Ruling Court leads 19 contenders for Derby crown
For the first time ever the race was subject to 72-hour declarations, with Epsom hoping the change helps to build anticipation as the Godolphin runner attempts to keep his Triple Crown dreams alive.
There will be a second runner in the Godolphin blue as Saeed bin Suroor's Tornado Alert, fourth in the Guineas, also runs for Sheikh Mohammed's operation.
Aidan O'Brien has three leading contenders in Delacroix, winner of the two best Derby trials in Ireland, The Lion In Winter, who was favourite for the race all winter and Lambourn, successful in the Chester Vase.
Ralph Beckett's Pride Of Arras has plenty of followers as he arrives unbeaten and a smooth winner of the Dante at York, which is traditionally one of the strongest trials. Beckett also runs Stanhope Gardens.
John and Thady Gosden also have multiple chances with Damysus and Nightwalker, who were second and fifth in the Dante.
There are two runners from France in Francis-Henri Graffard's Midak and Henri-Francois Devin's New Ground, with the pair both supplemented for the race on Monday.
Charlie Johnston has declared both Lazy Griff, second to Lambourn at Chester, and Green Storm, the mount of Billy Loughnane.
Al Wasl Storm, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, Sea Scout, Tennessee Stud and Tuscan Hills complete the list.
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Spectator
2 hours ago
- Spectator
Bets for the Derby and Oaks
The unsettled weather forecast coupled with the number of leading horses who are untried at the distance of tomorrow's Betfred Derby (3.30 p.m.) have increased the chances of a surprise result. The form of Ruling Court is rock solid but his victory in the Betfred 2000 Guineas at Newmarket came on good ground and over a trip of just a mile. Tomorrow's contest over Epsom's twists and turns will be over a mile and a half and it will be on much softer going than at racing's headquarters more than a month ago. Ruling Court's style of running and his breeding give every indication that he will stay 10 furlongs but 12 furlongs on ground with some cut could be another matter so odds of no bigger than 9-2 do not appeal. This morning the going description was 'good to soft, good in places' but there are always certainly more heavy showers to come before the off.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Epsom Derby Tips & Betting Odds: Ruling Court & Royal Dress to win big on Derby Day
Epsom Derby betting tips Epsom Derby racing preview The 2025 Epsom Derby is just around the corner as Epsom Downs Racecourse hosts one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the horse racing calendar. The Derby remains arguably the greatest flat race in the world, with a history stretching back to 1790, and is part of the three classics of the season and one of the so-called 'Triple Crown', alongside the St Leger Stakes and the 2000 Guineas Stakes. In 2025, Ruling Court is bidding to become the first horse since 2012 to complete the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby double, having won impressively at Newmarket in May. And the Godolphin horse is roughly joint-favourite ahead of the race as it stands, having fallen to around 3/1 alongside Delacroix, the AP O'Brien-trained horse who won the Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown last month. In total, 19 horses have been confirmed for the race, which is the headline event among eight races on Derby Day, with the Princess Elizabeth Stakes and the Betfred Diomed Stakes two of the other highlights. Epsom Derby prediction: Ruling Court to claim second Classic The early odds are seeing three of the same names pop up repeatedly: Delacroix, Ruling Court and Pride Of Arras. The former has been the antepost favourite in the lead-up to the race, having won twice at Leopardstown so far this year including in the Derby Trial Stakes last month. Godolphin runner Ruling Court is the horse bidding to complete the 2000 Guineas-Epsom Derby double, and is offered around 13/2 after also winning at Meydan this year. Ralph Beckett's Pride Of Arras has also made an impression in 2025, having on the Group 2 Dante Stakes at York last month. And it is a tough field to predict ahead of the race, with each of the main contenders possessing notable strengths and weaknesses. Though Delacroix remains favourite in the Epsom Derby odds, it's been 23 years since a runner in the Leopardstown Derby Trial followed up with victory in the Derby, and his form as a two-year-old – with three losses in five runs – is cause for concern despite better recent performances. At the shortest odds, there may not be enough value there to be worth a punt. And while Pride Of Arras outperformed his inexperience to win the Dante, the pace of this race may surprise him and his inexperience may tell, having only ever run twice. That leaves Ruling Court. The three-year-old has seen his odds fall as the race approaches, as he comes into The Derby as the highest-rated runner after an impressive run in the 2000 Guineas. He has never run beyond a mile before, and was beaten by The Lion In Winter and Wimbledon Hawkeye in 2024, so there is cause for doubt among punters, but there is a feeling that he'll be a winner if he can stay the distance. To that end, we think a wager on the Godolphin horse could provide better