Delacroix heads runners for Derby at Epsom
Betfred Derby 2025Venue: Epsom Racecourse Date: Saturday, 7 June Time: 15:30 BSTCoverage: Commentary of the Derby on BBC Radio 5 Live, plus Friday's Coronation Cup (14:40) and Oaks (16:00). Racecards, results & reports on the BBC Sport website and app.
Delacroix and Ruling Court head the runners as a field of 19 was declared for Saturday's Derby at Epsom.Delacroix is one of three contenders, alongside The Lion In Winter and Lambourn for Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien, who is seeking a record-extending 11th win in the Classic.The only withdrawal at Wednesday's final declaration stage was the O'Brien-trained Puppet Master.Ruling Court, for Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, will bid to become the first 2000 Guineas victor to win the Derby since Camelot in 2012.Dante Stakes winner Pride Of Arras is one of two entries for Ralph Beckett, who also has Stanhope Gardens, while John and Thady Gosden run York runner-up Damysus and the fifth-placed Nightwalker.Declarations closed at the 72-hour stage for the first time this year after being brought forward a day in an effort to provide greater build-up for the race, which is for three-year-old horses only.Approximate Derby odds: 5-2 Delacroix, 7-2 Ruling Court, 5-1 Pride Of Arras, 6-1 The Lion In Winter, 12-1 Damysus, 14-1 Lambourn, Midak, 16-1 Stanhope Gardens, 20-1 Bar.
Delacroix was installed as ante-post favourite after winning two Derby trials at Leopardstown although it is yet to be confirmed whether stable jockey Ryan Moore will ride.Moore could potentially choose The Lion In Winter, who was sixth when odds-on favourite in the Dante, but is expected to improve for that run.William Buick will partner Ruling Court as the jockey and trainer Appleby seek further Classic success, having also landed the 1000 Guineas with Desert Flower, who is favourite for the Oaks on Friday.Tornado Alert, fourth in the 2000 Guineas, represents fellow Godolphin trainer Saeed bin Suroor.As well as Nightwalker, owners Juddmonte have added French challenger New Ground to the £1m race for a supplementary fee of £75,000.The Francis Graffard-trained Midak has also been added to the race and he will carry the colours of the Aga Khan Studs, with the race run in honour of the Aga Khan IV, who owned legendary Derby winner Shergar and died in February.Charlie Johnston is double-handed with Lazy Griff and Green Storm, with Al Wasl Storm, Nightime Dancer, Rogue Impact, Sea Scout, Tennessee Stud and Tuscan Hills completing the field.Approximate Oaks odds (Friday 16:00 BST): 5-4 Desert Flower, 4-1 Minnie Hauk, 7 -1 Giselle, 15-2 Whirl, 9-1 Revoir, 10-1 Elwateen, 20-1 Bar.
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