Horse Racing Tips for the Epsom Handicap 2025

It’s a long way from some of the vintage Epsom fields of years gone by, but one question dominates this year’s Group 1 over the famous Randwick mile.

• Can unbeaten short-priced favourite Autumn Glow win from the outside barrier and at what price do you play?

If she’d drawn soft in a field of only 14, she’d be closer to $1.80.

From the outside, she’s trading around $2.25–$2.70 and that may still be value on a firm surface.

Being by superstar sire The Autumn Sun and stepping out to a mile third-up, the distance holds no fears.

Yet, there are a few runners who are well over the odds that her connections should be wary of.

 

 

Epsom Handicap 2025 Tips & Best Bets

Track Conditions

Expect a Good 4 with the rail back in the True position, offering relatively fresh ground after being pushed out to 7m two weeks ago.

On or near the speed should be an advantage early, before a gradual trend towards off-speed winners late in the day.

 

 

Speed Map

Fully Lit is the likely leader, with Pericles handy, along with long-shot Yellowbrick pressing forward from wide and El Castello using the low draw.

Autumn Glow will aim to slot in no more than three lengths from the speed despite the outside gate, with Pier not far away.

Willydoit lands midfield with cover, while Ceolwulf has to be ridden quieter from his draw, settling midfield with Encap nearby.

Swiftfalcon naturally drifts back and will be looking to launch late.

 

The Favourite

There’s no question Autumn Glow deserves to be favourite, but the price is the puzzle.

She commands clear respect, yet anything under $2.70 feels tight in a race lacking overall depth.

She remains the one to beat, but punters must weigh up whether the wide draw and race shape justify diving in at the quote.

 

 

Neil’s Best Bet

The forgotten horse is Ceolwulf, who opened around $9.00 and should be much closer to $5.00 in this field.

Yes, he’s been costly this prep and may be looking for 2000m, but he’s been a victim of poor rides and still wasn’t far away behind genuine Group 1 stars Via Sistina and Fangirl.

Fourth-up, he’s ready to roll.

He’ll need to be moving before the turn with little speed on up front, but if he gets rolling momentum, he’s the stand-out value in the race.

 

The Dangers

• Autumn Glow: unbeaten and all class, but faces her stiffest test from a wide draw.

• Willydoit: serious second-up player, maps perfectly to stalk the leaders.

• Pericles: thrives second-up and looks well drawn to strike.

• Swiftfalcon: booming third-up finisher, though the likely tempo could blunt his closing power.

 

Neil’s Top Five

1. Ceolwulf

2. Autumn Glow

3. Willydoit

4. Pericles

5. Swiftfalcon

 

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