Saturday ITV racing tips: Best bets for day 2 of Epsom's Derby Festival on June 1

Britain's richest flat horse race gets underway at 1630, but before that there's four mouth-watering contests to get stuck into.

Let's crack on with a quick run through our ITV tips, with the reasons why we've picked them further down the page.

If you fancy a punt or two, check out the Planet Sport race centre which will show you all the live odds, racecards and results.

Good luck and please gamble responsibly.

(Please be aware selections could become non-runners after article's first publication)

 

Saturday quick tips from Epsom:

14:00 (Epsom) Running Lion

14:35 (Epsom) Embesto

15:10 (Epsom) Due For Luck

15:45 (Epsom) Silky Wilkie

16:30 (Epsom) City Of Troy

 

14:00 (Epsom) Running Lion

Although not the most reliable Running Lion remains hard to dismiss on all known form. The Gosden-trained filly travelled strongly before being picked off late in the G2 Dahlia Stakes. Slight drop back in trip to pose no issues around this turning track and she may stamp her authority on the field.

Any further rain will aid the chances of Sparks Fly who was progressive on soft ground last season. Might step forward for her reappearance fifth at Haydock among handicap company.

Chic Colombine would be dangerous to rule out if bouncing back to form that saw her win a 1m Listed event by a wide margin at Saint-Cloud.

 

14:35 (Epsom) Embesto

Embesto raced too keenly when fifth in the G3 Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket resuming in April. Most Roger Varian trained horses have been needing their first outing of the campaign this season and so the Roaring Lion gelding is considered.

Regal Reality finished fourth in the aforementioned G3 before running third in the G2 Huxley Stakes over 1m2 1/2f at Chester. Those two efforts will have put him spot on for this and having won this last year must be respected.

 

15:10 (Epsom) Due For Luck

This will be fast and furious and it could pay to be drawn up high. Due For Luck suffered trouble in running before flying home to finish a close third behind Knicks at Chester last month. The unexposed sprinter could easily have more to offer despite going up 2lb while the latter can remain competitive off a 3lb higher mark with first-time visor fitted.

Grandlad showed plenty of pace when successfully dropping back to 5f at Wolverhampton and Goodwood recently. Holds strong claims once more. Recent Navan maiden winner Sturlasson might go well on handicap debut.

 

15:45 (Epsom) Silky Wilkie

The well-handicapped Silky Wilkie was extremely unlucky not to win twelve months ago when a fast-finishing second and may reverse the outcome with trainer Karl Burke beginning to hit top stride at the moment. After a pleasing fifth over 5f at Musselburgh can be considered sporting first-time cheekpieces.

Third home last year Clarendon House beat Looking For Lynda in a competitive 5f sprint at York last month and must be respected off this revised mark while the latter mentioned might be thereabouts if negating stall one.

Democracy Dilemma produced a solid effort finishing runner-up tackling 5f at Windsor recently and warrants thought alongside Live In The Moment.

 

16:30 (Epsom) City Of Troy

An interesting renewal of the G1 Epsom Derby that seemingly revolves around City Of Troy. The champion juvenile of last year surrendered his unbeaten record disappointing in the G1 2000 Guineas at Newmarket on reappearance. Trained by Aidan O'Brien the colt warrants respect.

Stablemate Los Angeles is the son of Camelot. Won the G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud over 1m2f on soft ground last year and with the step up to 1m4f to suit can continue winning streak after claiming the G3 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial at Leopardstown last month.

Runner up in the G2 Dante Stakes Ancient Wisdom could prove the pick of the home contingent especially if rain arrives.