Marten Julian’s Weekly Roundup 2 June 2025
June 9th, 2025 | Marten's Perspective
Now that there are regularly six meetings a day in Britain and Ireland it is even more important for serious backers to be selective and not allow themselves to become distracted.
There is plenty of low-grade racing around at this time of year, but there can be the occasional opportunity hidden away at that level, and the races I am generally keener to avoid are the weekend handicaps, which can be fiercely competitive.
Last weekend, for example, I went for just one horse on Saturday and Sunday … Arctic Thunder 2nd at 22/1 and Big Harry 3rd at 22/1 both each-way. I had no strong view on the Prix Du Jockey Club or the weekend’s other big races, so I didn’t discuss them.
There are plenty of analysts in the public arena who do excellent work previewing the main action, but I now prefer to leave that to others so avoid the temptation of being drawn into making a selection just for the sake of it.
A case in point is the Derby.
I suspect I am not alone in admitting that I don’t yet hold a strong view on this year’s race, which I believe is more open than the current odds reflect.
Having said that, as most of you are aware I do have a great fondness for Epsom.
It was the first race meeting that I ever attended when, back in 1970, Raffingora under top weight recorded the fastest five furlongs ever electrically timed.
I had the forecast, with Duty Sheet ridden by Philip Waldron in second, and I was smitten.
One would have thought that Epsom, like Goodwood and Chester, would be a course to avoid but for some reason I’ve been very lucky there. Not every horse is suited to the camber and certain jockeys ride it better than others.
The team and I wish you a great week!
Bye for now
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