Gary Moore saddles two in the Jump Jockeys' Derby at Epsom - plus more punting pointers on Thursday

Punting pointers from some of today's race meetings . . .

Epsom: it's time for the Jump Jockeys' Derby

While Britain's best Flat jockeys do battle at Doncaster, the jumps riders get the chance to shine in their "Derby" at the home of Britain's most famous Classic.

The Jump Jockeys' Derby is the highlight on the seven-race card over Epsom's iconic mile-and-a-half course, with last year's winning rider Jack Quinlan back for more glory on outsider Met Office.

However, this could be Charlie Todd's time to shine. He finished third in the race last year and partners the well-fancied Haliphon, who is trained by dual-purpose trainer Ian Williams and has finished second at Epsom twice before.

Gary Moore: saddles two in the Jump Jockeys' Derby at EpsomCredit: Edward Whitaker

Gary and Josh Moore saddle two runners with the David Noonan-ridden Miller Spirit and Poncho, ridden by their jumps number one Niall Houlihan. 

Josh's brother, Jamie, won the race twice when he was in the saddle, while Gary trained 2013 winner Rossetti. Josh Moore came closest to winning it as a jockey when beaten a length five years ago, but now bids to join his father and sibling on the unique roll of honour as a joint-trainer.

Gary Moore said: "They're both horses who should act on the track and want softish ground. They need to go somewhere and it was the obvious race. There's not a lot between them. Poncho hasn't run for a while and it's his first run in a handicap. He might come on for it more than Miller Spirit, who has had a recent run."

Epsom: local trainer to follow

Local trainer Adam West has been the one to follow at Epsom this year, with his runners there yielding an impressive £27.50 profit from a £1 level stake. He has three runners on the card including Hello Cotai (5.22), who has a 67 per cent strike-rate at the course in 2024.

Newcastle: will his beans mean Heinz strikes again?

Mr Heinz is developing himself into something of a track specialist at Gosforth Park and he bids to be full of beans again there in the mile handicap (7.30).

Named after one of the nations favourite foods and out of a mare called Spill The Beans, the Simon Whitaker-trained five-year-old does most of his racing on the all-weather here. It is also where he tends to show his best form.

Eight runs have yielded two wins and a second, and he struck over this course and distance nine days ago under Ben Sanderson. 

Sanderson and Mr Heinz team up again off a 4lb higher mark in this, but the horse's last five runs at the track read 12401 and his trainer is hopeful of another big run.

Stat 2: Watson winners

Archie Watson has an impressive 24 per cent strike-rate when he sends runners to Newcastle this year. He has one representative on the card, Basalt in the mile novice stakes (4.25).

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.