June 06 / 16.00 Epsom

16.00

Good To Soft

Betfred Derby (Group 1) (No Geldings)

  • Prize money: £1000000
  • 1m 4f 6y
  • Class 1
  • 14 runners
ITV
View Course
Betfred Derby (Group 1) (No Geldings)

Runners: 14 runners

Type: Flat Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Mostly cloudy

16/1 (Won)

  • Win: £6.50
  • Place: £2.25

Form: 511-13 BF

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Maiden success was on heavy going; Group 3 Ballysax at Leopardstown (1m2f, good to yielding) on April reappearance made it three wins in a row and his Dante third at York (10.2f, good) next time was at least as good on form; while lacking anything like the same dash as winner Item at York, and also unable to get to grips with stablemate Action, he did plug on as if 1m4f could help; it clearly needs to.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

4

(6)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Christmas Day

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Maiden success was on heavy going and Group 3 Leopardstown win last October was on good-to-yielding; same going description when landing Group 3 Ballysax at Leopardstown, with James J Braddock back in fifth; outpaced on better ground when third in the Dante, 1 3/4l behind runner-up Action; rose to the occasion when prominently ridden in the Derby, with soft ground evidently in his favour; different conditions now, but his established stamina is a significant positive.

9/2

1st

8

(5)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Christmas Day

9st 2lb

J: Ronan Whelan

T: A P O’Brien

Maiden success was on heavy going; Group 3 Ballysax at Leopardstown (1m2f, good to yielding) on April reappearance made it three wins in a row and his Dante third at York (10.2f, good) next time was at least as good on form; while lacking anything like the same dash as winner Item at York, and also unable to get to grips with stablemate Action, he did plug on as if 1m4f could help; it clearly needs to.

16/1

3rd

3

(6)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

16:05 York

Christmas Day

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Won a heavy-ground maiden on third 2yo start and led on the post in Group 3 at Leopardstown (1m1f, yielding) in October; 11-1 with three of his stablemates among those at shorter odds when he reappeared in nine-runner Group 3 Ballysax at Leopardstown (1m2f, good to yielding) last month but it was him who asserted in the final 1f to win by half a length; will stay further but looks firmly in the mix.

2/1

9/1

  • Place: £2.60

Form: 21-11 D

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Debut was on soft; all four of his races were tight finishes and he won the last three; pulled it out of the fire against useful rivals in a valuable novice event at Newbury (1m2f, good) and narrowly maintained an advantage over Bay Of Brilliance as the pair drew clear in a ding-dong battle for the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm) four weeks ago; his pedigree is all about 1m4f, including with his sire and dam's sire both Derby winners, and he also shapes as if every yard today will suit; needs to pull out more again but has to be in each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

11

(1)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Maltese Cross

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Debut was on soft; all four of his races were tight finishes and he won the last three; pulled it out of the fire against useful rivals in a valuable novice event at Newbury (1m2f, good) and narrowly maintained an advantage over Bay Of Brilliance as the pair drew clear in a ding-dong battle for the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm) four weeks ago; his pedigree is all about 1m4f, including with his sire and dam's sire both Derby winners, and he also shapes as if every yard today will suit; needs to pull out more again but has to be in each-way calculations.

9/1

1st

6

(3)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 1

13:58 Lingfield

Maltese Cross

9st 2lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Went close on debut at Ascot (1m, soft) and beat notable rivals in a Newmarket maiden (1m, good) later in September; favourite for a valuable novice event at Newbury (1m2f, good) three weeks ago and battled his way to another narrow win, in a blanket finish but there's a good chance he will come on from that run and be suited by this longer trip (very much supported by pedigree); firmly in the mix.

5/2

1st

1

(3)

17th Apr 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 2

15:42 Newbury

Maltese Cross

9st 8lb

J: Tom Marquand

T: William Haggas

Dante and Derby entry; went close on debut at Ascot (1m, soft) and one better in a Newmarket maiden (1m, good) later in September; battled back admirably in the latter, which is strong form; looks a good prospect for 1m2f and probably even more so for 1m4f.

