2.45 Epsom: 'Plenty have won this race from a single-figure draw' - analysis and trainer insight for the Dash

A high draw is often an advantage over this course and distance, particularly when the ground is testing but with lots of speed low (Democracy Dilemma, Blind Beggar, Marching Mac all drawn six or lower), the puzzle of the Aston Martin 'Dash' Handicap looks far from straightforward.

Dream Composer overcame stall seven to deny Democracy Dilemma last season and finds himself 9lb higher with a lower draw (3) this time. Connections will hope his old rival sets strong enough fractions for the low numbers to get into contention.

One guaranteed to appreciate the recent rain is Vintage Clarets, who also has a low draw (2). While he’s often seen winning in the spring/autumn, that’s ground-related rather than seasonal, and he outran his odds at York last time on ground quicker than ideal.

Robert Cowell saddles five runners and topweight Clarendon House keeps four of this field out of the weights. He failed to back-up 2023’s neck third in this when virtually refusing to race last year (blown the start since, too) but he’s a big threat to all from stall 15 if breaking on terms.

Existent is on a 40-race losing run, but he couldn’t have been any more eye-catching when denied a clear run on his first run over this course and distance in April, and has hit the crossbar twice since. He’s another that won’t mind slower conditions.

Owen Burrows is without a winner in the past four weeks but the yard are in better form than the win record suggests with six of his past 11 runners finishing second. The Lambourn trainer saddles Fair Wind, who may have blotted his copybook when refusing to race at Goodwood last term but he was highly progressive previously, broke fine at Chester on return and had an excuse (briefly lost his action after bumping the rail) in that contest.
Analysis by Phill Anderson

What they say

George Baker, trainer of Desert Cop
We were delighted with him in Bahrain. He won his last race out there, a local Grade 1, and this has been the plan from that moment. He’s been freshened up and has a nice draw on the stands’ side. We could have done with the rain holding off.

James Evans, trainer of Dream Composer
We had a great day with him there last year. He has gone up a lot in the weights since, but ran well at Pontefract on his reappearance and was then drawn wide at Chester. I like his draw in stall three – he was fairly low last year – and, while it’s a big task, you couldn’t rule him out. He loves the uphill finish at Epsom and any more rain would suit.

John Quinn, joint-trainer of Jm Jungle
I am very happy with him. He’s been running well all year, and finished fourth in the 3YO Dash two years ago. He has won on all types of ground and we’re hopeful. His draw in stall seven looks fine; plenty have won this race from a single-figure draw.

Owen Burrows, trainer of Fair Wind
He’d have a good chance if he came back to last season’s form. Chester was a non-event. He was drawn wide and hit the rail two-and-a-half furlongs out, after which Pat [Dobbs] looked after him. I am reasonably happy with the draw, and the more rain they get the better. Hopefully they’ll go very quick and come back to them. I hope he can get back on track.

Stuart Williams, trainer of Existent
He’s in great form. You can see from his form figures that he’s a frustrating character, but we’ve enjoyed some luck in this race before and he’s run well at Epsom. I’ll be very surprised if he doesn’t run well again.
Reporting by Richard Birch

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