Diamonds and Arod feature on Oaks Day

Epsom's two-day Derby meeting opens today, when the feature race is the Investec Oaks (16.30).

Run over the Derby course of one and a half miles, it has attracted nine entries, including Pearl Bloodstock's Diamonds Pour Moi, from the stable of Ralph Beckett. A winner on her only start at two, the filly then finished a close third on her season's debut in the Cheshire Oaks during Chester's May meeting.

Her conqueror that day, Somehow, lines up again this afternoon, and is likely to prove tough to beat, although her stablemate, Minding, is the stand-out filly, courtesy of a win in the QIPCO 1000 Guineas followed by a second place in the Irish equivalent.

Beckett is hopeful of a good run from Diamonds Pour Moi, although he recognises the filly has to improve by some margin to be sure of leaving with a top-three place.

Qatar Racing's Arod (pictured below), in contrast, is favourite for the Investec Diomed Stakes (15.10), which he won last year, although he is at his best on quick ground, and Epsom is set to ride slower than ideal.

Trainer Peter Chapple-Hyam says of Arod: ‚"He is bouncing and in great form,‚" although his wish for a hot British summer that would produce fast ground has not yet materialised.

Arod faces ten rivals, and has the advantage of avoiding a penalty, despite his win in this contest last year.