Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (2023)

itBetfred Derby (1.30 Epsom, Saturday)The upcoming world famous Group 1 competition, set to take place this weekend, looks wide open. Here we take a look at the form of the top contenders and make an early judgment on who comes out on top.

Auguste Rodin

form: 2111-0

benefit:A top young player who won last season with Group 1 advantage at Doncaster, where he looked like a derby horse in every way.

Special thought from Aidan O'Brien, the most successful manager in Derby history with eight titles to his name.

The trip interruption may have been part of his 2,000 guineas effort, and his preparations appear to be going more smoothly this time around. He also reappears in fiery form with his stables.

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (1)

Auguste Rodin: Needs to recover from poor performance at 2,000 GuineasImplementation: Patrick McCann

Weak points:He needs to recover from the 22-year-old's defeat to become the favorite with 2,000 Guineas.

His best form came on softer ground than he expected on Saturday.

Kans:3-1

what do they say

Aidan O'Brien, trainer:"Auguste Rodin is very pleased with what he's done at Newmarket. He seems to be playing well in the game and we've always thought going to the Derby and Epsom grounds wouldn't be a problem for him. He's very good. . Balance Pony, a great mover, so you can imagine Epsom wouldn't be a problem for him either."

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (2)

Auguste Rodin13:30 Eps

view race card

Jackie:Tnr: A P O'Brien

military order

form: 41-11

benefit:As a brother to 2021 Derby winner Adayal, he was certainly born for the task.

He is a forward-thinking colt, having enjoyed rookie success at Newbury the last time he won the Linfield derby selection.

Connections felt Lingfield's job wasn't up to his strengths, so it's encouraging to see him get the job done, and it's hard to say where his limitations are at the moment.

Weak points:He was impressed with Newbury's win on soft ground and probably didn't want to get on the ground too quickly here.

Kans:4-1

what do they say

Charlie Appleby, trainer:"I'm very happy to be leaving the Military Order after winning the Linfield derby squad. He's done a great job in that match and hopefully all the systems are now fit for the derby. His preparation has been impeccable so far, Tick-tick is, as they say, many boxes."

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (3)

military order13:30 Eps

view race card

Jky: William BuickTnr: Charlie Appleby

passenger

form: 13

benefit:Started at two and first made its way to several laptops at Wood Ditton in Newmarket in April.

On that performance he was eliminated from the Dante Championship at York and would have been closer to a third and a half had it not been for an obvious running problem.

He represents the coachman driver duo that won last year and tires have raised an additional £85,000 to secure him a place in the Derby squad.

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (4)

Passenger: Represents the driver and trainer who won the Derby last yearCreated: Edward Whittaker

Weak points:He lacks the experience of many of these opponents and his style of play often requires a bit of luck.

Kans:11-2

what do they say

Alan Cooper, race director for The Niarchos Family owner:"Ted Durcan sat on him at Newmarket on Saturday morning and Michael [Stoute] was very happy afterwards - he suggested we go. The horse is doing well in itself and has grown a lot physically and mentally. Hopefully he should be competitive."

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (5)

passenger13:30 Eps

view race card

Jky: Richard KingscoteTnr: Sir Michael Stott

to arrest

form: 3112-1

benefit:He was a two-time champion and finished his youth campaign with a first-place finish in the Grade 1 St. Cloud Standard.

At the age of three he reached 1m 4½ft in his Chester Vase debut and completed an impressive six and a half marathon.

A recent morning session at Epsom put him to the test, allowing him to gain some serious track experience.

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (6)

Catch: Consolation winners from Chester's Jar last timeCreated by: Alan Crowhurst

Weak points:It estimates actual production cuts, so the drought forecast is a big negative.

Kans:13-2

what do they say

Frankie Dettori, driver:"We've been thinking about him for the last year but he's all fruit and no brains. He's done well over the winter, he's had good class and Chester is great. Sometimes two or three horses don't develop but he has. "

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (7)

to arrest13:30 Eps

view race card

Jky: Frankie DeToriTnr: John & Thady Gosden

vos

form: 911-21

benefit:The Group 2 winning youngster backed up a respectable season return with a second-place finish in the Craven Stakes last month.

He appreciated the good fundamentals, with leading driver Oisin Murphy keeping his partnership intact.

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (8)

Foxes: Dante Stakes champion under Oisin MurphyCreated: Edward Whittaker

Weak points:His ability in 1m4f is questionable as he has ties to the Matterhorn and Bangkok who are the best in 1m2f.

