All the essentials in one place on the eve of the Derby meeting

The Investec Derby meeting is looming, but it's another busy day of bread and butter racing. It can't be Classics all the time, can it?

Derby declarations are due around 10am and it will be interesting to see what the going at Epsom is like with rain forecast today.

Thursday cards

As for today, Jack Haynes has taken a look at Chelmsford's card. Talking of the Essex circuit, there was news yesterday it might not stage turf racing until 2020.

Going report

Lingfield (first race 1.40)
Good to soft (GoingStick: 7.7 at 5.45 on Thursday). Rail movements: All races run on the Round course +4yds

Wolverhampton (1.50)
Standard

Hamilton (2.00)
Good to firm (GoingStick: 9.3 on Thursday at 6.00). Rail movements: R4, 5, 6 & 7 +5yds

Fairyhouse (5.50)
Good to firm

Ffos Las (6.00)
Good (GoingStick: 7.9 on Thursday at 6.30)

Chelmsford (6.10)
Standard

Market movers

3.20 Wolverhampton Secretario 4-1 (from 11-2)
5.00 Hamilton Mearing 9-2 (from 11-2)
5.20 Wolverhampton Scotch Myst 6-1 (from 15-2)
8.40 Chelmsford Dark Side Dream 8-1 (from 10)
9.10 Chelmsford Shan Dun Na Ngall 9-1 (from 16)

What to back

Alan Sweetman guides you through Fairyhouse's card and you can read his advice here.

Paul Kealy, meanwhile, provides his best bets for the day and the favourites to focus on.

What to read

Aidan O'Brien had concerns over the Epsom ground for Derby favourite Saxon Warrior but William Buick is positive about Oaks hope Wild Illusion. We also have a cracking interview with Dermot Weld, while the BHA has aroused George Margarson.

What to watch

Analyst Dave Orton has been busy; here's his horse-by-horse Oaks guide ...

... and his big-race 1-2-3 ...

More vids, remember, on our YouTube channel.

The best of Racing Post Sport

Italian Open advice here and the latest on Mo Salah's injury here.

Final thought

It's such a shame soft is likely, almost certain, to appear in the going description at Epsom. These races – career-defining for horses, jockeys and trainers – should ideally be staged on a sound surface; we're not trying to find a Welsh National winner!

For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster every afternoon. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app