2009 EPSOM DERBY LATEST BETTING TIPS

Sea the Stars comes into the 2009 Epsom Derby as the favourite to dominate a field of 12, carrying a price off 11/4 with top UK bookmaker William Hill. The John Oxx-trained charge boasts a stellar record and enters the Derby with three wins on the bounce, including an epic victory in the 2000 Guineas where he bested the well-respected Delegator. This is a big time horse with a big race temperament. Fame and Glory is deadlocked with Rip Van Winkle as the 2nd place favourite, both listed at 4/1. Fame and Glory boasts an even better record than Sea the Stars, with four wins from four lifetime runs, including three stakes races. He's got Grade 2 and Grade 3 victories at Leopardstown this year and scored at Navan and Saint-Cloud last fall. Rip Van Winkle has been seeing plenty of betting action, but the actual record of this AP O'Brien product doesn't quite measure up to the other two previously mentioned contenders. He comes in on a 1-1-7-4 and while this horse has loads of pace and a great pedigree I don't see him in the same level as the other two. He's an Irish horse and you know they can always pull off a few surprises, but I'm just not convinced about whether or not to back this horse. Gan Amhras is available at 15/2 while Black Bear Island is 8/1. Masterofthehorse is an interesting product and another O'Brien-trained runner. His record isn't the best, but we've seen a fair amount of betting action moving towards him. I think he could be set to capitalize on any mistakes made by the leading three and I like him on a place bet. Crowded House is listed at 16/1 with Age of Aquarius available at 22/1. Kitw Wood sits at 28/1 before the odds take another big jump up to Golden Sword at 40/1, Montaff at 50/1 and 66/1 Debussy- he may not be the highest profile horse, but he's got a good record and could be worth a cheeky punt. VERDICT1. Fame and Glory2. Sea the Stars3. Debussy