2026 Epsom Handicap Field, Barrier Draw & Form

CEOLWULF (7) opened at $9.50 before drifting to double-figure odds. That’s a concern, and so is the 59kg, but he’s good enough to carry it to victory. A win would shock no one, so he’s worth including in Epsom Handicap tips.

Not firing a shot in two runs back from a spell, which is a concern. Barrier 4 is ideal, but TOM KITTEN (4) would need to turn things around in a big way to win this race.

AUTUMN BOY (1) was the early outright favourite before money came for the Kiwi. He’s still one of the best winning hopes after finishing second behind Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes, and he’s about to hit his straps with two runs under his belt. A tough customer, and he’ll be right there in the finish if he’s brilliant enough to keep up with the Kiwi.

Drawing wide isn’t ideal for IDLE FLYER (18), and we don’t think she’s well off on the weights at 55kg. We would have had something on her at a lighter weight, but she hasn’t returned with enough this preparation to warrant attention.

LADY SHENANDOAH (16) has been smashed in betting markets after opening at $26. That’s an interesting move for a runner coming off just a plain run for fourth behind Angel Capital, but we respect the money coming for her. She’s classy at her best, but the value is gone from her odds now.

The boom Kiwi mare, WELL WRITTEN (3) is unbeaten after seven runs. She has proven too good for the opposition over there, and her opposition included Belle Cheval, who won a Group 1 in Australia. She took care of Alabama Lass last start, who is a classy mare, and everything points towards a win in the Epsom Handicap.

MILITARIZE (19) is a runner punters hate to love. He’ll win a big race at some point in his career when no one is on him, and it could be on Saturday. However, based on his form, we can’t include him in our suggested Epsom Handicap predictions.

ATTICA (6) opened far too short at $6, and the drift has happened. He is a nice enough type to be running well in an Epsom, and punters get good enough odds to take now. He’s weighted at 51.5kg, and Kerrin McEvoy should get a good run from barrier 6.

The recent form from VIVY AIR (9) hasn’t been good enough to warrant attention at this level, and she’s looking for something much easier.

FULLY LIT (8) is a speed runner, who could make things interesting in front. Unsure if he’s good enough to win at Group 1 level, especially against this field, and the $26 odds are slightly too short for our liking.

HELLSING (12) ended his last preparation with back-to-back wins, but he might need a few more runs under his belt to show his best. We would prefer to back him in the provincial group races, as opposed to at Randwick.

PERFUMIST (17) is an interesting runner for Bjorn Baker, who knows how to train an upset winner. She got back to her best form with an impressive win last start, and natural improvement, and the 50kg could take her close. She is an upset hope with luck from barrier 17.

There has been some betting support for MATCHA LATTE (15) after opening at $91, which is a good sign. He is a consistent runner who is capable of running a big race on Saturday. Will he win? Probably not, but he has a chance.

A highly-regarded mare for Chris Waller, but we don’t think this is an ideal race for PANOVA (14). She lacks the turn-of-foot needed to win an Epsom.

PLYMOUTH (11) is a tough runner to recommend backing. He is only a three-time winner, and those didn’t come against this class. There has been no movement with his odds since opening.

GOD’S WINDOW (13) can’t be completely ruled out, but it would be a big effort to win. He is another three-time winner, and his best form might come in the autumn.

DECLICHY BOULEVARD (2) won well at Randwick last start, albeit in BM88 grade. This is a big rise in class, but dropping from 59.5kg to 50kg has its advantages. Not a runner we’re prepared to overlook at the odds.

ENCAP (10) is a runner we are prepared to overlook. The odds are huge, and it would be a massive upset if he got over the top of them.

Late betting moves will be telling for MR MILLER (5). He only battled in the Cameron Handicap, but he’s another lightweight runner who could produce an upset.