5/2

Form: 21-51

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 108

Form & Verdict
Second start as 2yo was a 6l win in Curragh maiden (1m, heavy); never able to challenge on return in the Group 3 Ballysax won by Christmas Day and couldn't have left it any later in the Derby Trial back over Leopardstown's 1m2f (good) four weeks ago, but upstaging Pierre Bonnard so dramatically in the latter reinforces the feeling that 1m4f will suit him well; his sire's sole Group 1 win was at this trip; each-way player for trainer and jockey who won the Oaks yesterday.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

5

(7)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Curragh

James J Braddock

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Second start at two yielded a 6l course 1m win on heavy; never able to challenge on return in the Group 3 Ballysax won by Christmas Day; stepped up on that when staying on strongly to beat Pierre Bonnard in the Derby Trial over the same course and trip; coltish in the preliminaries at Epsom; did well in the circumstances to finish third (second-best of the Irish contingent); seems ground-versatile and likely to appreciate this stiff test.

6/1

3rd

10

(13)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

James J Braddock

9st 2lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Second start as 2yo was a 6l win in Curragh maiden (1m, heavy); never able to challenge on return in the Group 3 Ballysax won by Christmas Day and couldn't have left it any later in the Derby Trial back over Leopardstown's 1m2f (good) four weeks ago, but upstaging Pierre Bonnard so dramatically in the latter reinforces the feeling that 1m4f will suit him well; his sire's sole Group 1 win was at this trip; each-way player for trainer and jockey who won the Oaks yesterday.

8/1

1st

2

(3)

10th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:40 Leopardstown

James J Braddock

9st 5lb

J: Dylan Browne McMonagle

T: Joseph Patrick O’Brien

Promising Navan debut when strong-finishing 1/2l second over 1m, despite rider losing an iron close home; impressed in beating two stablemates in testing conditions in a 1m Curragh maiden at the beginning of November; got outpaced in the Ballysax on reappearance, kept on late in fifth, around 3l behind Endorsement.

8/1

Form: 511-2

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 107

Form & Verdict
Half-brother to smart Flat and hurdle winner Absurde; odds-on winner of a maiden at Goodwood (1m2f, soft) and novice at Redcar (1m1f, good to soft; made all) on last two starts as 2yo; pushed Maltese Cross all the way in Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm) and could improve on that first-time-out display; more to do but he's heading the right way.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4th

6

(9)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Bay Of Brilliance

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Half-brother to smart Flat and hurdle winner Absurde; odds-on winner of a maiden at Goodwood (1m2f, soft) and novice at Redcar (1m1f, good to soft; made all) on last two starts as 2yo; pushed Maltese Cross all the way in Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm) and could improve on that first-time-out display; more to do but he's heading the right way.

14/1

2nd

3

(1)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 1

13:58 Lingfield

Bay Of Brilliance

9st 2lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Half-brother to smart Flat and hurdle winner Absurde; odds-on winner of maiden at Goodwood (1m2f, soft) and novice at Redcar (1m1f, good to soft) on last two starts as 2yo, in the latter making all and stretching 8l clear; needs a good deal better in this company but he's clearly promising.

5/1

1

(1)

27th Oct 2025

Good To Soft

1m 1f 0y

Class 5

13:30 Redcar

Bay Of Brilliance

9st 11lb

J: Hector Crouch

T: Ralph Beckett

Seemed to be tapped for toe in the latter stages over 7f on debut; suited by the step up in trip at Goodwood (1m2f, soft) and the form of that success has been franked; respected under 7lb penalty.

Evs

100/1

Form: 73-2

Last run: 49 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 83

Form & Verdict
Travelled well and challenged from the rear at Newbury (1m3f, good; 17-2) on reappearance seven weeks ago, sticking to his task manfully too while chasing home an exciting prospect at a respectful distance; a promising, scopey sort from a famous middle-distance family but his progressive form in maidens, without a win, does not make him a serious Derby contender.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

1

(2)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 5f 0y

Class 1

13:50 Newmarket (July)

Alderman

9st 3lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

A promising, scopey sort from a famous middle-distance family; progressive form in maidens, without a win, prior to his huge run at 100-1 in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, soft) nearly five weeks ago when he came from towards rear to finish about 7l fifth of 14; kept on well at the finish, as if this longer trip will suit; faces very different ground today (he's unraced on firmer than good) but he's a big player if that is not a problem.

