7th June 2015

Hi %%First Name%%,

The Don stood near the top of the main stand at Epsom on Friday, the Stand that looks like someone has plonked an Ocean Going Liner in the middle of the Downs and marvelled at what a spectacle this place is.

Yes to get here is horrific and yes there are shady characters everywhere but put the Derby and Oaks and a visit to Epsom on your bucket list as for all the negatives it's one hell of a spectacle.

Derby Day had a real old fashioned buzz about it yesterday and Penny and I arrived just as Lester Piggot walked in, now that old boy could ride round here today and not look out of place I told her.

The action kicked off yesterday with a max bet for private clients on Stravagante in the first. This lad has had the Newmarket work watchers purring and I knew he was strongly fancied to win this and go on to better things. Given his connections i.e. owned by Michael Tabor I was staggered to see him drift on course to 7/2. I helped myself to another bet on him because he looked a standout in the paddock. The race turned into a procession as Ryan set him alight. Remember the horse, Stravagante he won't be running in many more handicaps.

The Derby itself I must confess I had got wrong as like many I thought Golden Horn wouldn't last out. It seems we should have trusted the Dante form as they came home one and two again. Great for Gosden and great for Newmarket. Is the Don alone in thinking Dettori was in danger of turning it into all about him with his histrionics. He looked demented here on the big screens and whilst there's nothing wrong with celebrating it did grate after a while. He is in danger of becoming a professional "character" if he is not careful. Maybe it's me but I thought Gosden looked a little embarrassed by it after twenty minutes.

The King George looks next for Golden Horn with surely a tilt at the Arc to come in the Autumn. He has a terrific cruising speed and could be very good. There didn't seem to be any hard luck stories to be honest and maybe this year has really revitalised the whole meeting.

Today I'm having one wager and a long rest, it's Parish Hall in the 4.15 at the Curragh and the Don will be very surprised if it loses in this grade. Take 6/4 with Paddy Power.

Ascot is on my radar, get with me I know how to play the Royal Meeting.

Trust in The Don, he's A number 1.

Back next Sunday.

The Gambling Don

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