It’s one of the most exciting sprint handicaps on the racing calendar and Saturday’s Epsom Dash Handicap will see another bumper field head to the 5f start for what is a race run at breakneck speed. One of the highlights on the undercard on Epsom Derby day, the Epsom Dash has been won by some real speedsters and there are some top notch sprint handicappers set to line up at the weekend. We preview the contest and pick out our 1-2-3 for the contest.
Favourites
Traditionally this race has always been a real headscratcher for punters and the 2025 renewal looks no different with the bookmakers go 7/1 the field, at the time of writing. One of the those sitting towards the head of the market is John & Sean Quinn’s JM Jungle, who has been one with great credit this season, but has finished second twice and third on his last start, so he has to come into calculations.
David Barron’s Jer Batt has been another regular in these sort of races and he was just behind JM Jungle at Musselburgh two starts ago, while he finished fifth at Chester on his last start. Another consistent sprinter he’s likely to be another popular each-way selection for those looking for a solid betting proposition.
Archie Watson’s Spartan Arrow beat the Stuart Williams-trained Existent in a race over course and distance back in late April and that pair are back to try and emulate those performances here. The former was a clear two-length winner that day, but he’s now rated 7lbs higher, so has more work to do and will need to improve again.
Another classy pair taking their chance are the Robert Cowell-trained duo of Clarendon House and Democracy Dilemma, but they will have to give weight away to all their rivals. The former was reluctant to race in this race 12 months ago and lost his chance at the start, but does have ability, while Democracy Dilemma is another with huge talent, but could be in the handicapper’s grip.
Outsiders
Dream Composer is looking to become the first horse since Caspian Prince to win back-to-back Dash Handicaps, but the James Evans-trained raider is 9lbs higher in the handicap in this year’s renewal and having struggled to land any sort of blow at Chester on his last outing is, unsurprisingly, available at double-figured odds.
Last in that abovementioned Chester race was Fair Wind, who dwelt at the start and was always facing an uphill battle from stall 10 for Owen Burrows. He refused to race in his previous start, so you are certainly taking a risk with him, but if he can break on terms then he has a lot of ability and having form on soft going could be a huge positive, with rain set to hit Epsom. There’s a lot to dislike about his chances, and you will certainly want a run for your money, but he has a lot of ability and is capable of featuring, if playing ball.
George Baker’s Desert Cop was last seen winning the Portland Handicap at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting back in September, but he comes in for his seasonal reappearance, so could improve for the run, while the likes of Vintage Clarets and Tees Spirit add more depth to the contest, but need to find their best form to feature.
2025 Epsom Dash Handicap Tips
A race that will see plenty in with a chance of landing the prize, but in FAIR WIND you have a really talented sprinter that could sparkle off a mark of 93 providing he comes out of the stalls with minimal fuss. He has huge talent on a going day and he can get the better of the hugely consistent pairing of JM Jungle and Jer Batt.
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