6/1

5th

2

(6)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Alderman

9st 2lb

J: Pat Dobbs

T: Richard Hannon

Travelled well and challenged from the rear at Newbury (1m3f, good; 17-2) on reappearance seven weeks ago, sticking to his task manfully too while chasing home an exciting prospect at a respectful distance; a promising, scopey sort from a famous middle-distance family but his progressive form in maidens, without a win, does not make him a serious Derby contender.

100/1

2nd

1

(8)

18th Apr 2026

Good

1m 3f 0y

Class 2

16:20 Newbury

Alderman

9st 7lb

J: Sean Levey

T: Richard Hannon

Beaten just over 5l in both 2yo starts, placed at Kempton (1m, AW) latest; seemingly thought capable of much better, being entered in the Dante and the Derby; could go well.

7/1

Form: 111-72 BF

Last run: 27 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 109

Form & Verdict
Asserted late on to finish firmly on top last October in a Group 3 at Newmarket (good to firm) and Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (very soft) and they were over 1m2f; 3yo campaign got off to a muted start but he briefly hit the front in Derby Trial at Leopardstown before James J Braddock swooped and Aidan O'Brien has stressed that he went gently with him at home until after that race; his sire and dam's sire were Derby winners (dam won 1m2f Group 1 Nassau) and he now moves up from 1m2f; he looked every inch a serious Derby contender last term and that's probably still the impression to go with.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

6

(1)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Pierre Bonnard

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Asserted late on to finish firmly on top last October in two 1m2f Pattern events, the Group 3 Zetland Stakes at Newmarket (good to firm) and Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (very soft); 3yo campaign got off to a low-key start behind Christmas Day in the Ballysax at Leopardstown; much more like it when second to James J Braddock in the Derby Trial at the same venue; jury is out following a short-lived Derby challenge.

12/1

7th

12

(8)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Pierre Bonnard

9st 2lb

J: Christophe Soumillon

T: A P O’Brien

Asserted late on to finish firmly on top last October in a Group 3 at Newmarket (good to firm) and Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud (very soft) and they were over 1m2f; 3yo campaign got off to a muted start but he briefly hit the front in Derby Trial at Leopardstown before James J Braddock swooped and Aidan O'Brien has stressed that he went gently with him at home until after that race; his sire and dam's sire were Derby winners (dam won 1m2f Group 1 Nassau) and he now moves up from 1m2f; he looked every inch a serious Derby contender last term and that's probably still the impression to go with.

6/1

2nd

3

(1)

10th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

15:40 Leopardstown

Pierre Bonnard

9st 5lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Beat Shaihann in a 1m Dundalk maiden last August; looked smart on his final two juvenile starts; asserted strongly when beating stablemate Endorsement in the Zetland Stakes (1m2f, good to firm); readily beat A Boy Named Susie on very soft ground in the Criterium de Saint-Cloud; now needs to rebuild his reputation after tame eclipse in the Ballysax

4/6

Form: 117-1

Last run: 36 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 100

Form & Verdict
Frankel colt bought for 1,100,000gns as a yearling; all four races on good to firm; Beverley and Goodwood novice wins last summer before the Group 2 Royal Lodge saw a comprehensive end to his unbeaten record; he returned to Newmarket, however, with an ultimately authoritative win in a five-runner Listed race (1m2f) five weeks ago, helping to make the running; 1m4f beckons strongly after that and he's included in each-way calculations.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

1

(2)

19th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 211y

Class 1

17:35 Ascot

Ancient Egypt

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Charlie Johnston

First four starts were on good to firm and he registered an ultimately authoritative win in a five-runner Listed race at Newmarket (1m2f) in May, helping to make the running and with 1m4f looking a strong option; managing just eighth of 14 in the Derby at Epsom (1m4f, soft; 28-1) 13 days ago was therefore disappointing, but the earlier impression cannot yet be discarded.

10/1

8th

3

(10)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Ancient Egypt

9st 2lb

J: David Egan

T: Charlie Johnston

Frankel colt bought for 1,100,000gns as a yearling; all four races on good to firm; Beverley and Goodwood novice wins last summer before the Group 2 Royal Lodge saw a comprehensive end to his unbeaten record; he returned to Newmarket, however, with an ultimately authoritative win in a five-runner Listed race (1m2f) five weeks ago, helping to make the running; 1m4f beckons strongly after that and he's included in each-way calculations.

