Epsom Derby Picks — Betting Preview and Predictions (Jun 7)

The Classic action continues this weekend across the globe, with all eyes on Epsom ahead of the Belmont Stakes as the Derby is staged.

The race is the richest on the flat in the United Kingdom, and its long history dates back to 1780, with races such as the Kentucky Derby born out of the concept of the British Blue Riband turf contest. You can find the odds and our picks for the 2025 Epsom Derby here.

Odds

Epsom Derby Recent Winners

Epsom Derby: Event Information

Race Preview

One of the world’s most famous races is set for this Saturday, as the 2025 edition of the Derby is set for Epsom. The race forms the second leg of the British Triple Crown, staging a month after the 2000 Guineas and is following by the St Leger later in the season.

Aidan O’Brien has won more editions of the Derby than any other trainer, meaning it is no surprise that the market is dominated by his contenders. Delacroix, the choice of Ryan Moore, is the current favorite.

His unsexy, but professional approach could be perfectly suited to the test of Epsom, and he was faultless when winning a trial at Leopardstown last time out. High Chaparral followed the same path in 2002. However, the fact that he is by Dubawi has to be a concern, as the stallion is yet to produce a Derby victor.

The last two Derby winners (City of Troy and Auguste Rodin) both blew out on their return efforts for O’Brien before coming out on top at Epsom. That theme is represented once again this year by The Lion In Winter, who was exceptionally promising as a juvenile before taking sixth in the G1 Dante on his reappearance. The lack of recovery time is a major concern, as that race was just 23 days ago.

A total of 15 previous Derby winners have come out of the 2000 Guineas, which bodes well for the winner of that race last month, Ruling Court. The Godolphin runner, saddled by Charlie Appleby, was impressive at Newmarket, but only Camelot has won both Classics since 2010.

In a wide-open edition, plenty will latch onto the Dante as the key form line. This race has produced nine winners of the Derby since 1980. Pride Of Arras couldn’t have been more impressive in winning that race. But, his RPR of 114 is a concern. Only five horses this century have done the double with ratings ranging between 119 and 123.

Outsider of Note

With rain in the forecast, it could be worth flagging up French raider Midak. The three-year-old has won on soft and good-to-soft ground in France, and was an impressive winner at Saint-Cloud on his final start before travelling to Epsom when winning over a mile and two.

He has plenty of stamina in his pedigree, and if the expected rain does fall, he could be an over-priced selection that may run well at a huge price.

Epsom Derby Picks

This is one of the most open editions of the Derby in recent memory, with questions handing over many of the market leaders. However, James Doyle is an eye-catching booking on Damysus for John & Thady Gosden, and he could present significant upside.

The three-year-old has a nice draw, and was only narrowly beaten by Pride Of Arras in the Dante last month. He should be tuned up for this run after two previous efforts on the turf this season, and as a son of Frankel, he should improve over this stamina-sapping distance presented in the Derby.