Leung Ho Yin, Simon's Bio
Simon is a well respected full-time thoroughbred racing commentator specializing in overseas international racing. Bringing with him a wealth of racing knowledge, Simon is the host and race caller for the overseas simulcast programme since 2008/09 season. He is currently the presenter on several racing television programmes including, ‘Racing Horizon’ and ‘Horse Racing – Results’.

Epsom Racecourse – Track Analysis (Derby Stakes Day):

As one of the most fabled switch-back courses in the world, the Derby field at Epsom Racecourse, some 2405m out from racing immortality, has to tackle an entirely uphill run right in the first 1200m of this trip, ascending steadily by 45m, all the way up to the top of the hill. The field then bears continuously left and steeply downhill to meet the notorious Tattenham Corner, a wickedly tight turn that has caught many a clumsy runner with less balance to lose momentum – and even stumble. Turning for home, runners will set sail for classic supremacy through the 750m stretch run that rolls continuously downhill. Over-viewing this course, with its tight turns and daunting slopes, should the going be firm, front-runners will most likely be favoured.

In the 2017 running of the Derby Stakes, WINGS OF EAGLES and CLIFFS OF MOHER, from the back of the pack, saved their best for a strong rally from out wide to finish one-two, whereas CRACKSMAN, cruising mid-pack early, could only manage for third.

Meanwhile, for the field of 1000m 'Dash' Handicap Stakes, most often favours runners on the grandstand side; that being said, horses that miss the first jump or racing sluggish early would then get boxed in when their competition drops to the rail; truly, closers breaking from the far side that wait to attack with second-over runs do often catch their competition out cold, thus a good study on individual starter's running styles is certainly beneficial.

With sunny skies that will extend towards Saturday, this year's edition of the Derby Stakes Day will most likely be staged on firm ground, and it would be a gargantuan task for any deep closer to reel in his competition, and speed, classy horses with a penchant to tack to the pace are still much preferred in the selections.

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