16/1

1st

1

(1)

1st May 2026

Good

1m 2f 0y

Class 1

14:20 Newmarket

Ancient Egypt

9st 2lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: Charlie Johnston

Won fast-ground novice races at Beverley (7.4f) and Goodwood (1m) last summer on his first two starts; he's better than he showed when 14l seventh of eight in the Group 2 Royal Lodge here in September (1m, good to firm; 16-1) and has Dante/Derby entries but others have more pressing claims.

16/1

9/2

Form: 11-1

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 117

Form & Verdict
Well on top last September in a maiden at Kempton (7f, AW) and novice at Bath (1m, good to firm); non-runner in Group 1 Futurity due to heavy going; not the easiest to settle when reappearing in Group 2 Dante at York (10.2f, good; 11-2) last month but he mastered front-running Action in the last half furlong to win it well, putting Christmas Day in the shade as well; settling a bit better (fine as 2yo) would cement claims for 1m4f but this son of Frankel won going away and brings clear potential, plus leading form and an unbeaten record.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

9

(3)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Item

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Andrew Balding

Well on top last September in a maiden at Kempton (7f, AW) and novice at Bath (1m, good to firm); non-runner in Group 1 Futurity due to heavy going; not the easiest to settle when reappearing in Group 2 Dante at York (10.2f, good; 11-2) last month but he mastered front-running Action in the last half furlong to win it well, putting Christmas Day in the shade as well; settling a bit better (fine as 2yo) would cement claims for 1m4f but this son of Frankel won going away and brings clear potential, plus leading form and an unbeaten record.

9/2

1st

5

(1)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

16:05 York

Item

9st 2lb

J: Colin Keane

T: Andrew Balding

Well on top last September in a maiden at Kempton (7f, AW) and four-runner novice at Bath (1m, good to firm); non-runner in Group 1 Futurity in October due to heavy going; this Frankel colt has a lot to find on ratings but he's a fascinating prospect who looks sure to be suited by 1m2f+.

6/1

Form: 410-16

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 84

Form & Verdict
Won a Brighton maiden and 1m2f AW handicap at Lingfield; however, he ended last season with last of ten in a French Group 1 (1m2f, very soft) and subsided rapidly to be last of six in the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm; 33-1); his owner is renowned for Derby contenders who have run well at big prices, but hopes for this one may be stretching it.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

8

(6)

29th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 2f 0y

Class 3

20:00 Windsor

A Taste Of Glory

8st 12lb

J: Oisin Murphy

T: Andrew Balding

Won a Brighton maiden and 1m2f AW handicap at Lingfield; subsided rapidly to be last of six in the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm; 33-1) and no show at Epsom (1m4f, soft; 100-1) in the Derby itself, but he returns to handicaps here on what looks a pretty good mark.

7/2

10th

4

(7)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

A Taste Of Glory

9st 2lb

J: Jamie Spencer

T: Andrew Balding

Won a Brighton maiden and 1m2f AW handicap at Lingfield; however, he ended last season with last of ten in a French Group 1 (1m2f, very soft) and subsided rapidly to be last of six in the Lingfield Derby Trial (11.6f, good to firm; 33-1); his owner is renowned for Derby contenders who have run well at big prices, but hopes for this one may be stretching it.

200/1

6th

1

(5)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 1

13:58 Lingfield

A Taste Of Glory

9st 2lb

J: Daniel Muscutt

T: Andrew Balding

It was a French Group 1 (1m2f, very soft) which saw his progress arrested as a 2yo; his improved form to win a six-runner handicap here (1m2f, AW) on reappearance came by a neck off a mark of just 80 and although the runner-up has won twice since, this race clearly demands big improvement.

33/1

Form: 3-133

Last run: 28 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 97

Form & Verdict
Novice winner whose rallying third of six in Listed race here (1m2f, good) in April suggested that longer trips would suit; tried 11.6f in the Lingfield Derby Trial (good to firm) and recorded his highest rating, but Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance were just over 6l ahead of him; major work to do.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14th

10

(15)

20th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 1f 212y

Class 2

17:35 Ascot

Balzac

9st 3lb

J: Billy Loughnane

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

AW novice winner who was third in 1m2f Listed race at Epsom and 11.6f Derby Trial at Lingfield (good to firm); same fate as many when tailed off in the Derby (1m4f, soft; 66-1) two weeks ago; improvement is also needed if he's to make a splash on this handicap debut, but return to 1m2f can help.

