The Epsom Handicap is typically one of the most open Group 1 contests of the entire Spring Carnival and there is a case to be made for nearly every horse in Saturday’s capacity field.
Much like The Metropolitan, Chris Waller will saddle plenty of live chances in the 2020 Epsom Handicap field and when markets went up on Tuesday, Star Of The Seas was our $6 favourite.
Epsom Handicap – Winner
No. 13 Rock – Bet Now: $9.00
On face value, barrier 13 doesn’t look great, but Rock’s win in the Cameron Handicap at Newcastle a couple of weeks ago was so dominant that I simply cannot look past him.
The Pierro gelding returned some pleasing efforts last spring, including a win in the Cameron and fifth placing in this race most notably, but if you’re yet to watch his second-up performance this time, make sure you do, because it’s pretty clear he’s gone to another level this time.
Fitter third-up with Tommy Berry staying aboard and only 52.5kgs in tow, he has real claims, and needs only even luck in running to be right in the finish of the Epsom Handicap.
Epsom Handicap – 2nd
No. 6 Brandenburg – Bet Now: $31.00
I’m keen to have a crack at a couple at a price in Epsom Handicap betting, and I think that Brandenburg is a serious chance of winning at a huge quote ($31 at publish).
Brandenburg was a strong and consistent performer during his three-year-old season and won the Hobartville fresh in autumn, going on to place in both the Randwick Guineas and the Doncaster Mile most notably.
He clearly needed the run when he finished down the order in the Winx Stakes first-up this time, but returned a far better performance to fill the minors in the Bill Ritchie Handicap and will only be better third-up and out to a mile.
Epsom Handicap – 3rd
No. 3 Star Of The Seas – Bet Now: $5.50
Star Of The Seas simply does not know how to run a bad race these days, and he was the real winner at Tuesday’s Epsom Handicap barrier draw (1).
The Ocean Park gelding stormed home into the minors of this race last spring, and he simply hasn’t looked back.
He only just missed in a photo finish to the Doncaster Mile most notably in autumn, and he has so far finished second in each of the Winx Stakes and George Main this preparation.
55.5kgs is very manageable and Nash Rawiller will give him every chance again.
Epsom Handicap – 4th
No. 15 Reloaded – Bet Now: $26.00
The genuine sneaky chance that I think that Chris Waller possesses in the 2020 Epsom Handicap field is Reloaded.
The Snitzel entire was another horse that returned plenty of excellent performances during his three-year-old season, highlighted by his fourth placing in the Randwick Guineas and third placing in the Rosehill Guineas.
He was just half a length behind Dreamforce and Kolding in the Tramway and finished fifth in the Bill Ritchie last time out.
Kathy O’Hara should be able to lob into a nice position from barrier 7 and the horse can rattle home with only 51kgs in tow.
Epsom Handicap Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #13 Rock
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below