Epsom Placepot tips: Tom Segal attempts to crack the £50,000 guaranteed pool

The ground may be heavy but there are some competitive handicaps on Epsom's card and cracking the Placepot will not be easy.

For that reason it may be best to bank on course-and-distance winner Pietro in the opening nursery (1.45) in order to keep the perm a reasonable size. His pedigree suggests he should be fine with the conditions.

Anniversary is going to be many people's idea of a banker in the conditions race for juveniles (2.20) but Gary and Josh Moore's Too Soon has been a big eyecatcher in his two runs and will represent much better Placepot value, while Lasting Love has the best form and will be hard to keep out of the frame in the maiden (2.55).

The three handicaps that follow are tough but Gallant Lion might be suited by the step up to 1m4f in the Apprentices' Derby (3.30) and has the assistance of Brandon Wilkie in the saddle. He goes in along with Thursday, who is retaining her form well and always goes well at Epsom.

The Betfred Nifty 50 Handicap (4.05) is high in quality. Arthur's Realm has an excellent record on soft ground and looks sure to run a big race, while at the bottom of the weights there must be more to come from course winner Dashinwhitesargent.

Into Battle has been a bit disappointing recently but the testing conditions could spark him back to life in the concluding Placepot handicap (4.40). He clearly comes with some risk though, so Escape Act is also included as we know he goes well in the mud.

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Epsom Placepot perm

1.45
5 Pietro

2.20
5 Too Soon

2.55
7 Lasting Love

3.30
4 Gallant Lion
8 Thursday

4.05
2 Arthur's Realm
9 Dashinwhitesargent

4.40
4 Into Battle
8 Escape Act

1x1x1x2x2x2=8 lines

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