Richard Hannon: “I have a great record in the race and I expect Silencer to be bang there”

EPSOM – FRIDAY

2:00 Woodcote Stakes

Silencer (Cieran Fallon)

He’s a very nice colt who unfortunately got loose before the start on debut at Salisbury which buzzed him up and then he was never really concentrating in the race which was disappointing because we thought he’d almost win that day. But he’s a very sharp horse who has a lot of ability and this track will really suit. We’re turning him out pretty quickly but he’s a tough horse and this is a race we have a decent record in and I expect him to be bang there.

2:35 Handicap

Oh This Is Us (Sean Levey)

He ran well at Chester on Saturday and likes the track, having won the Diomed last year and been placed on every other occasion he’s raced here. The step back up to a mile won’t be a problem and he’s done absolutely nothing at home this week apart from enjoying as much time as possible in the grass pens so hopefully he’s nicely refreshed.

4:30 G1 Oaks

Unfortunately we don’t have a runner in the Oaks but it looks a great race and John Gosden seems to have a particularly strong hand! Hollie was in this week and is really looking forward to riding Nashwa who was very impressive at Newbury last time and it would be brilliant for her if she could win her first Classic,  but Emily Upjohn was excellent in the Musidora and is the one they all have to catch – she could be something special. At a slightly bigger price, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Tuesday improve for the step up in trip because she stayed on nicely in the Irish Guineas last time and she could be overpriced.

5:10 Listed Surrey Stakes

Dawn Of Liberation (Ryan Moore)

We tried him over a bit further at Newmarket in April but he just didn’t look to quite get home so the drop back to a mile at Goodwood worked out well where he won in style. This fast track will play to his strengths and Ryan will probably make plenty of use of him over this trip. He’s (joint) top rated, is still unexposed and I’d like to think there’s a lot more to come.