sticky again, they likely ease back, find cover and ride for luck. Can she win? IMO no, but can pinch a first four spot.
21. Williamsburg (First Emergency): Had every chance last Saturday in the Shannon but was no match late for Cepheus. Can’t entertain him.
22. Political Debate (Second Emergency): Blinkers on first time but simply not going well enough.
2023 Epsom Handicap $100 Betting Strategy:
Open race but IMO Hope In Your Heart only runs well. $20 Win/$80 Place.
Group 1 Strategy Outlay: $500
Group 1 Strategy Return: $550
