As the calendar flips into May, racing fans worldwide were treated to a week filled with Classic trials, breakout performances, and further innovations in the betting world. The road to Epsom and beyond is heating up, and this week delivered pivotal insights.

Ancient Wisdom Makes a Statement in the Dante Trial

The star of the week was undoubtedly Ancient Wisdom, who returned with authority at Newmarket in the Newmarket Stakes, stamping his credentials as a leading Epsom Derby contender. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, the Godolphin colt powered through the final furlong to beat a classy field that included Gaspar De Lemos and Caviar Heights.

Appleby noted that the colt “needed the run” and should come on significantly for it — an ominous sign for rivals. Bookmakers slashed his Derby odds following the performance, and fans are eagerly anticipating his next move.

International Highlights and Female Jockey Milestone

In the U.S., the Kentucky Oaks crowned a new queen: Perfect Verse, trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florencia Leon, who became the first South American-born female jockey to win the prestigious race. The victory was a poignant moment, hailed as a breakthrough in both performance and representation.

Meanwhile, in Japan, the NHK Mile Cup produced a thriller as Kitasan Favor nosed out the favorite Seraphic Light in the final strides at Tokyo Racecourse, continuing the upward trend of close finishes in Japanese G1s this spring.

Tech and Regulation Watch: Real-Time Vet Reports & ESG Pressure

On the innovation front, RaceHub, a UK-based tech platform, launched a real-time veterinary report tool that gives punters access to pre-race health scans, temperature readings, and conditioning reports. Currently in pilot mode at select courses, the tool is expected to roll out widely by summer.

In regulatory news, pressure continues to mount on bookmakers to comply with ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) standards. The Gambling Commission has urged platforms to publish transparent data on responsible gaming interventions and carbon offsets from digital operations.

Strategy Tip of the Week: Trust the Second-Up Bounce

Many horses perform best on their second run after a layoff — often called the "second-up bounce." Trainers commonly use the first race to blow off cobwebs, while targeting peak form for the second appearance. Check the pattern in past campaigns; if a horse has historically improved second-up, that’s a green light for a bet, especially at value odds.