June 05 / 17.50 Epsom

17.50

Good To Soft

Debenhams Handicap

  • Prize money: £38655
  • 0m 7f 3y
  • Class 2
  • 16 runners
RTV
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Debenhams Handicap

Runners: 16 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

8/1

  • Place: £4.40

Form: 2-0411 D

Last run: 21 days

W: 9st 1lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 85

Form & Verdict
Off the mark at the 18th attempt at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and followed up in big field at York (7f, good) eight days later; latest 7lb rise may not stop this thriving 4yo if he handles the softer ground here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

6

(5)

28th Jun 2026

Good

1m 0f 0y

14:45 Curragh

Zarathos

9st 6lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Dylan Cunha

Progressive British raider arrives in excellent form; notched up successive handicap wins at Windsor (1m, gd-fm) and York (7f, good) and another fine effort on latest at Epsom (7f, gd-sft) when a neck runner-up off 85; 5lb higher here so will need to improve again but that's not impossible; top rider booked.

6/1

2nd

9

(16)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Zarathos

9st 1lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Dylan Cunha

Off the mark at the 18th attempt at Windsor (1m, good to firm) last month and followed up in big field at York (7f, good) eight days later; latest 7lb rise may not stop this thriving 4yo if he handles the softer ground here.

8/1

1st

14

(9)

15th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 4

13:45 York

Zarathos

9st 7lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Dylan Cunha

Finally got the job done in Windsor contest (1m, good to firm) last week and did it comfortably, opening his account at the 18th attempt; great chance under a penalty, provided he's in the same form back down in trip; due to go up 4lb in future.

9/2

40/1

  • Place: £18.25

Form: 0-8155

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Made all at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) in April on second stable start; respectable efforts when fifth on his next two outings but he needs something extra today and is unproven on slow ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

10

(11)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

A War Eagle

9st 0lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Made all at Beverley (7.4f, good to firm) in April on second stable start; respectable efforts when fifth on his next two outings but he needs something extra today and is unproven on slow ground.

40/1

5th

9

(5)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

A War Eagle

9st 4lb

J: Billy Garritty

T: Michael & David Easterby

Suited by good/firmer; has quickly found his form this season for new yard and ran creditably in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m) last Saturday when attempting to follow up his Beverley success (7.5f); may do better still.

9/1

Form: 40-301 CD

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 6lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Two C&D wins, the latest when completing a hat-trick last July (good to firm), and he won at Goodwood (7f, good) a fortnight ago; could be bang there if handling the forecast slow ground (mixed messages in his form).
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(4)

11th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

17:10 Newmarket (July)

Crimson Spirit

10st 2lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Arrives in good form having won at Goodwood (7f, good) then made the frame in competitive field at Epsom (7f, good to soft); however, he remains on a career-high mark and has to concede weight all round.

9/2

4th

6

(3)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Crimson Spirit

9st 6lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Two C&D wins, the latest when completing a hat-trick last July (good to firm), and he won at Goodwood (7f, good) a fortnight ago; could be bang there if handling the forecast slow ground (mixed messages in his form).

8/1

1st

8

(3)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Crimson Spirit

9st 5lb

J: Ray Dawson

T: Daniel & Claire Kubler

Best form at 7f on good/firmer; completed a hat-trick last summer and ran creditably in big field at Newmarket in the first of his two starts this term; chance may depend on the actions of the weather, however.

8/1

Form: 4230-1 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 96

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 4yo who can be difficult to settle but ran well in some quality handicaps last summer (including on good to soft; unraced on softer) and reappeared with a win at Chester (7f, good) last month; prevailed despite a wide draw and she could still have more left in the tank.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

17th

15

(2)

18th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 2

18:10 Ascot

Dance In The Storm

9st 3lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Developing into a useful 7f filly and did well to win at Chester (good) on seasonal debut, having been drawn wide and come from quite a difficult position; below-par favourite at Epsom on softer ground since but it may be best to forgive that effort; still of interest.

10/1

5th

1

(2)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Dance In The Storm

9st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Lightly raced 4yo who can be difficult to settle but ran well in some quality handicaps last summer (including on good to soft; unraced on softer) and reappeared with a win at Chester (7f, good) last month; prevailed despite a wide draw and she could still have more left in the tank.

5/2

1st

1

(11)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Dance In The Storm

9st 9lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Sometimes races too freely, including when last seen, but otherwise a progressive 7f filly and her form includes good efforts in difficult circumstances at two major festivals last August; remains of interest.

