Don’t think rain will be an issue for Amelia Earhart

The Derby and the Oaks are two of the most important races of the year. For trainers, owners, breeders, and definitely for the jockeys, these are the ones you want to win most.

Epsom provides a true test. You have to have everything to win a Classic there; speed, stamina, balance and a good mind.

Epsom | Race 3: G3 Diomed Stakes

I kick off the day with SKUKUZA, who holds a chance if returning to his form of last year.

He had a good season, winning at the Curragh and holding a good level of form for most of the year.

He has been disappointing this year, but I think the stiff mile at Epsom will suit him well. The slower ground isn’t particularly in his favour but if it isn’t too bad, he should be okay.

It’s a strong renewal for a Group 3. Qirat won the Sussex Stakes and has to be respected if he’s able to get out on the front end. Boiling Point is another forward going runner who seems to be in good form whilst Chancellor often doesn’t run a bad race. Persica is well suited to the track, winning this race last year and Seagulls Eleven looks to be in good form going into this contest.

Epsom | Race 5: G1 Oaks

I ride AMELIA EARHART in the Oaks, who looks like going off favourite.

She took a while to break her maiden as a two-year-old before winning on soft ground at Leopardstown at the end of the last season.

She started this season with a nice win in the Cheshire Oaks, a race we’ve used in the past for the likes of Minnie Hauk en route to Epsom, so hopefully it will prove to be a good prep again.

She’s a big filly that will get the trip well and I don’t think the rain will be an issue. I’m looking forward to a good run from her.

We also run Cameo and Sugar Island.

Cameo put in a good performance to win the Lingfield Oaks Trial.

She looks to have plenty of stamina and is entitled to step forward again over this slightly further trip.

She could run well at a fair price.

Sugar Island made the running in the Cheshire Oaks.

She’s a stakes winner herself and carried a penalty that day. I expect that she will come forward that run and has a decent chance also.

The Juddmonte filly Legacy Link was a good winner of the Musidora for John and Thady Gosden.

She looks as if she will be suited by the step up in trip and is one to take seriously.

Thundering On of Joseph O’Brien’s was a good winner of the Salsabel Stakes at Navan, she looks an interesting filly with a good turn of foot, and I can see her also being a threat.

Ralph Beckett runs three in the race, the best of his looks like A La Prochaine.

She finished third in the Cheshire Oaks behind Amelia Earhart.

She didn’t look quite ready that day and should benefit from the step up in trip and more of a galloping track.

It’s a small field, but there are plenty of nice fillies in there.

Epsom | Race 6: HKJC World Pool Handicap

I ride STERLING KNIGHT, who won his last start at Newmarket over a mile, having finished third at the track back on Guineas weekend.

He looks to have a nice draw in stall 1 of 18 but it’s a very competitive race. He’s going well but is on a stiff mark so will need things to go in his favour if he’s to win.