Betfred Derby |
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| Group 1, Epsom Downs 15:30 £1,500,000 guaranteed 3yo only, 1m, 4f, 10y  |
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Delacroix has shown consistent improvement, notably winning the Group 3 Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October 2024. He displayed tenacity by outbattling Stanhope Gardens, indicating both class and stamina. His pedigree, being by Dubawi out of the champion mare Tepin, suggests a strong aptitude for middle distances. Trainer Aidan O’Brien has expressed confidence in Delacroix's development, and jockey Ryan Moore is expected to choose him as his Derby mount.
Initially a leading Derby contender, The Lion In Winter's stock has declined following a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Dante Stakes at York. Despite this setback, his earlier performances, including a record-breaking win in the Acomb Stakes at York, highlight his potential. Trainer Aidan O’Brien remains optimistic about his chances, drawing parallels to previous horses who rebounded from poor trials to succeed at Epsom.
A big-priced winner in the Dante! 🤯
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 15, 2025
Pride Of Arras throws himself into the Derby picture by winning Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes 🥇#ITVRacing | @yorkracecourse | @Rossaryan15 | @RalphBeckett pic.twitter.com/EtMy27TFSz
Pride of Arras emerged as a strong Derby candidate after a commanding victory in the Dante Stakes at York, defeating several favored rivals. This performance significantly improved his Derby odds, and trainer Ralph Beckett believes the colt has ample potential, comparing favourably to his previous top runner, Westover.
Charlie Appleby’s Ruling Court is a standout, his mile victories earlier this season marking him as a colt with Classic potential. Despite a relatively quiet campaign, his class and scope suggest he could thrive over the Derby trip.
John and Thady Gosden’s Damysus is another to watch, blending tactical speed with staying power, a combination that could prove lethal on Epsom’s undulating terrain.
Midak is set to be supplemented for the race, where he will carry the colours of the Aga Khan Studs in a race which is this year named in honour of His Highness Aga Khan IV.
The late Aga Khan was no stranger to success at Epsom, with one of the most famous Derby winners of all, Shergar, amongst his host of Classic scorers at the Downs track.
His daughter Princess Zahra has now confirmed that Francis Henri-Graffard’s unbeaten Midak will tackle the British showpiece as his next assignment after enhancing his reputation at Saint-Cloud in the Prix Greffulhe.
Betfred Derby (Group 1)
£1,500,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 4f 10y, Class 1
25 remaining entries
Going:
NO. FORM HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY
1 721 Al Wasl Storm 3 9-2 Owen Burrows
2 1-32 Damysus 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
3 212-11 Delacroix 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
4 2122-4 Green Storm 3 9-2 Charlie Johnston
5 115-21 Lambourn 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
6 0131-2 Lazy Griff 3 9-2 Charlie Johnston
7 215-24 Luther 3 9-2 Charlie Fellowes
8 3-13 Nightime Dancer 3 9-2 Richard Hannon
9 313-35 Nightwalker 3 9-2 John & Thady Gosden
10 4-14 Opportunity 3 9-2 William Haggas
11 1-1 Pride Of Arras 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
12 214-41 Puppet Master 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
13 1-2 Purview 3 9-2 D K Weld
14 0-16 Rogue Impact 3 9-2 James Owen
15 33 Rogue Millions 3 9-2 James Owen
16 13-11 Ruling Court 3 9-2 Charlie Appleby
17 51-18 Sea Scout 2 3 9-2 Simon & Ed Crisford
18 2213-4 Shackleton 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
19 312-1 Stanhope Gardens 3 9-2 Ralph Beckett
20 3121-3 Tennessee Stud 3 9-2 Joseph O'Brien
21 11-6 The Lion In Winter 3 9-2 A P O'Brien
22 5314-6 Too Soon 3 9-2 Gary & Josh Moore
23 31-4 Tornado Alert 3 9-2 Saeed bin Suroor
24 11-7 Tuscan Hills 3 9-2 Raphael E Freire
25 13-253 Wimbledon Hawkeye 3 9-2 James Owen