Kans:12-1

what do they say

Andreas Balding, trainer:"Fox has had some twists and turns on the track [in York] but he's the best horse in the race. We're excited, that's what we want to see, win the race and hopefully keep doing better things. We have I'm skeptical "I've been over him. Will stay a mile and a half, but I don't think the extra six feet will be lost on the numbers. He seems like a likely candidate."

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (9)

vos13:30 Eps

view race card

Jky: Ossin MurphyTnr: Andrew Balding

What about the rest?

They are currently 7-2 in the derby which shows how open the competition will be this year. Of those not listed above,spreadDeserves respect after an impressive derby selection win at Leopardstown last time out. A good surface will be a problem though, as he hasn't raced on anything other than loose or tough terrain.

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (10)

Sprewell: Strong winner of Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at LeopardstownImplementation: Patrick McCann

Dubai milesConsidering he finished fifth in the 2,000 Guineas and classic form test, the long journey should suit him. He won arrest in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud and should play here.

BerkHis Ballysax comeback victory was no fluke as he trailed by one point in Dante's The Foxes. Moving to 1m4f certainly meets these criteria and leaves room for improvement after only four starts.

pronunciation

military orderHe has a lot to offer and should be in the facility, be able to match his brother Adayar and win top class classics ahead of Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (11)

military order13:30 Eps

view race card

Jky: William BuickTnr: Charlie Appleby

Betfred Derby, 1.30pm Epsom, Saturday

bet365:11-4 Auguste Rodin, 7-2 Military Order, 5 Passengers, 6 Arrests, 10 Foxes, 11 Sprewell, 14 Birch, Dubai Mile, 16 Waipiro, 33 Bars

Epsom Derby Festival betting offers

  • bet365When you sign up for an account, you receive offers for new customershere
  • rice powerYou offer free bets to new and existing customers, all you need is an account. To registerhere
  • Sky betOffer new customers free bets when they sign up. You can earn them along with cash back offers and extra seats,here
  • BetfairThey have great deals, extra seats and money back deals. sign up for a new accounthere
  • jongWilliam HillCustomers can request free bets and enjoy cashback offershere
  • get a free betLadbrokes, just sign up for a new accounthere
  • register a new onecoralaccount. They offer discounts to new customershere
  • Are you a new customer,to takegives you a free bet. To registerhereclaim
  • Commercial Notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are hand-picked and sourced from operators with first-hand experience with our experts. By opening an account through one of these links you will earn Racing Post income, which helps us continue our award-winning horse racing business.

Read below:

Epsom's Betfred Derby confirmed runner and jockey - plus an important race tip

Based on past trends, who will win the Saturday 2023 Betfred Derby at Epsom?

Sign up now and get ready for a great summer of Flat Racing with 50% off the first three months

Epsom's Betfred Derby 2023: Top contenders for Saturday's big race (12)

sign up to receiveon the nose, our essential daily newsletter, from The Motorsports Post. Never miss morning updates, delivered straight to your inbox every morning.

FAQs

Who is favourite for Epsom Derby 2023? ›

1. Adelaide River. A son of former Derby winner Australia, who scored on his debut at Dundalk and has placed in all four starts since.

Who is most likely to win the Kentucky Derby 2023? ›

Who is the favorite to win Kentucky Derby 2023? The favorite to win the 2023 Kentucky Derby was Angel of Empire with odds of 9-2. Heavy favorite Forte was scratched on race morning, paving the way for another Todd Pletcher horse to take home the "Run for the Roses."

Who are Favourites for Epsom Derby? ›

2023 Epsom Derby Betting Odds
  • Auguste Rodin @ 7/2.
  • Military Order @ 4/1.
  • Arrest @ 9/2.
  • Passenger @ 13/2.
  • The Foxes @ 11/1.
  • Sprewell @ 12/1.
  • White Birch @ 12/1.
  • Artistic Star @ 16/1.
Jun 3, 2023

Who are the runners in the Derby? ›

Epsom Derby horses 2023: Full list of runners, riders and trainers for Saturday's race
NumberHorseTrainer
1Adelaide RiverAidan O'Brien
2ArrestJohn & Thady Gosden
3Artistic StarRalph Beckett
4Auguste RodinAidan O'Brien
10 more rows
Jun 2, 2023

Which horses are running in the Derby 2023? ›

  • 8 Mage. Owner. OGMA Investments, LLC, Restrepo, Ramiro, Sterling Racing LLC and CMNWLTH. ...
  • 3 Two Phil's. Owner. Patricia's Hope LLC and Sagan, Phillip. ...
  • 14 Angel of Empire. Owner. Albaugh Family Stables LLC. ...
  • 11 Disarm. Owner. ...
  • 1 Hit Show. Owner. ...
  • 17 Derma Sotogake (JPN) Owner. ...
  • 5 Tapit Trice. Owner. ...
  • 16 Raise Cain. Owner.