value, with a bet on Ruling Court to win the Derby offered at 3/1 with various horse racing betting sites. Princess Elizabeth Stakes prediction: Royal Dress to secure crown The first race of Derby day is the Princess Elizabeth Stakes, a Group 3 contest open to fillies and mares three years or older that was re-established in 1995. It is one of the two Group 3 races of the day and carries just over £50,000 in prize money, with previous winners including Prosperous Voyage and Breege. Famed jockey Frankie Dettori has won this particular race six times. In 2025, betting sites have Bright Thunder and Royal Dress as joint-favourites at 5/1 in the antepost betting. Royal Dress is yet to win in 2025, having come third in the Group 2 Middleton Fillies' Stakes in York in May, but is coming off the back of a successful 2024 that included a win in Curragh and third place in this very race. Royal Dress' previous performances have shown the necessary speed to win races like this while suggesting that there are also no worries about the ground, and with more rain falling as the race approaches, that could well suit the five-year-old. To that end, we're backing Royal Dress to win the first race of Derby Day at 5/1 with Betfred. Betfred Diomed Stakes prediction: Look out for Docklands The other Group 3 contest of Derby Day is the Diomed Stakes, inaugurated in 1971 and named after the first ever winner of the Epsom Derby. The race is run over a distance of 1 mile and 113 yards, offering over £56,000 in prize money, and previous winners include Royal Scotsman and Megallan, ridden by Frankie Dettori in 2022. Coming in at second favourite is Persica, ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, who has run here 13 times and won twice (while placing on eight further occasions). The four-year-old is offered at 5/2, and already has one win in 2025 – at the Earl of Sefton Stakes at Newmarket in April. But it's Docklands, ridden by Richard Kingscote, who is the current favourite at 7/4, having finished second in the Paradise Stakes at Ascot in April. Interestingly, several previous winners have won this race when entering off the back of a Class 1 contest, which is the case for Docklands. Though he has not run at Epsom recently, the favourite has still shown that he travels well and can handle the pace, performing impressively at Ascot in 2025 and finishing second in last year's Queen Anne Stakes. And we're going with the five-year-old to win on Derby Day too, which is priced at 7/4 with Betfred. Responsible gambling When having a bet, it's vital to practice responsible gambling. When using gambling sites be aware that sports betting can be addictive. Please take steps to remain in control of your time and budget. The same applies whether you're using new betting sites, slot sites, casino sites, casino apps, or any other gambling medium. Even the most knowledgeable punter can lose a bet, so always stick to a budget and never chase your losses. It's particularly important not to get carried away by any free bets or casino offers you might receive, both of which are available in abundance on gambling sites, but must be approached with caution. You can stay in control by making use of the responsible gambling tools offered, such as deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion and time-outs. You may also want to visit the following free organisations to discuss any issues with gambling you might be having:
Telegraph
2 hours ago
- Telegraph
Horse racing tips: Friday, June 6
On the eve of the Derby, there's not a bad warm-up act at Epsom this afternoon. It's Oaks day, also featuring the Coronation Cup, and the first six of the seven races on this top-quality card are being shown live on ITV1. Our in-house expert horse racing tipster is showing a big profit from his picks and has selections in each of the races at Epsom, including a NAP in the Coronation Cup. Ron Wood's selections: Odds provided by William Hill and correct at the time of writing. Stars denote strength of selection (max 5). If you already have a William Hill account and are looking for a new bookmaker to use for this week's racing, check out more free bets from the best betting sites, reviewed by our experts. 1.30 Epsom – Surrey Stakes (Listed, 7f) In an open Listed race to kick off the Epsom action, there may be more still to come from DIEGO VENTURA, who won at this level in France on his latest start. It's just two weeks until Royal Ascot. Find the best Royal Ascot free bets and betting offers 2.05 Epsom – Woodcote Stakes (Conditions, 6f) MAXIMIZED cost £720,000 after breezing in April and made a successful debut in a novice contest at Haydock last month. There's not a lot of form to go on in this two-year-old race, but the selection must have a fair chunk of ability and there seems a reasonable chance that he will prove best. 2.40 Epsom – Coronation Cup (Group 1, 1m 4f) Ancient Wisdom – Eighth in last year's Derby. Has conditions to suit but needs a clear career best. Bellum Justum – Seventh in last year's Derby. More needed than when winning a Group 2 contest at Newmarket on his latest start. Calandagan – Ran away with last year's Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes over this trip at Royal Ascot. Runner-up in Group 1s on all three starts since, most recently in Dubai when the race didn't unfold to suit and