25/1

11th

5

(2)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Balzac

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Novice winner whose rallying third of six in Listed race here (1m2f, good) in April suggested that longer trips would suit; tried 11.6f in the Lingfield Derby Trial (good to firm) and recorded his highest rating, but Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance were just over 6l ahead of him; major work to do.

100/1

3rd

2

(2)

9th May 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 133y

Class 1

13:58 Lingfield

Balzac

9st 2lb

J: Silvestre De Sousa

T: Jane Chapple-Hyam

Winning siblings include Claymore, a Group 3 winner at 1m2f for this yard; third to Maltese Cross in a 1m Newmarket maiden on sole 2yo start; evens when making all in a Kempton novice (1m, AW) on return and his rallying third of six in Listed race at Epsom (1m2f, good) suggested that this longer trip would suit; some others have better form but he can improve.

25/1

OUR TIP
12th
1 (11)
Action

14/1

Form: 132-42

Last run: 23 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 113

Form & Verdict
Closely related to 2025 Derby winner Lambourn; carries his head high but ended last season with a close, battling second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, heavy) and front-running second in the Dante at York (10.2f, good) last month was of a similar order, albeit no match for Item in the final 1f; a disappointing, sluggish display on reappearance was his only start with tongue tied; likely to stay 1m4f, with a possible place role but it's unlikely to be more unless the new cheekpieces have a major positive effect.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

7th

1

(4)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Action

9st 2lb

J: Declan McDonogh

T: A P O’Brien

Closely related to Derby/Irish Derby winner Lambourn; Galway maiden winner; graduated to Pattern company with two solid displays, third to the excellent Bow Echo in the Royal Lodge, in front of Benvenuto Cellini when second in the Futurity at Doncaster (1m, heavy); tame effort when fourth behind Raaheeb on reappearance at Sandown; better when a front-running second in the Dante; dropped away tamely after making the running in the Derby; cheekpieces are left off now.

20/1

12th

1

(11)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Action

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Closely related to 2025 Derby winner Lambourn; carries his head high but ended last season with a close, battling second in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, heavy) and front-running second in the Dante at York (10.2f, good) last month was of a similar order, albeit no match for Item in the final 1f; a disappointing, sluggish display on reappearance was his only start with tongue tied; likely to stay 1m4f, with a possible place role but it's unlikely to be more unless the new cheekpieces have a major positive effect.

14/1

2nd

1

(7)

14th May 2026

Good

1m 2f 56y

Class 1

16:05 York

Action

9st 2lb

J: Wayne Lordan

T: A P O’Brien

Closely related to 2025 Derby winner Lambourn; carries head high but progressed with every start last season and ended it with a close, battling second to one of his stablemates in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m, heavy); consequently 4-6 for Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown (1m2f, good) three weeks ago but sluggish leaving the stalls and for most of the race before mustering something to finish fourth of seven; perhaps a first-time tongue-tie that day backfired, and he now goes without; the form pick if he bounces back.

6/1

13th
13 (4)
Poker

200/1

Form: 62-2

Last run: 42 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 80

Form & Verdict
Having fetched 4,300,000gns in 2024, he is the most expensive yearling colt ever sold at auction in Europe; by Wootton Bassett out of a sister to Oaks winner Was; on the other hand, he was left nearly 9l behind by Bay Of Brilliance at Redcar (1m1f, good to soft) in October and sported cheekpieces at 10-1 when a front-running second of four to a stablemate in Haydock novice (1m4f, good to firm) in April; admirably tenacious in the latter but the dream was once of so much more.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

6

(1)

9th Jul 2026

Good To Firm

1m 3f 197y

Class 2

14:45 Doncaster

Poker

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: K R Burke

By Wootton Bassett and out of a sister to Oaks winner Was, he fetched 4,300,000gns in 2024; he can be forgiven his no-show in last month's soft-ground Derby and his previous second at Haydock (first-time cheekpieces retained since) was behind a stablemate who went on to finish close up in the Queen's Vase; respected.

