O'Brien keeping Derby options open
The Ballydoyle handler has enjoyed a superb run of results in recognised trials for the Epsom Classic, including victories for new ante-post favourite Delacroix, Lambourn, Mount Kilimanjaro and Puppet Master.
He suffered a rare setback when The Lion In Winter could only finish sixth in the Dante at York on his seasonal debut but the son of Sea The Stars is still very much on course for a crack at the Derby.
O'Brien said: 'Obviously the lads will decide. We'll discuss what we have and where we are.
'At the moment, it could be the horse from the Vase in Chester (Lambourn), it could be Delacroix and the horse from the Dante (The Lion In Winter).
'Maybe all three will run and then obviously we have the two Lingfield horses (Puppet Master and runner-up Stay True).
'They just have to decide what they want to keep back for Ascot, there is a three-year-old mile-and-a-quarter race, a mile-and-a-half and a mile-and-six at Ascot.
'We'll see how they are all working, talk to Ryan (Moore) and then decide.
'At the moment, Delacroix has gone that route all the time and that's the route our other horses went before they went (to Epsom).
'Everything has been good with him and obviously he doesn't look a slow horse but his sister, by Galileo, got a mile-and-six so you would hope that the Derby distance would be within his range.'
Delacroix readily landed the Leopardstown Derby Trial last time out and before that had subsequent Chester and Lingfield scorers Lambourn and Puppet Master in behind when taking the Ballysax at that course.
'They were second and fourth to him in the Ballysax and they came out and ran well in their trials as well,' added O'Brien.
The Lion In Winter ran too freely in the Dante following a long lay-off and the trainer admitted: 'We always thought what happened at York could happen but he needed to run if he was going to go to the Derby.'
When it was put to him that Auguste Rodin and City Of Troy bounced back from disappointing three-year-old debuts to win the Derby in recent years, he added: 'Obviously they were two exceptional horses and I got it very wrong with them on their first run.
'Because they were so good they were able to come back and do what they did. It's not the first time and won't be the last time.
'We were very happy with the run (from The Lion In Winter), he did exactly what we thought could happen. He jumped, he was fresh and things didn't work.
'He got stopped halfway down the straight and he would have been probably a good third easily. If he hadn't jumped into the bridle and wanted to tear off early, that would have been another couple of lengths.
'Ryan did the right thing, he said 'come back and do this right, this is a trial today'.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
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:
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
BoyleSports offer: Bet £10 on Epsom Oaks get £30 in free bets
Enjoy £30 in free bets with BoyleSports when you bet £10 on the Epsom Oaks this Friday BoyleSports is jumping in on the horse racing action this action and offering new customers £30 in free bets when they sign-up and place a £10 on the Epsom Oaks this week. The Oaks, a prestigious Group 1 flat race for three-year-old fillies, is a proud testament to the enduring tradition of British horse racing. Hosted at Epsom and overseen by the Jockey Club, this race challenges its competitors over a formidable distance of one mile, four furlongs, and six yards. Since its inception in 1779, marked by Bridget's victory, The Oaks has become a staple of the racing season. As one of the five Classic races held annually, The Oaks is notable as the second oldest, with only the St Leger predating it. Interestingly, it is older than the illustrious Derby by a year, further cementing its historical importance. This year's race sees Desert Flower as the favourite. Trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick, this unbeaten filly by Night Of Thunder has dominated her five starts. Her victories include impressive wins at the Group 1 Fillies' Mile (2024) and the 1000 Guineas (2025), where she outpaced Lake Victoria by 2¼ lengths. Adding to the excitement, Aiden O'Brien aims to reclaim The Oaks title with his contenders Whirl and Minnie Hauk, both poised as significant threats according to the odds. Meanwhile, Giselle, a 10/1 shot, could also make a strong showing for those considering an each-way bet. With such formidable competitors lined up, this year's Oaks promises to deliver thrilling action on Epsom's historic track. How to claim the this BoyleSports Free Bets offer Here is your guide on how to make the most out of this offer with BoyleSports: Click this link which will take you to the BoyleSports sign-up page Choose the Sports Welcome Offer Register your account and deposit minimum £10 into your account with 7 days of registration Place a £10 bet at odds of 1/1 (2.0) or greater on the Epsom Oaks market - or any race at Epsom race course this weekend Enjoy £30 in free bets Terms and conditions Here are the key terms and conditions from BoyleSports: 18+ New UK customers (Excluding NI) only. £40 in FREE Bets (FB) as £30 in sports bets & a £10 casino bonus (CB). Min Deposit £10. Min stake £10. Min odds Evs. FB applied on 1st settlement of any qualifying bet. FB 7-day expiry. 1 FB offer per customer, household & IP address only. Account & Payment restrictions. 14 days to accept £10 CB, then active for 3 days. CB 5x wagering & max redeemable £100. Game restrictions apply. Cashed out/Free Bets won't apply. 30 days to qualify. T&Cs Apply Eligibility restriction and further T&C's apply. Please gamble responsibly. Gamble responsibly Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Derby meeting jockey excited to make Epsom debut against role model Hollie Doyle
Isobelle Chalmers lines up in the Betfred 3YO Dash on Sandscreendeliverd, trained by Peter Crate. It comes a day after the teenager competes in an all-apprentice event at Goodwood Racecourse A teenage jockey is making her debut at Epsom's Derby meeting after taking every piece of advice from record-breaker Hollie Chalmers has her first ride around the famous track on Peter Crate-saddled Sandscreendeliverd in the Betfred 3YO Dash tomorrow. Run over what is considered to be the fastest five furlongs in the world, the event takes place just over an hour before the £1.5million Betfred Derby. Riding off 7st 9lb, her lowest in the last 12 months, 18-year-old Chalmers will come up against Doyle, who partners Kevin Ryan trainee Cape Sovereign. In May, Doyle claimed the record for the most winners ridden by a female jockey in Britain on Brindavan at Ascot. The 28-year-old's triumph was number 1,023 in a career which saw her make a Royal Ascot breakthrough in 2020 and in a Classic on Nashwa two years later. "Hollie is my role model and I've known her for a long time through my job as an apprentice at Andrew Balding's," said Chalmers. "She has watched some of my races back and helped me improve on little things, as well as in the gym as I'm light and a similar size to her. "She's so down to earth and it's great to have such a successful jockey to learn from." Chalmers kicked off her career in November 2024 by stunning the Lingfield opposition at 125-1 on Ashford Hill, a horse owned by her mother. The longshot lines up in the BetGoodwin Best Odds Guaranteed Fillies' Handicap at Goodwood this evening, on an all-apprentice racecard. "She's in form and back at six furlongs, so should have a chance," added Chalmers, a graduate of pony racing. Among her opponents on the night is Jack Doughty, who has a chance in each of the six races as he seeks his 100th career winner. Five of them, including Port Erin in the opening Bet Clever BetGoodwin Apprentice Handicap, are for his main employer Tony Carroll. Doughty rode out his claim on the trainer's sprinter Pop Dancer at Brighton on May 27 and he hopes to hit another milestone in West Sussex. "It would be great to reach 100 winners," he said. "At my age I feel very lucky to be doing this job and Tony has been very supportive." The raceday which first began in 2022 was created to give apprentices opportunities and celebrate emerging talent in the weighing room. It runs on a points-based system with a totaliser to decide who will be crowned Goodwood's leading apprentice, before DJ act Groove Armada takes to the stage after the thoroughbred action has concluded. Senior Racing Executive at the Professional Jockeys Association, Adam McNamara, said: "It cannot be understated how beneficial it is to our apprentice jockeys to have the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a big crowd on a premier track."
