The 2026 renewal of the famous Epsom Derby takes place on Saturday at 4pm.
One of the most prestigious horse racing events on the planet, this year sees some strong contenders looking to claim first prize.
Below, we take a look at five of the antepost favourites, providing some key details and the latest horse racing odds from NetBet Sport.
Written by Jake Wilkes
*All odds are subject to change
Benvenuto Cellini – 9/5
Antepost favourite for many of the winter months indicate the calibre of animal at the top of the market. Benvenuto Cellini spearheads the Aidan O’Brien charge as he bids for a 12th success in the race, and looked better than ever when winning at Chester on seasonal re-appearance at group 3 level. Holds a group 2 win to his name at Leopardstown and ran respectably in the group 1 Futurity Stakes at Doncaster. Possesses a long galloping stride and if handling the undulations of Epsom, sets a fierce standard for his rivals to surpass.
Item – 7/2
Perhaps the biggest threat to the Ballydoyle clan, Item took a marked step forward when winning the group 2 Dante Stakes last time out and represents powerful ownership with Juddmonte. Trainer Andrew Balding is yet to taste Derby victory, but this might be his best chance to date, especially when you consider this isn’t the deepest renewal – and the upward trajectory this horse is on. He had a number of these behind him when winning at York, and will no doubt be popular in the market.
Maltese Cross – TBC
Displaying a terrific attitude every time he steps on the track, Maltese Cross is extremely likeable and has enough talent to be taken seriously. Trainer William Haggas last won the Derby in 1996 with Shaamit, but could gain his second if this son of Sea of Stars can handle the sharp step up in grade. He won the Derby trial at Lingfield when last seen at listed level, but others have produced more impressive performances to date – and my gut feeling is he may find a handful of these too good.
Bay Of Brilliance – TBC
If you carry a penalty and win by 8 and a half lengths in novice company, you have a good horse on your hands, regardless of the opposition. This is what Bay Of Brilliance did on his penultimate start, and the runner-up that day has consolidated that form next time out. He ties in closely with Maltese Cross after a neck defeat in the above-mentioned Derby trial and is more unexposed than most of this field. Respected.
Action – TBC
If you can forgive his high-head carriage and his penultimate effort at Sandown, where not a lot went his way, Action has quite an attractive profile, at an equally attractive price. Likely to be in the middle of the O’Brien pecking order, but I always get the impression this horse is better than the regard he is held in by industry personnel. Only won a maiden in six starts, but he has plenty of place form to his name in high-level group contests. He may outrun his odds and could possibly front run.
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