7/2

Form: 434-07 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Not at the top of his game on either run this year but well backed at Chester last time, when the tight track may not have been ideal; on a handy mark on last season's best form and and he's not discounted.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

7

(13)

29th Jun 2026

Standard To Slow

1m 0f 0y

Class 4

19:45 Kempton (AW)

Arctic Thunder

10st 0lb

J: Ashley Lewis

T: Ed Walker

His ability is not in question but he needs everything to fall right and has often flattered to deceive; stepping back up to 1m is worth a go but others look safer.

11/2

6th

11

(1)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Arctic Thunder

9st 0lb

J: Kieran Shoemark

T: Ed Walker

Not at the top of his game on either run this year but well backed at Chester last time, when the tight track may not have been ideal; on a handy mark on last season's best form and and he's not discounted.

12/1

7th
15 (5)
Son

40/1

Form: 67-229

Last run: 20 days

W: 8st 12lb

5 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
0-17 since winning in June 2023 on his second start and he was below par at Newmarket (7f, good) three weeks ago; however, prior to that he was runner-up on his first two starts for this yard (7f, good) and has an each-way shout if he's back on song; has shown promise on good to soft ground.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

13th

17

(8)

10th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:10 York

Son

8st 9lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

Did best of the prominent racers when third of 19 over C&D last month, splitting Andesite and Lir Speciale in the process; not so good dropped into a Class 4 at Musselburgh ten days ago; minor placing perhaps his best hope.

12/1

4th

1

(4)

30th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 15y

Class 4

16:00 Musselburgh

Son

9st 10lb

J: David Allan

T: Tim Easterby

He had dropped a long way in the weights prior to joining Tim Easterby and he has been competitive in some useful events this year, including a third of 19 behind a smart prospect at York (7f, good; did best of the prominent racers); down in grade today and he should go well.

7/2

3rd

17

(6)

13th Jun 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

14:25 York

Son

9st 2lb

J: Jake Dickson

T: Tim Easterby

Runner-up in the spring on first two starts for this yard (7f, good) and each-way claims on that form; however, two lesser runs have followed and he's 0-18 since winning in June 2023 on his second outing.

25/1

50/1

Form: 8321-5 CD

Last run: 60 days

W: 8st 12lb

4 yo Filly

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Beat her five rivals to make all over C&D (good to soft) last September on final run for Andrew Balding; didn't run badly on stable/seasonal debut at Kempton (6f, AW) in April and could improve for that run; this race is more competitive than she's used to but she's not ruled out each-way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

1

(2)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

20:05 Epsom

Musical Angel

9st 9lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: Simon Dow

Made all last term in a maiden at Brighton (good to firm) and a handicap over C&D (good to soft), the latter in September on final run for Andrew Balding; back over C&D on last two outings and not disgraced when sixth of ten on latest (co-favourite); case can be made back on last winning mark.

6/1

6th

3

(1)

1st Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 4

20:42 Epsom

Musical Angel

9st 12lb

J: Paddy Bradley

T: Simon Dow

Made all over C&D (good to soft) last September on final run for Andrew Balding; failed to build on AW reappearance for new yard when only eighth of 16 over C&D but it was a competitive 0-100 at the Derby meeting and she should find life easier at this level.

4/1

8th

14

(7)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Musical Angel

8st 12lb

J: David Probert

T: Simon Dow

Beat her five rivals to make all over C&D (good to soft) last September on final run for Andrew Balding; didn't run badly on stable/seasonal debut at Kempton (6f, AW) in April and could improve for that run; this race is more competitive than she's used to but she's not ruled out each-way.

50/1

Form: 1-5202

Last run: 29 days

W: 8st 13lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Lightly raced 3yo who went beyond 6f for the first time when going close at Chester (7.5f, good) last month; has also shown promise on good to soft ground; unexposed at this sort of trip and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

5

(3)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 2

15:25 Hamilton

Monarchs Gold

9st 0lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Two 6f AW wins as a juvenile and he nearly pulled off a step up in trip when going down narrowly at Chester (extended 7f, good) in May; had no chance of getting involved after getting badly hampered on the rail at Epsom in June; gelded since; open to some improvement but he's another trying a new trip.

9/1

9th

13

(15)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Monarchs Gold

8st 13lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Lightly raced 3yo who went beyond 6f for the first time when going close at Chester (7.5f, good) last month; has also shown promise on good to soft ground; unexposed at this sort of trip and could be involved.

