Betfred Derby |
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| Group 1, Epsom Downs 15:30 £2,000,000 guaranteed 3yo only, 1m, 4f, 10y  |
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The picture is beginning to take shape following a series of informative Classic trials, with Aidan O’Brien once again appearing to hold a formidable hand ahead of Epsom.
Benvenuto Cellini cemented his position at the head of the Derby market with a commanding success in the Boodles Chester Vase, providing O’Brien with an 11th victory in the race that has long been one of the key pointers to the premier Classic.
Brilliant from Benvenuto Cellini in the Boodles Chester Vase! 👏 @ChesterRaces pic.twitter.com/bHyYmraVQh
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 6, 2026
The flashy chestnut, who had already shown high-class form at two when finishing third in the Futurity Trophy, was sent off the 2-9 favourite for his seasonal return and justified that confidence in style under Ryan Moore.
With stablemate Proposition setting a strong pace, Moore was content to bide his time in midfield before easing Benvenuto Cellini into contention around the home turn. Once asked to quicken, the son of Frankel immediately put the race to bed, powering four and a quarter lengths clear in an authoritative display.
“He’s got a lovely pedigree and had good form last year. It’s nice to get him over a mile and a half and get a fresh start with him.”
Ryan Moore
Moore felt the colt would improve significantly for the outing, particularly after getting a little tired late on, while also suggesting there could be even more to come once he gains further experience.
Coolmore representative Paul Smith confirmed Epsom is now firmly on the agenda, describing Benvenuto Cellini as a “high-class horse” with an excellent temperament and a powerful stride. The performance saw bookmakers cut him to Derby favouritism at around 9-4.
O’Brien, speaking from Ballydoyle, was equally encouraged and noted the colt had benefited from a return to better ground after struggling on softer conditions at Doncaster last autumn.
The Ballydoyle trainer could yet have multiple leading contenders, with Constitution River also entering the Derby conversation following a dominant display in the Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes at Chester.
Another trial win for Ballydoyle!
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) May 7, 2026
CONSTITUTION RIVER wins the Boodles Raindance Dee Stakes 🏆 pic.twitter.com/4eJeSr2S03
On an afternoon disrupted by a lengthy delay due to a track inspection, Constitution River made light work of his rivals under Moore, travelling strongly throughout before surging seven lengths clear of Generic.
The son of Wootton Bassett had already shown smart form as a juvenile before a setback interrupted his campaign, but he looked every inch a top-class colt on his return.
“He gave me a lovely feel and I think he’s an exciting horse.”
Ryan Moore
Moore suggested Constitution River could be effective over either 10 furlongs or a mile and a half, while connections also retain the option of dropping back in distance later in the season.
Paul Smith admitted the team now face an enviable task deciding where Ballydoyle’s leading middle-distance colts should go, with Constitution River holding entries for both the Derby and the St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
O’Brien explained the Chester outing had specifically been chosen to give the colt the option of heading to Epsom, while the French Derby also remains under consideration.
Outside of Ballydoyle, William Haggas’ Maltese Cross emerged as another intriguing Derby contender after landing the William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial in determined fashion.
A thrilling finish to the William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial! 🤩
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) May 9, 2026
Maltese Cross fends off the rallying Bay Of Brilliance in a cracker at @LingfieldPark...@WilliamHaggas | @TomMarquand pic.twitter.com/h1xxhFF8x0
The son of Sea The Stars followed up his Newbury novice success by edging out Ralph Beckett’s Bay Of Brilliance in a stirring duel inside the final furlong, eventually prevailing by a neck under Tom Marquand.
Marquand tracked the leaders throughout before committing his challenge approaching the straight, with Maltese Cross showing plenty of resilience once challenged.
Haggas, who won the Derby with Shaamit in 1996, believes the colt deserves his chance at Epsom, particularly given his evident stamina.
“I think the one thing he will do is stay, whether he stays quick enough is anyone’s guess, but I think he’ll stay.”
William Haggas
Marquand admitted the colt had still been learning on the job and felt the Lingfield performance answered some of the questions left by his previous victory at Newbury.
“He’s won a trial and he’s a very interesting horse,” said the jockey. “He’ll relish the trip in the Derby like he did today.”
Charlie Appleby’s Maho Bay, who started favourite for the Lingfield contest, failed to threaten and could only finish fourth.
The final major British trial still to come is York’s Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes, which could provide another important clue ahead of Epsom.
Saxon Street, winner of the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, heads the possible runners for John and Thady Gosden and is expected to benefit from the additional experience.
The lightly-raced colt has won both his starts so far and connections believe the Dante will be an ideal stepping stone before potentially returning to Epsom in June.
“It will only be his third start, the experience will do him the world of good and hopefully he will run a nice race there.”
Thady Gosden
Aidan O’Brien could also send several contenders to York, including Pierre Bonnard, Christmas Day and Italy, while Charlie Appleby’s potential team includes Al Zanati and King’s Trail.
William Haggas may rely on Morshdi, who bypassed Chester after connections expressed concerns over the ground but had previously impressed in Newmarket’s Fielden Stakes.
With the major trials continuing to produce strong performances on both sides of the Irish Sea, this year’s Derby is shaping up to be one of the most competitive renewals in recent seasons.
Betfred Derby (Group 1)
£2,000,000 guaranteed, 3yo only, 1m 4f 10y, Class 1
41 remaining entries
Going:
(Form as of May 9)
Previous Winners
