British Spot Plays: Epsom for June 6, 2026

This year's Derby Day at Epsom is enhanced greatly by the presence of the Coronation Cup (G1), which features a rematch of last year's top two, Jan Brueghel and Calandagan, with 2025 Derby winner Lambourn thrown into the mix. However, I'm not willing to fade Calandagan at a short price. Thus, I'll take a crack at the Derby (G1) itself, as well as a supporting Group 3 for fillies and mares.

After a rough Oaks Day on Friday, the British bankroll stands at $586.50 from an original starting point of $500. I will wager 5% of the outstanding balance to win on the following selections, beginning with a $29 play.

Race 2: Princess Elizabeth (G3), 9:05 a.m. ET

#1 Sparks Fly (4-1) was only third, beaten more than five lengths, in this event last year, but might strip fitter this time with the aid of an additional prep.

Like last year, she made little noise in the Prix Edmond Blanc (G3) in late March, but enters off a very solid fourth in the Huxley (G2) at Chester, where she was beaten all of two lengths by last year's Derby winner Lambourn and the top-level quality Bay City Roller.

From a class perspective, Sparks Fly stacks up well against this relatively modest group, and looks worthy of a play as the presumptive second choice.

Race 5: Epsom Derby (G1), 11 a.m. ET

As Kellie Reilly eloquently put it in her write-up of this year's Derby, Benvenuto Cellini "displayed beautiful action" in capturing the Chester Vase (G3). If the expected softer cut in the ground doesn't stop him, he figures tough to beat as the favorite at around 2-1.

Pierre Bonnard was a horse I was impressed with last season, less so this year as he's started the term 0-for-2. His conqueror at Leopardstown last time, James J Braddock, also looks an interesting contender, though probably more so if the ground is unexpectedly softer than forecast. That said, the stable's Thundering On was eye-popping in Friday's Oaks.

But the one I'll be taking on the favorite with is #9 Item (7-2), who has had little difficulty compiling a spotless 3-for-3 record. The son of Frankel really stepped up his game last time in his stakes debut, the Dante (G2) at York, winning well in the end from Action and Christmas Day, both of whom brought a touch of class and much more experience into the race.

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Given his dam was essentially a miler, there are some concerns Item might find 1 1/2 miles a touch too far, at least compared to Benvenuto Cellini. And he also hasn't run on ground softer than good, having been withdrawn from the Futurity Trophy (G1) at Doncaster due to heavy conditions (Action finished second there, Benvenuto Cellini third).

Overall, though, Item seems the best alternative. Trainer Andrew Balding has twice run second in the Derby with extreme longshots. In Item, he looks to have a serious win contender.