10/1

13th

13

(4)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Poker

9st 2lb

J: Rowan Scott

T: K R Burke

Having fetched 4,300,000gns in 2024, he is the most expensive yearling colt ever sold at auction in Europe; by Wootton Bassett out of a sister to Oaks winner Was; on the other hand, he was left nearly 9l behind by Bay Of Brilliance at Redcar (1m1f, good to soft) in October and sported cheekpieces at 10-1 when a front-running second of four to a stablemate in Haydock novice (1m4f, good to firm) in April; admirably tenacious in the latter but the dream was once of so much more.

200/1

2nd

3

(4)

25th Apr 2026

Good

1m 3f 175y

Class 2

13:25 Haydock

Poker

9st 4lb

J: David Egan

T: K R Burke

Ran to a modest level in novices on good to soft ground last autumn (7f and 1m1f); upped in trip and tried in headgear for his reappearance and this 4,300,000gns yearling remains capable of better.

9/1

Form: 2113-1 D

Last run: 31 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 112

Form & Verdict
Frankel colt who was dominant in a maiden last July, a Group 2 at Leopardstown (1m) in September and Group 3 Chester Vase (12.5f, good) one month ago; his free-flowing, long-striding action was seen to good effect in those races, but not on heavy ground when third in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m) in October; soft ground would also introduce something for him to prove but otherwise he brings strength of stamina and among the best form; if the ground is okay, a bold show looks assured.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1st

2

(8)

28th Jun 2026

Good To Firm

1m 4f 0y

16:35 Curragh

Benvenuto Cellini

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Killarney maiden winner last July; impressed in a five-runner Group 2 at Leopardstown (1m) in September; only third behind stablemates Hawk Mountain and Action on heavy ground in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m) in October; stylishly won the Chester Vase, and led the four-strong Ballydoyle team at Epsom; never featured from off the pace after a controversial stalls incident; soft ground all against him then, and retains status as the selected of an unchanged Ballydoyle squad.

13/8

7

(12)

6th Jun 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 6y

Class 1

16:00 Epsom

Benvenuto Cellini

9st 2lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Frankel colt who was dominant in a maiden last July, a Group 2 at Leopardstown (1m) in September and Group 3 Chester Vase (12.5f, good) one month ago; his free-flowing, long-striding action was seen to good effect in those races, but not on heavy ground when third in the Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m) in October; soft ground would also introduce something for him to prove but otherwise he brings strength of stamina and among the best form; if the ground is okay, a bold show looks assured.

2/1

1st

1

(5)

6th May 2026

Good To Soft

1m 4f 63y

Class 1

15:05 Chester

Benvenuto Cellini

9st 6lb

J: Ryan Moore

T: A P O’Brien

Made all in a maiden last July and most impressive in four-runner Group 2 at Leopardstown (1m, good to yielding) in September; made favourite for the Derby on the back of that, and still has that position despite his third of five behind two stablemates when warm favourite for Group 1 Futurity at Doncaster (1m) in October, which was on heavy ground; sister Giselle won last year's Lingfield Oaks Trial (Oaks fifth); their trainer is the first one to turn to for winners of these Chester Derby and Oaks trials; hard to beat.

1/2

100/1

Form: 1-2

Last run: 39 days

W: 9st 2lb

3 yo Colt

OR: 99

Form & Verdict
Strong late on to grab a maiden at Kempton (1m, AW) in November and came from last to second in the six-runner Listed Trial here (1m2f, good; 33-1) in April; hopes for the latter form seem to have been punctured and although he looks capable of better and shapes as if 1m4f will suit him well, 1m4f in something other than the Derby would seem much more realistic.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price
No Results Found

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta £62.70
Straight Forecast £49.67
Tricast £326.09
Trifecta £442.10

Selections

NEWMARKET:

Maltese Cross

SPOTLIGHT:

Benvenuto Cellini

RP RATINGS:

Item

The Guardian:

Bay Of Brilliance

The Times:

Christmas Day

Telegraph:

Maltese Cross

D Express:

Maltese Cross

The Sun:

Maltese Cross

Daily Record:

Maltese Cross

The Star:

Item

Daily Mail:

Bay Of Brilliance

TOPSPEED:

Benvenuto Cellini

POSTDATA:

Benvenuto Cellini

Daily Mirror:

Benvenuto Cellini