Epsom preview: Simple Verse tuned-up for Coronation Cup

Postponed a major player

Postponed is the top rated in the field and a worthy red-hot favourite.

Successful in last season’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot, the Roger Varian trained five-year-old has won both his starts this year at Meydan.

The most recent of those came Group 1 Dubai Sheema Classic back in March where Postponed travelled ominously well throughout before showing a smart turn of foot to impressively beat Duramente by two lengths.

Postponed is now unbeaten in his last four races, two of which have been in Group 1 company, and will once again have the services of Andrea Atzeni in the saddle who has partnered him to six of his seven career successes.

Although ideally suited by fast ground, the son of Dubawi showed he could handle cut when winning the King George and is going to be a tough nut to crack.

Found looking to bounce back

Found is bidding to give Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien with his eighth winner of the contest and has every chance of doing so on the pick of her form.

The filly ran a blinder to be beaten just a length by Investec Derby winner Golden Horn in the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes last season, and went on to gain her revenge on that rival when winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland.

That is top class form, and Found looked in for another successful canpaign when easily landing the Group 3 Mooresbridge Stakes at the Curragh on her second start this season.

However, the daughter of Galileo was firmly put in her place when beaten 3 3/4 lengths by Fascinating Rock in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the same venue 13 days ago and that was a below par effort which means bounce back is now called for.

Related

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Coral’s top tip: Simple Verse is a top class filly and looks worth a wager to get the better of red-hot favourite Postponed. Found cannot be discounted given her connections excellent record in the race.