14/1

2nd

6

(3)

7th May 2026

Good

0m 7f 127y

Class 2

15:40 Chester

Monarchs Gold

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Kevin Philippart De Foy

Campaigned only at 6f, mostly on AW (admittedly went close in sole turf attempt); soundly beaten on finals day at Newcastle most recently; 0-3 since handicapping and now goes into unknown territory trip-wise.

20/1

Form: 38-022 D

Last run: 14 days

W: 9st 2lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 86

Form & Verdict
8yo who has been as good as ever this spring, short-headed at Musselburgh (7f, good) then second of 14 to Crimson Spirit at Goodwood (7f, good); last season's two wins came on soft ground; effective here; respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

8

(6)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Mister Bluebird

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Heather Main

8yo who has been as good as ever this spring, short-headed at Musselburgh (7f, good) then second of 14 to Crimson Spirit at Goodwood (7f, good); last season's two wins came on soft ground; effective here; respected.

12/1

2nd

10

(2)

22nd May 2026

Soft

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:52 Goodwood

Mister Bluebird

9st 4lb

J: Mason Paetel

T: Heather Main

Went close at Musselburgh (7f, good) last time, showing he retains full ability aged eight; dual winner at Goodwood and may remain competitive; gained last three wins on soft ground.

8/1

9/2

Form: 604-50 CD

Last run: 34 days

W: 9st 9lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 93

Form & Verdict
Down the field in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month but promising reappearance there (7f, good) previously; won this race in 2021 (good to soft) and 2024 (good to soft) and was third last year (good to soft); this week's rain has been in his favour and he's on a dangerous mark.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

2

(1)

16th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 0f 68y

Class 2

15:25 Hamilton

Rhoscolyn

9st 8lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

A superstar down the years and he's quite well treated again now but all his handicap wins at 7f and 1m have been on downhill tracks on good to soft or slower ground; better days ahead once the rains come.

16/1

11th

2

(13)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Rhoscolyn

9st 9lb

J: Jason Watson

T: David O’Meara

Down the field in the Thirsk Hunt Cup (1m, good to firm) last month but promising reappearance there (7f, good) previously; won this race in 2021 (good to soft) and 2024 (good to soft) and was third last year (good to soft); this week's rain has been in his favour and he's on a dangerous mark.

9/2

33/1

Form: 35142-

Last run: 275 days

W: 8st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 82

Form & Verdict
Won 2yo maiden at Hamilton (6f, good) last July on third outing and runner-up there (6f, good to soft) in September on second nursery start; that latest form was franked by the winner and every chance he'll continue to improve, but this is a tough starting point to his 3yo year; cheekpieces added.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

6

(6)

4th Jul 2026

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Sandown

Sunny Smile

8st 13lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Hugo Palmer

6f Hamilton winner on good ground under Oisin Murphy as a 2yo; however, never figured on Epsom reappearance (7f, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) and subsequent Ffos Las second offers no proof that he's trained on given he was beaten 11l; Murphy is back on board now but it's not enough to tempt.

9/1

2nd

5

(3)

17th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 80y

Class 4

19:15 Ffos Las

Sunny Smile

9st 4lb

J: Ross Coakley

T: Hugo Palmer

Showed ability as a 2yo including finishing first and second in two starts at Hamilton (6f); never figured on his Epsom reappearance (7f, good to soft; first-time cheekpieces) 12 days ago, but possible he didn't handle the track; not written off.

9/2

12th

16

(14)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Sunny Smile

8st 2lb

J: Saffie Osborne

T: Hugo Palmer

Won 2yo maiden at Hamilton (6f, good) last July on third outing and runner-up there (6f, good to soft) in September on second nursery start; that latest form was franked by the winner and every chance he'll continue to improve, but this is a tough starting point to his 3yo year; cheekpieces added.

33/1

16/1

Form: 2467-1

Last run: 37 days

W: 9st 6lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Considerable promise during light career for Karl Burke and better than ever when getting up close home in small field on his stable/seasonal debut at Pontefract (6f, good); there can be optimism that he will be fine back up to 7f and on slower ground, and he could have more to offer; contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

(1)

1st Jul 2026

Good To Firm

0m 6f 0y

Class 3

16:10 Thirsk

Veblen Good

10st 1lb

J: Daniel Tudhope

T: David O’Meara

Got up late to win a 6f handicap at Pontefract on his stable debut in April; no impact in a 7f handicap at Epsom on Oaks day; others bring stronger credentials.