Will the king go to Epsom Derby 2023? ›

As it stands King Charles will not have a horse in this year's Derby.

Who is projected to win Derby? ›

The 2023 Kentucky Derby odds have Forte as the 3-1 favorite, with Tapit Trice at 5-1 and Angel of Empire at 8-1.

Who has the worst odds to win the Kentucky Derby? ›

Lil E Tee, 1992. How It Happened: Jockey Pat Day was always known for his patience in the saddle, and the 1992 Kentucky Derby was no exception. Overlooked at odds of 17-1, Lil E Tee launched a bold bid from off the pace and won by a length.

How often does the favorite win the Derby? ›

In the pari-mutuel era, favorites win more than a third of the time. The Kentucky Derby has been contested 115 times since 1908, and the post-time favorite has won the race 40 times. This includes instances when there have been co-favorites at race time.

Which jockeys have won the most Epsom Derby? ›

Lester Piggott's greatness transcended statistics, but he accumulated some of the most important records for a British jockey, notably the most wins in a career, the most British Classics (30) and the most Derbys (nine).

What is the best stand for the Epsom Derby? ›

The Queen Elizabeth II Stand is our most prestigious enclosure with prime access to the Parade Ring, you can follow the horses all the way to the track before taking up a spot to watch the races on the steppings or the Queen Elizabeth II Stand Lawn.

How much is an Epsom Derby winner worth? ›

The winner of the Epsom Derby will get a tidy £892,160 for come first in the 2023 edition of the race. However this is down around £17,000 from last year's prize, when Desert Crown won £910,000. Second place will win around £330,000 and the sixth place finish will walk away with £21,000.

What is the best draw at the Epsom Derby? ›

What is the best draw at Epsom? The most successful gate at the Epsom Derby is number 10. Since stalls were introduced in 1967 draw 10 has produced 10 winners. This includes The Minstrel (1977), Generous (1991) and champion stud Galileo (2001).

Are there any female horses in the Derby? ›

The derby has been dubbed 'The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports. ' The race length is just 1 and ¼ mile, and is open to any 3-year-old horse, although, due to the need for speed and power, the race is largely dominated by male horses. Since 1875, only three fillies (female horses) have won the derby.

Who is the only filly to win the Kentucky Derby? ›

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) - While Secretariat's 50th anniversary is celebrated at Churchill Downs and beyond, another important anniversary is noted: the last time a filly has won the Run for the Roses. Winning Colors' 1988 win is still remembered by fans worldwide, not least of all by her trainer, D. Wayne Lukas.

How much does it cost to go to the Kentucky Derby 2023? ›

Average Price: $1,104

The average ticket price for Saturday's race is posted at just above $1,000 on SI Tickets. It may not be Millionaire's Row, but the upper club is still a thrilling way to catch the 20-horse race.

What does SCR mean in horse racing? ›

It's a common problem for new bettors: you've had your eye on a horse for weeks, but when you arrive at the track ready to place your bet, you see something next to their name — “SCR”? What does SCR mean? SCR is short for “scratched,” meaning a horse will no longer be taking part in a race.

Is rich strike in the 2023 Kentucky Derby? ›

Rich Strike, winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby as an 80-1 long shot, returned to Churchill Downs to make his 2023 racing debut on Friday.

Why is the Epsom Derby so early? ›

Earliest EVER start time, runners, odds and tip. The Wembley final has been brought forward to 3pm on Saturday, June 3rd due to safety concerns. This has resulted in the Epsom Derby being brought forward to 1:30pm BST.

Is the Epsom Derby a handicap? ›

The Epsom Handicap is an Australian Turf Club Group 1 Thoroughbred horse race for horses three years old and older, under handicap conditions over a distance of 1,600 metres at Randwick Racecourse, Sydney, Australia in early October.

How old are horses in the Epsom Derby? ›

Horses must be three years old to enter and three years old only – every Derby, you're witnessing one horse's chance for immortality. The Classic race is run over a mile and a half.

