3 minutes Check out my Betfred Derby betting tips
A healthy field of 14 go to post for the famous Epsom Derby with a field packed full of potential stars and plenty of storylines that could be written. After Aiden O'Briens dominance in the Oaks yesterday, filling the first two places, he looks to add to his already impressive tally of a record ten wins in the race and a win here will give him a hat-trick, having seen Auguste Rodin and City of Troy take the 2023 and 2024 races respectively.
Ryan Moore's Choice
Aiden O'Brien has three of the first five in the betting however Ryan Moore's telling choice is Delacroix (11/4) who with no surprise has been well backed to favouritism over the last couple of weeks. Has returned as a three-year-old with a pair of Group 3 wins at Leopardstown and has done it impressively and shapes as though the further step up in trip will suit. He likes to run close to the pace which could suit around here with him likely to miss any skirmishing behind him. He has to have a huge chance today.
The Lion In Winter (8/1) is still not written off despite his lacklustre showing in the Dante. He was long ante post favourite for this before that day but Aiden O'Brien did warn that he would come on leaps and bounds for that comeback run and is not completely dismissed with capable Colin Keane up for the ride.
Lambourn (11/1) is apparently third choice and was put in his place by Delacroix two starts back, however looked never better than at the finish at Chester last time when tackling this trip for the first time. That tees him up nicely for this and is one of few that is now proven over the trip. Each way chance.
The Best of British
Pride Of Arras (5/1) won the Dante last time on only his second start after quite the lay off and he came surging through to land the prize. With a couple of the favourites not seeming to run their race the form is possibly questionable but he could only beat what was in front of him that day and has so much potential for this extra yardage as he still looked a bit green during that race. Looking to give trainer Ralph Beckett his first win in the race.
Ruling Court (11/2) won the first Classic of the year and now takes his chance over the extra half mile to try and complete the second leg of the Triple Crown. It's hard to judge whether he will stay, however a Classic winner has to be respected and connections seem bullish about his chances to get the extra yardage. A slight worry is that he appears to be a market drifter however it would be interesting if any money did start to come for him tomorrow before the race.
Analysis
After Aiden O'Brien’s dominance here yesterday the money down for Delacroix looks telling. His running style should suit the race and surely shouldn't be far away. Despite looking third string, Lambourn’s proven form over the distance gives him an E/W squeak but the pick is Pride Of Arras in hope he will improve even further after his impressive Dante win and will mow down the favourite close home.