12/1

13th

5

(12)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Veblen Good

9st 6lb

J: Rossa Ryan

T: David O’Meara

Considerable promise during light career for Karl Burke and better than ever when getting up close home in small field on his stable/seasonal debut at Pontefract (6f, good); there can be optimism that he will be fine back up to 7f and on slower ground, and he could have more to offer; contender.

16/1

15th
12 (4)
Pietro

12/1

Form: 162-13 CD

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 0lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Progressive during last season's 3yo campaign and continued the good work when winning at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March on his reappearance; another good run when third to Dance In The Storm at Chester (7f, good) last month; versatile ground-wise and might not be far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

15th

12

(4)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Pietro

9st 0lb

J: George Wood

T: James Fanshawe

Progressive during last season's 3yo campaign and continued the good work when winning at Wolverhampton (7f, AW) in March on his reappearance; another good run when third to Dance In The Storm at Chester (7f, good) last month; versatile ground-wise and might not be far away.

12/1

3rd

14

(8)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 1y

Class 3

16:45 Chester

Pietro

9st 3lb

J: David Egan

T: James Fanshawe

Steadily progressive on turf and AW; prevailed at Wolverhampton (7f) on seasonal debut, making it three wins from his last six races; up only another 2lb and there's the possibility of further improvement; respected.

5/1

1st

8

(4)

20th Mar 2026

Standard

0m 7f 36y

Class 4

20:00 Wolverhampton (AW)

Pietro

9st 7lb

J: George Wood

T: James Fanshawe

Steadily progressive on turf, winning three times; good second at Yarmouth (7f) when last seen; may continue to improve this term; has bits of encouraging AW form; commands respect.

9/2

Form: 61320- CD

Last run: 234 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Colt

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Disappointing last October on final 3yo start but the cheekpieces adopted that day are dispensed with and he's been gelded since; won over C&D (good) last July before very good efforts in defeat at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and over C&D (good); retains potential and could be involved.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

4

(9)

5th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

0m 7f 3y

Class 2

17:50 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 7lb

J: Luke Morris

T: Archie Watson

Disappointing last October on final 3yo start but the cheekpieces adopted that day are dispensed with and he's been gelded since; won over C&D (good) last July before very good efforts in defeat at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and over C&D (good); retains potential and could be involved.

20/1

1

(9)

14th Oct 2025

Good

0m 7f 0y

Class 3

16:44 Leicester

Aurora Majesty

9st 12lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Won for the first time since going handicapping at Epsom in July (7f, good) and was subsequently placed at Goodwood (7f, good to soft) and back at Epsom (7f, good); cheekpieces now tried and on a career high mark (3lb higher than last time); contender.

8/1

2nd

9

(5)

25th Aug 2025

Good

0m 7f 3y

Class 3

14:45 Epsom

Aurora Majesty

9st 3lb

J: Hollie Doyle

T: Archie Watson

Made it 3-6 when landing a C&D handicap (good) last month and he found more progress when front-running third in big field at Glorious Goodwood (7f, good to soft); only 1lb higher on this drop back in grade and he's an interesting contender.

4/1

OUR TIP

Form: 01-706 D

Last run: 30 days

W: 9st 7lb

4 yo Gelding

OR: 91

Form & Verdict
Two-time French winner (7f, very soft/good to soft) who took a step back in the right direction with close sixth of 13 at Chester (7.5f, good) last month on his second stable start; the forecast slower ground could be a positive today and he's not ruled out.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

Form: 14/9-0 D BF

Last run: 35 days

W: 9st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 90

Form & Verdict
Won four times on slow ground in France (7f-1m2f); returned from long absence with heavy defeat on last month's stable debut at Ascot (1m, good to firm), where he pulled hard; that run may have got the freshness out of him and it will be interesting to see if he's again strong in the betting.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £218.30
Straight Forecast £142.58
Tricast £5164.27
Trifecta £8905.70

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Dance In The Storm

POSTDATA:

Pietro

RP RATINGS:

Rhoscolyn

The Guardian:

Crimson Spirit

TOPSPEED:

Aurora Majesty

The Star:

Veblen Good

D Express:

Arctic Thunder

NEWMARKET:

Colombier

LAMBOURN:

Dance In The Storm

Telegraph:

Dance In The Storm

The Times:

Pietro

Daily Record:

Pietro

The Sun:

Crimson Spirit

Daily Mail:

Rhoscolyn

Daily Mirror:

Rhoscolyn