The two-day Betfred Derby Festival is the only show in town this weekend, and our ace tipster has picked the value from Friday's Oaks card at Epsom.
Steve Jones with his picks for Friday on ITV
All the evidence is there to suggest that PROOF (1.30) will run a big race in the Win With Zyn 3YO Dash. He has an excellent record on soft ground, and this week's rain has turned conditions in his favour.
When Epsom's super-sharp sprint course turns on the easy side, it is often a big advantage to be drawn on the stands' side. Charlie Hills' runner has bagged the rail draw, and there looks to be a stack of early pace to help set this race up for him.
He hasn't had things fall his way since making a successful return to action at Southwell in April. His high draw was not ideal at Hamilton last month, and that came after he failed to get into the race at Chester behind all-the-way winner Exclamation.
This race should pan out much better. Have 1pt each-way at 20-1. Plenty of bookies are paying out on five places.
ALPHA CRUCIS (3.15)
ALPHA CRUCIS (3.15) is another Epsom runner at his best on soft ground. He finished runner-up behind subsequent Group 3 winner Saddadd on an easy surface at Sandown last year.
That underlined his stamina for today's 1m2f distance, and he is relatively unexposed over this trip, having done most of his racing around 1m.
He made an excellent start to this year when fifth in the Lincoln on the opening day of the turf season at Doncaster. This will be his first start since, but he often runs well with a bit of extra time between his races.
He also has a decent record at this unique track, as he's finished second on both his previous visits. Have 1pt each-way at 11-1. Sky Bet is offering six places.
MONARCH'S GOLD (5.50)
MONARCH'S GOLD (5.50) ran a cracking race on his first start beyond 6f when runner-up behind smart prospect McMurray at Chester's May Meeting.
He has always shaped like a step up to 7f would suit, and he could easily progress through the ranks over this distance. The soft ground shouldn't be an issue. Have 1pt each-way at 18-1. Several firms are going five places.
