Epsom Derby Weekend: Top jockeys to watch for big wins Epsom will be the centre of the racing universe this coming weekend as The Derby and The Oaks headline a stellar two days on the famous Surrey Downs. Epsom is a unique track and many consider the famous switchback course to be the ultimate test of a thoroughbred. With its U-shape, sweeping bends, camber and pronounced downhill gradients, the track at Epsom takes some getting used to. With their biggest two days of the year looming, here we profile three riders that could be worth following at Epsom. Betfred Epsom Derby Weekend Betting Offer If you already have a Betfred account, check out more of the best betting sites and casino bonuses Oisin Murphy Four-times the champion jockey in Britain, Oisin Murphy rides Epsom better than most. The Co Kerry native has 21 winners at the track from 76 rides in the last five seasons, giving him a strike-rate of 28 per-cent. He's been good for punters in that sequence, with a +24.98 profit to a level stake along the way. Murphy has won both the Guineas races at Newmarket but has yet to land an Epsom Classic in his career. He is set to partner Go Go Boots for John & Thady Gosden in Friday's Oaks, replacing Kieran Shoemark on last month's Musidora Stakes third, as the Clarehaven team have opted on a 'best available jockey' policy. Few are better equipped than Murphy anywhere, but at Epsom he has proved himself to be a particularly potent prospect. William Buick Few riders will head for Epsom with more confidence than former champion jockey William Buick after he won both Guineas' races at Newmarket last month for his boss Charlie Appleby and Godolphin. Buick powered home on Ruling Court in the 2000 Guineas and supplemented that 24 hours later on board Desert Flower in the first fillies' Classic of the year. The latter remains unbeaten and the Night Of Thunder filly is favourite to win the Oaks at Epsom on Friday afternoon. Buick boasts a 22 per-cent strike-rate at Epsom (15-68) across the last five seasons and is +1.32 to a level stake. He's sure to have a strong book of rides for this year's Derby Festival. Benoit De La Sayette Ryan Moore is an obvious candidate for this third slot, with a 24 per-cent Epsom strike-rate in the last five years and a +10.25 level stakes profit. He will have some major chances as retained rider for Aidan O'Brien and will be a wanted commodity for any spares rides. Another to consider, however, is Benoit De La Sayette. The former champion apprentice does well at this venue, with nine winners in 36 rides across five seasons for a 25 per-cent strike-rate and punters would be in profit via a +9.33 showing for a level stakes profit. De La Sayette is closely associated with trainers like Kevin Philippart De Foy and Marco Botti, while he also rides regularly for the Gosden operation. He will be setting his sights on picking up some nice rides again at Epsom this weekend and his record at the track means punters should always be willing to give him a second look.
