Epsom preview: Investec Derby (16.30)

Epicuris looks decent each-way value in a wide open renewal of the Investec Derby at Epsom (16.30).

The French challenger is trained by Criquette Head-Maarek, who is aiming to be the first female trainer to win the premier Classic, and has won three of his four starts.

Epicuris was unbeaten as a juvenile, and looked a top notch prospect when impressively landing the he Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud over 1m 2f.

Fame And Glory won the same race before going on to finish a cracking runner-up to the sensational Sea The Stars in the 2009 running of the Derby, and although Epicuris got turned over at odds-on when runner-up in the Prix La Force at Longchamp he looked in need of the outing and was tenderly handled.

The Khalid Abdullah-owned Rail Link colt is entitled to come on a bundle for that outing, and Head-Maarek’s exploits with dual Arc winner Treve show her outstanding skills at getting a horse primed to perfection for the big day.

Epicuris is also a strong traveller who likes to race up with the pace, and with stamina assured looks to hold leading credentials of providing France with it’s 11th winner of the Group 1 contest.

Trainer John Gosden saddles two leading contenders in Golden Horn and Jack Hobbs, and the former heads the market and brings the strongest form into the contest.

Golden Horn is unbeaten in three starts and shot to the head of the betting when producing a stunning turn of foot to easily beat Jack Hobbs by 2 3/4 lengths in the Group 2 Dante Stakes over 1m 2f at York last month.