How much does it cost to attend the Kentucky Derby? ›

Indeed, those interested in attending can visit Derby Experiences to see a variety of packages combining Derby and Oaks seats with access to exclusive lounges, hotels, transportation, accommodations and more. At the time of writing package prices ranged from roughly $1,270 to $7,370 per person.

What happens if you win the Kentucky Derby? ›

The victor of this year's Kentucky Derby will take the lion's share of a $3 million total purse, with the bulk of that going to the horse's owner—and a smaller amount than you might imagine to the jockey who rides the horse to victory.

How much does a trifecta pay? ›

If you are unable to correctly predict the first three finishers in the race, or you simply get the order wrong, you won't win anything from your bet. As you can see, this is not a simplistic bet to make, which is why the payouts for this bet type can be astonishing. The typical bet amount for a trifecta is around $2.

Were there any big bets on rich strike? ›

After Rich Strike stunned the world with a run for the ages at Churchill Downs on Saturday, one person won more than $74,000 on a $5 trifecta bet. Rich Strike had the second-longest odds of any Kentucky Derby winner ever. Only Donerail was a bigger underdog when he defeated Ten Point in 1913.

What is the longest odds a horse will win? ›

The longest odds for a winning horse at the Grand National is 100/1 and was achieved by Tipperary Tim (1928), Gregalach (1929), Caughoo (1947), Foinavon (1967) and Mon Mome (2009).

What position wins the most at Kentucky Derby? ›

Which post position has the most Kentucky Derby wins? History was on the side of Tapit Trace, as the highest number of Derby winners have come from the No. 5 spot. Ten of the 93 horses that began in that gate went on to be crowned champion, more than any other post position.

What color horse wins the most? ›

The most desirable horse color is bay, followed by chestnut, dark brown, and black. Among racehorses, there are many successful colors: bay, chestnut, and brown horses win a lot of races.

How do you bet on horses successfully? ›

Whatever the bookies' lines look like, always spend what you can afford to lose.
  1. Understand That There Are No Certainties. Horse race betting in nature doesn't have certainties. ...
  2. Keep a Betting Record. ...
  3. Avoid Getting Too Emotional. ...
  4. Lay On “Sure Bets” ...
  5. Look For The Favorite. ...
  6. Form a Versatile Strategy. ...
  7. Takeaway.
Jan 21, 2021

What is the longest odds horse to win the Derby? ›

Last year, Rich Strike stunned the world with a surprise win in the Kentucky Derby at 80-1 odds. However, he's not the longest shot to win the run for the roses. That honor goes to Donerail, who won the 1913 Kentucky Derby at odds of 91-1.

Has a female jockey won the Epsom Derby? ›

It was almost 150 years after Diomed crossed the line to win the inaugural race in 1780 when the first female gained victory in the Epsom Derby. Gainsborough, owned by Lady James Douglas, held off challengers to win by a length and a half in 1918.

Who is the youngest jockey to win the Epsom Derby? ›

John Parsons was a British jockey and the youngest jockey ever to win The Derby, reportedly aged 16. Parsons won the race on Caractacus, trained by Bob Smith. Caractacus was an unusual winner of the Derby.

Has a gelding ever won the Epsom Derby? ›

Derby historian Michael Church told Thoroughbred Racing Commentary that, “As far as I know, no Epsom Derby winner from 1900 on has been gelded.” Breeding is so important in Europe that geldings are not allowed to run in several Group 1 races.

Has a jockey ever won the Kentucky Derby and Epsom Derby? ›

Cauthen is the only jockey ever named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year. After riding for a few years in the United States, he began racing in Europe. He is the only jockey to have won both the Kentucky Derby and the Epsom Derby.

Who has trained the most Epsom Derby winners? ›

3 The most successful trainers in the history of the Derby, with seven winners each, have been Robert Robson (1793 Waxy, 1802 Tyrant, 1809 Pope, 1810 Whalebone, 1815 Whisker, 1817 Azor, 1823 Emilius), John Porter (1868 Blue Gown, 1882 Shotover, 1883 St Blaise, 1886 Ormonde, 1890 Sainfoin, 1891 Common, 1899 Flying Fox) ...

Does the draw matter in the Epsom Derby? ›

The draw determines which horse will be in which stall for the 2023 Derby.

