De Sousa to draw first blood

- A frenetic battle between reigning champion Silvestre de Sousa and Jim Crowley for the 2016 Jockeys’ Championship continues, with the pair doing battle at Epsom today.

I expect De Sousa to strike the first blow on HURRICANE RUSH in the British Stallion Studs EBF Median Auction Maiden Stakes.

Hurricane Rush has twice gone close to opening his account and trainer Charlie Hills must think the colt holds the cards for three reasons.

First, he has already shown an affinity for these unique cambers, chasing home Bear Valley on his latest start over this 1400m. Second, the form of that race has worked out particularly well, with Bear Valley going on to rout the best nursery field assembled this summer at Glorious Goodwood. Third, my selection breaks from gate No 3, which is exactly the one Hills would have chosen if he could.

For a second bank holiday speculation I’m looking towards ALICANTE DAWN to realise his potential as he steps up the class ladder in the Longines Irish Champions Weekend EBF Ripon Champion Two-Year-Old Trophy at Ripon.

The Bryan Smart-trained colt was an authoritative winner at Thirsk last time and goes to post with his tail up. Furthermore, Smart has his sprinters in top order, having plundered Saturday’s Beverley Bullet with Alpha Delphini.