Eyecatchers at Epsom

The Punchestown Festival got underway on Tuesday and it was disappointing to see El Cairos only finish fourth in the Grade 1 novice hurdle. Beaten around eight lengths by the 135 rated Eachtotheirown, Jack Kennedy's mount was ideally positioned in behind the winner turning for home but failed to pick up and weakened tamely approaching the last. Perhaps he needs further but Gordon Elliott's charge didn't look slow at Leopardstown on St Stephen's Day and his connections viewed him as a potential Champion Hurdle contender. Perhaps there is a physical issue. This looked a very winnable Grade 1 and he produced another lacklustre finishing effort.

Epsom belatedly staged their first meeting of 2026 which featured the once prestigious City And Suburban Handicap and Great Metropolitan Handicap. The well bred Sallaal featured in the Top 40 Prospects and he was tackling ten furlongs for the first time in the former event. Inclined to race keenly last year, the four year old was fitted with a hood once again and, while he was fresh on his first run since for 191 days, Ray Dawson over did the waiting tactics. Staying on strongly inside the final furlong and a half, Roger Varian's runner found the winning post coming too soon. Beaten a length, this was an opportunity lost and hopefully compensation awaits this summer. Gelded during the winter, he could be ideal for the £120,000 Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap over C&D (5th June). There is a good prize to be won by this highly regarded four year old.

Ralph Beckett has suggested that Royal Ascot is very much the plan for Sing Us A Song with the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes, Copper Horse Handicap and Ascot Stakes all possibilities. The four year old made an encouraging start to the season finishing third in the Great Metropolitan Handicap. James Doyle's mount moved into contention until the lack of a recent run appeared to take its toll. Around three lengths third, it is possible he will head to York for the Jorvik Handicap at the Dante meeting (13th May) before the Royal meeting. The Camelot gelding looks set for a productive campaign and is one to follow.

Stablemate On Message is also by Camelot and she looked a well treated filly when winning the one mile handicap at the same venue. Rated 80, she is a half-sister to former stable companion Declared Interest and was a winner over seven furlongs last term. Given a patient ride by Rossa Ryan, Ralph Beckett's runner quickened up well to win going away by two lengths. She is bred to be even better over ten furlongs and can stay ahead of the assessor in the near future.