18:20 Epsom Downs

Wednesday 2 July 2025

All18:2018:5019:2319:5820:3021:00

Betfred 'Bet Builder' Apprentice Handicap

Off time: 18:20 | Winning time: 2m 8.85s

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Selected odds by:

(4)

Tex^p1,t²⁰

Age: 4| Weight: 9-12| J: Jack Callan⁽⁵⁾| T: George Baker| OR: 68

11/2

Lightly-raced maiden. Creditable fourth of 11 in handicap (16/1) at Newbury (10f, good to firm) 20 days ago. That confirms his stamina for this far and cheekpieces are on down slightly in class.

Form: 642-44

(7)

Bobacious¹⁸

Age: 5| Weight: 9-12| J: Mason Paetel⁽⁵⁾| T: E A L Dunlop| OR: 68| D

6/5

Seen to good effect under this apprentice but just about better than ever when winning 6-runner handicap at Leicester (10f, good to firm) 18 days ago, having run of race. Up 3 lb but he's clearly in excellent order.

Form: 5-52461

(1)

Annexation⁵

Age: 9| Weight: 9-10| J: Jack Doughty| T: A W Carroll| OR: 66

5/2

Thirteen runs since last win in 2024. 7/2, good second of 9 in handicap at Doncaster (10.2f, firm) 5 days ago, clear of rest. Claims are obvious from the same mark.

Form: 442652

(3)

Early Morning Dew^b¹³

Age: 9| Weight: 9-9| J: Ashley Lewis⁽⁷⁾| T: J & S Best| OR: 65| CD

14/1

C&D winner. Fifth of 7 in handicap at Chelmsford City (10f, 4/1) 13 days ago. Now finds himself below his last winning mark.

Form: 635465

(5)

Fihrayn²³

Age: 4| Weight: 9-7| J: Luke Catton| T: J R Boyle| OR: 63

18/1

Remains a maiden after 17 Flat runs. Fifth of 8 in handicap at Windsor (11.4f, good, 18/1) 23 days ago, looking an awkward ride. Headgear left off.

Form: 6-33285

(6)

Imperial Cult³⁶

Age: 6| Weight: 9-5| J: Warren Fentiman⁽³⁾| T: R Cook & J Bridger| OR: 61| CD

14/1

Enjoyed an excellent second half to 2024, third win of that spell gained over C&D. 9/4, shade disappointing when fourth of 6 in handicap at Brighton (9.9f, soft) 36 days ago.

Form: 983-764

(2)

Ectocross²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-2| J: Jack Dace⁽⁵⁾| T: S Dow| OR: 58| CD

28/1

C&D winner. 28/1, seventh of 8 in handicap at Lingfield (12f, AW) 29 days ago. Lot to prove at present.

Form: 7/889-77

Forecasts

Bobacious (6/5), Annexation (5/2), Tex (11/2), Imperial Cult (14/1), Early Morning Dew (14/1), Fihrayn (18/1), Ectocross (28/1)

ANNEXATION was clear of the rest when pushing a well-backed favourite all the way at Doncaster on Friday and from the same mark, he makes plenty of appeal. Bobacious was given an excellent ride by Mason Paetel at Leicester last time and he's a threat, along with Tex eased slightly in grade.