he may not have been at peak fitness. The form horse. Continuous – Hasn't gone on from his 2023 St Leger success but has conditions to suit. Giavellotto – Won the Group 1 Hong Kong Vase over this distance in December. Given too much to do off a slow pace in Dubai most recently (behind Calandagan). Jan Brueghel – Won last year's St Leger at Doncaster and should build on his reappearance, when he was second over 1m 2f in a Group 3 race at the Curragh. You Got To Me – Fourth in the Oaks on this card last year and later won the Irish Oaks. Finished last behind Jan Brueghel in the St Leger on her final start in 2024. Sold for 4,800,000gns in December but remains with her original trainer. VERDICT – This is a good opportunity for CALANDAGAN (NAP) to gain a first Group 1 success. On his last three starts the races haven't unfolded to suit him, resulting in three runner-up finishes at this grade, yet has still been running to a high level. Giavellotto and Jan Brueghel are the next best. Selection: Calandagan @ 4/5 with William Hill 3.15 Epsom – Class 2 Handicap (1m 2f) The drop back into handicap company and the slow ground may help BOTANICAL take this. He wears cheekpieces for the first time as well. Last year, the five-year-old was runner-up in the John Smith's Cup, a big handicap at York, as well as a Listed race at Goodwood, form that gives him a leading claim. Selection: Botanical @ 7/2 with William Hill Go to site > 4.00 Epsom – The Oaks (Group 1, 1m 4f) Desert Flower – Unbeaten in five starts including two Group 1s over a mile at Newmarket, most recently the 1,000 Guineas – the season's first fillies' Classic – on her reappearance. Not a sure stayer. Elwateen – Has had just two starts, winning a 7f all-weather novice last year and finishing fourth behind Desert Flower in the 1,000 Guineas on her reappearance. Out of a 1m 2f Group 1 winner but this trip is an unknown. Giselle – Good two-year-old form, including a third place behind her stablemate Whirl over a mile at the Curragh. Defeated two ordinary rivals in taking the 1m 3½f Lingfield Oaks Trial on her seasonal reappearance, despite taking a keen hold and carrying her head a little awkwardly. A big, talented filly, she is still raw and Ryan Moore prefers Minnie Hauk, but this one could be best. Go Go Boots – Has more to do than when third behind Whirl over 1m 2f in the Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York. Minnie Hauk – The choice of Ryan Moore over two other runners for Aidan O'Brien, who has won this race 10 times. Moore has won this four times but was on the 'wrong' one in 2018 and 2021. Cost €1,850,000 as a yearling. Won the 1m 3½f Cheshire Oaks on her reappearance. That's relatively weak form, but she had been off for 200 days and is expected to improve. Qilin Queen – Has more to do than when narrowly winning a Listed race over 1m 2f at Newbury most recently, with Revoir a short head behind in second. Revoir – A relation of her trainer's 2008 Oaks winner Look Here. Still green when second by a short head to the race-fit Qilin Queen in a Listed race over 1m 2f at Newbury on her reappearance. Should progress past that rival and may contend for top honours. Wemightakedlongway – Improved to win a Group 3 race over 1m 2f on soft ground at Navan on her latest start, but she's not a sure stayer, even being by 2014 Derby winner Australia. Whirl – Had Giselle behind her when winning a Group 3 race over a mile at the Curragh last year and most recently trounced her rivals in the 1m 2f Group 3 Musidora Stakes at York. Not a sure stayer on pedigree and has been passed over by Ryan Moore, but she still needs taking seriously. VERDICT – The second fillies' Classic of the season. Desert Flower won the first one but steps up half a mile in trip and is not a sure stayer. Preference is for GISELLE, even if Ryan Moore prefers Minnie Hauk (both of them are daughters of the great Frankel). It's questionable whether the selection is professional enough for this, being a big, headstrong filly. But she has an engine and her dam was a really good type who favoured ease underfoot – and there's plenty of ease in the ground today. The second pick is another one Moore has passed over, Whirl. 4.35 Epsom – Class 2 Handicap (1m 1/2f) FLIGHT PLAN had dropped to a handy mark before cashing in with a success in a Thirsk handicap on his latest start and, even following a rise in the weights, he's still nicely treated. He was a Group 2 winner in 2023 and looks to be on the way back. 5.10 Epsom – Class 2 Handicap (7f) RHOSCOLYN (NB) won this last year, having finished sixth at Chester the weekend before. He comes in off the same prep and off the same handicap as 12 months ago, so his claims look fair. Selection: Rhoscolyn @ 3/1 with William Hill Today's racing (Flat unless stated) Thirsk 1.15-5.30 Epsom 1.30-5.10 Bangor (NH) 1.40-4.40 Fairyhouse 4.15-8.10 Clonmel (NH) 5.00-8.30 Bath 5.15-8.40 Goodwood 5.25-8.19 Doncaster 5.34-9.00 Ron Wood 2025 horse racing P/L Star ratings explained ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - confident selection ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - strong fancy ⭐⭐⭐ - fair claims ⭐⭐ - tentative choice ⭐ - minimum confidence If you want to find more odds and offers, take a look at our list of the best betting sites and free bets Check out our list of the best casino bonuses in the UK
