Excellent racing on Sunday, October 1st, including of course all that ‘Arc’ finery over in Paris.

Staying closer to home though for my NAP of the day. Epsom to be precise, who stage an attractive seven-race card – one of which is a Betfred-sponsored contest over the full Derby trip for apprentices.

A certain Billy Loughnane has a mount in this and though he has fierce competition at the sharp end amongst his colleagues, especially from the likes of Conor Planas and Benoit De La Sayette, he’s as good an apprentice as I’ve seen for quite some time. So – my choice is for once a fairly straightforward one …

15.25 Epsom – Forceful Speed @ 15/8

Our selection is a 3-yr-old gelding trained by George Boughey and the mount of the aforementioned Billy Loughnane. He partnered the horse to a cosy win last time at Redcar in a career-best showing, off a mark of 82.

He’s up to 85 on Sunday and up 2f in trip, but that looks entirely manageable. His sire New Bay was placed in Golden Horn’s Arc, a timely thought on Sunday given the action taking place across the Channel, and the step up is more likely to suit than to hinder.

He comes here seeking a hat-trick for owner Amo Racing and could hardly in my view have a better pilot in situ in such a race. A terrific opportunity over Derby course and distance to remind everyone what a stellar talent in the making we have on our hands with the rather terrific Mr Loughnane.

Race craft and maturity beyond his years; and who’s to say he won’t be winning a certain VERY big race here, over this trip, one day?