Who is the richest jockey? ›

Jockey Rich List - The world's highest-earning jockeys
  1. Yutaka Take. Career earnings - $925m. Career wins - 4,408. ...
  2. Norihiro Yokoyama. Career earnings - $607m. Career wins - 2,910. ...
  3. Yuichi Fukunaga. Career earnings - $561m. Career wins - 2,636. ...
  4. Masayoshi Ebina. Career earnings - $505m. Career wins - 2,541. ...
  5. John R. Velazquez.
Mar 21, 2023

How much does it cost to enter a horse in the Epsom Derby? ›

Finally, on the Monday of Investec Derby week these 25 or so horses will have their entry 'confirmed' at a cost of £2800, and about 16 will do so. On this day there is also one final chance to enter the race – at a cost of £85000, which is roughly the prize money that a horse will win for coming 4th in the race.

What race horse won the most money? ›

Golden Sixty becomes the highest-earning horse in history with Champions Mile hat-trick. Golden Sixty became the highest-earning racehorse in history at Sha Tin on Sunday afternoon, taking out the Group One FWD Champions Mile for a record third straight time.

What is the fastest time in the Epsom Derby? ›

Other records
  • Fastest winning time (at Epsom) – 2m 31.33s, Workforce (2010)
  • Widest winning margin – 10 lengths, Shergar (1981)
  • Longest odds winners – Jeddah (1898), Signorinetta (1908), Aboyeur (1913), 100/1.
  • Shortest odds winner – Ladas (1894), 2/9.
  • Most runners – 34 (1862)
  • Fewest runners – 4 (1794)

What do you wear to Epsom Derby? ›

Either black or grey morning dress with a top hat, service dress or full national costume is obligatory on Derby Day. You must wear formal day dress or a tailored trouser suit, with a hat or substantial fascinator. Children should be dressed appropriately.

What is the draw bias at Epsom? ›

Draw Bias & Pace Analysis

There are very few 5 furlong handicaps run on the course so there is little to go on but the stats suggest a slight bias towards being drawn high (nearly 40% of all winners come from the two widest stalls) particularly in a larger field.

What breed of horse is the fastest? ›

Thoroughbreds are considered the fastest horses in the world and dominate the horse racing industry, while Arabian horses are known to be intelligent and excel in endurance riding.

What is a female horse called? ›

Mare = a mature female horse. Stallion = a mature male horse capable of producing offspring. Gelding = a mature male horse not capable of producing offspring. Yearling = the word used for a foal that has turned one year old. Draft horse = a breed of horse that does work; not a horse you ride.

Is Secretariat a male or female? ›

Secretariat (horse)
Secretariat
SexStallion
FoaledMarch 30, 1970 Caroline County, Virginia, U.S.
DiedOctober 4, 1989 (aged 19) Paris, Kentucky, U.S.
CountryUnited States
18 more rows

Has a black horse ever won the Kentucky Derby? ›

Black Gold won the 1924 Kentucky Derby in "race-horse style, displaying rare determination." That year the three-year-old horse ran thirteen big-time races.

Has a girl ever won the Kentucky Derby? ›

Three fillies (female horses) have won the Derby: Regret (1915), Genuine Risk (1980), and Winning Colors (1988). 9. Sir Barton never won a race before winning the 1919 Kentucky Derby.

Has a female horse ever won the Triple Crown? ›

The longest gap of time in between Triple Crown winners lasted 35 years, between Affirmed who won in 1978, and American Pharoah who won in 2015. As of 2023, there has never been a female horse to win the Triple Crown.

How to bet on Derby 2023? ›

This year, you can place bets by heading to Churchill Downs, visiting your local racetrack or simply pulling up your smartphone. Here's what you need to know about betting on this year's Kentucky Derby.

What time is the Epsom Derby race in 2023? ›

Coverage: Listen to race commentary on the Derby at 13:30 BST on Saturday on BBC Radio 5 Live. The 244th Derby takes place on Saturday, 3 June at 13:30 BST. The race moves from its traditional 16:30 time slot to avoid clashing with the FA Cup Final at 15:00.

Who will win Epsom Oaks? ›

The win provided Irish trainer Aidan O'Brien with is tenth Epsom Oaks win and his third on the bounce after taking the third English Classic with Love in 2020 and Snowfall in 2021.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Gregorio Kreiger

Last Updated: 12/01/2023

Views: 6307

Rating: 4.7 / 5 (77 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Gregorio Kreiger

Birthday: 1994-12-18

Address: 89212 Tracey Ramp, Sunside, MT 08453-0951

Phone: +9014805370218

Job: Customer Designer

Hobby: Mountain biking, Orienteering, Hiking, Sewing, Backpacking, Mushroom hunting, Backpacking

Introduction: My name is Gregorio Kreiger, I am a tender, brainy, enthusiastic, combative, agreeable, gentle, gentle person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.