Epsom Derby Meeting Tips: Coronation Cup Ante-post Preview & Betting Tip

Run over the same distance as the Oaks and the Derby, but restricted to horses aged four years and upwards, the Coronation Cup is the opening Group One contest of the Derby Festival at Epsom.

Al Aasy is currently a short-priced favourite after cantering to victory in the Al Rayyan Stakes at Newbury, but potentially faces a strong challenge from across the Irish Sea, and across the English Channel, in what promises to be a fascinating renewal.

Al Aasy has been impressive, so far

Al Aasy ran inexplicably badly when last of six, beaten 8½ lengths, behind Mogul – who could re-oppose on just 3lb worse terms – in the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood on the final start of his 3-year-old campaign. However, William Haggas’ Sea The Stars colt has returned to action at the top of his game and, while he has yet to race at the highest level, the ease with which he beat the 112-rated Thunderous at Newbury had to be seen to be believed. That said, he possibly faces a bevy of proven Group 1 performers, so whether he represents any value at the odds on offer is debatable.

Japan looks the Ballydoyle pick

Aidan O’Brien has won the Coronation Cup eight times since 2005 and is one again mob-handed, with no fewer than nine entries at the latest declaration stage. According to the bookmakers, Japan is the pick of the Ballydoyle troupe, having returned to winning form in the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes at Chester on his reappearance. That was his first win since the Juddmonte International at York in August, 2019, but he competed exclusively in Group 1 company last season and remains one to consider, for all that he not be quite the force of old.

Love likely headed to Royal Ascot

Sticking with Aidan O’Brien, Love sailed through her 3-year-old campaign in impressive fashion, winning the 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Oaks over course and distance and the Yorkshire Oaks without being seriously challenged. However, having missed her intended reappearance in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh, Love looks likely to start her 4-year-old campaign in the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Broome already three times a winner

Broome is another who yet to win a Group 1 level, but did represent O’Brien in the Tattersalls Gold Cup, in which he was headed in the final stride and beaten a short head by Helvic. He is set to step back up in trip, either in this race or the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot, according to his trainer. Now a 5-year-old, he ran twice without distinction last season, but has already won three times in 2021 and only finished a short head behind Japan in the 2019 Derby.

In Swoop reportedly in rude health

Up-and-coming French trainer Francis-Henri Graffard has had some encouraging words to say about In Swoop, who was only beaten a neck in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp last October. The Adlerfkug colt opened his account for the season in the Group 3 Prix d’Hedouville, over the same course and distance, in mid-May and has reportedly done well physically over the winter. His best form, so far, has come with cut in the ground, but he is versatile ground-wise, according to Graffard, so he looks a live contender.

With market leaders Al Aasy and Japan having one or two questions to answer and Love likely headed elsewhere, In Swoop looks decent value to add to his Group 1 winning tally.

Selection: In Swoop (9/1 with Bet365)

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