Misty Grey Looks Ideal Type for Epsom Test

The opening race of the two day Derby meeting at Epsom is the Woodcote Stakes, and it is often seen as a key Royal Ascot trial, with horses who go well here booking their place at the week long meeting towards the end of June. We have a handful of interesting contenders in the race this season, but for me the most interesting of them all is Misty Grey who made a big impression on me last time out, and he looks destined for better races.

The Mark Johnston colt led from start to finish as he won at Ripon in what is looking like being a decent race. He won by seven lengths that day to show he is far better than the average horses he beat, and that is up there with the best form on offer here.

The only horse that can seemingly challenge him on form is Pinatubo, who looks like being the short priced favourite here. He didn’t do it as nicely when winning at Wolverhampton on debut, he won by just over three lengths but that form is being franked already with those in behind him coming out and running well since.

Oh Purple Reign doesn’t look to have the same level of form that the front two in the market do, but his trainer has a fantastic record in this race and on that alone he is worth mentioning. Richard Hannon has taken this race in four out of the last six seasons, and he clearly targets it with something he thinks can make up into a nice one.

Having said all of that, and although it is hard to compare the form lines and know of the possible improvement to come from them, Misty Grey is a horse that I really like here. He caught the eye when winning at Ripon, looks more than capable of running at this level and after showing the pace to lead all the way, I can see him getting a good position early and giving those behind him plenty to think about. He is the bet to take the opener at Epsom on Friday.