Horse Racing Betting Tips: Shamshon set to profit from speed dual in opener

EPSOM stages its first meeting of the Flat season this afternoon with the Investec Derby incredibly just five weeks away on Saturday.

A field of 13 have been declared for the opening Investec Asset Finance Handicap (2.10pm) run over what is normally a blisteringly quick five-furlong course, but the recent rain will certainly blunt some of that speed.

After 10mm overnight last Saturday into Sunday, the word soft features strongly in the going description which seemed unlikely during last weeks mini-heatwave.

My eye was immediately drawn to last years runner-up Just That Lord, who was only reeled in late that day by Majestic Hero.

He reappears this afternoon with two wins under his belt from just four starts for his new yard and will make a bold bid from just a 1lb higher mark than 12 months ago.

His draw in stall three has made things a little trickier than they were last year, as he will have to use up a fair bit of energy if he is to successfully navigate his way over to the favoured nearside rail.

The other concern is that he is likely to bump into Tim Easterbys Midnight Malibu on his journey to that rail, as she too will be trying to blaze her way home from stall eight.

Her only visit to the track previously saw her win by bagging that nearside rail and making every yard, and a repeat attempt at those tactics seems certain.

The pair could easily set the race up for a closer on this rain-softened ground and the one I like is SHAMSHON, who was a fast-finishing fifth in this last year.

Stuart Williams seven-year-old has an ideal draw in stall 12 to follow the trailblazers and lines up this afternoon from an 11lb lower mark than 12 months ago.

The application of a first-time visor may also eek out some improvement and this will be his fifth run of the calendar year, meaning he is race fit.

His stable had a nice winner at Newmarket last week and Im hoping he can go very close at 13/2 with Star Sports.

One of the most intriguing betting races of the day is the Investec Corporate Banking Great Metropolitan Handicap (3.20pm).

Royal Line will be a popular selection and is bound to strip fitter than he did when beaten at Doncaster last month.

However, he is becoming an expensive horse to follow, having been a beaten favourite on his last three starts, and doesnt look one to trust.

Im not sure he truly wants a battle and the fact he tends to hang under pressure is disconcerting too.

Shabeeb was backed as if defeat was out of the question on his reappearance at Newcastle on Good Friday.

He didnt get home after taking a keen hold and it would be no surprise to see him bounce back here.

That said, the value looks to be Gary Moores WHINGING WILLIE at 10/1 with Star Sports.

The nine-year-old has finished runner up in this race for the last two seasons and traditionally goes really well fresh.

He may be 5lbs higher than last year but, with his stable in great form and the fact he stays well beyond this 12-furlong trip, he gets the vote.

If any more rain arrives, that wont bother him either as he won here at the track two starts ago on heavy ground.

POINTERS

Shamshon e/w 2.10pm Epsom

Whinging Willie e/w 3.20pm Epsom

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