Epsom Derby 2026 Preview: Betting Tips, Runners & Predictions for £1m Classic Showpiece

EPSOM DERBY PREVIEW: CLASSIC GLORY AWAITS IN £1 MILLION SHOWPIECE

The eyes of the racing world will be fixed on Epsom on Saturday afternoon as a field of 14 runners line up for the 2026 Betfred Derby, Britain’s premier Classic and one of the most prestigious races in world racing.

Run over Epsom’s unique mile-and-a-half test, the Derby Stakes demands a rare combination of class, stamina, balance and temperament. With good to soft ground forecast following light rain, this year’s renewal promises to be a fascinating contest.

Aidan O’Brien, seeking another Epsom Derby victory, fields a powerful team headed by the unbeaten-on-the-season Benvenuto Cellini. The son of Frankel arrives with an impressive profile, having won three of his five career starts which include the Boodles Chester Vase Stakes (Group 3) has an excellent Racing Post Rating of 127. His blend of speed and stamina makes him a worthy Derby favourite contender.

The principal challenge could come from Item, trained by Andrew Balding for Juddmonte. The Frankel colt made a striking return when winning on his seasonal debut and boasts the highest Racing Post Rating in the field at 130. With Colin Keane booked for the ride, he brings serious credentials to Epsom and has the profile of a colt capable of further improvement over this longer trip.

Another major player is O’Brien’s Pierre Bonnard, who was unbeaten as a juvenile before disappointing when 7th of 9 first time out this year at Leopardstown but ran much better when finding only one too good most recently in the Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial Stakes (Group 3). The Camelot colt has always looked a natural Derby contender and could be peaking at the right time.

William Haggas saddles the progressive Maltese Cross, who arrives unbeaten in two starts this year. The son of Sea The Stars has done little wrong and remains one of the more intriguing Epsom Derby runners stepping into Group 1 company.

Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock continues to improve and looks capable of playing a prominent role, while Bay Of Brilliance represents Ralph Beckett after a solid effort when runner-up on his seasonal reappearance.

Charlie Johnston’s Ancient Egypt comes into the race on the back of an impressive victory and could outrun his odds, while O’Brien’s Action appeals as a possible dark horse. The Frankel colt posted strong ratings in defeat this season and may appreciate both the step up in distance and the likely testing conditions.

Further down the field, Christmas Day, Balzac, Poker, Rebel Rocker, A Taste Of Glory and Alderman all face significant improvement if they are to challenge for Classic honours.

Selection ✅

Item looks the colt with the greatest potential for improvement, with his strong form figures, excellent ratings and powerful Juddmonte pedigree suggesting he has all the attributes required to handle Epsom’s demanding test. Benvenuto Cellini sets a high standard and represents the formidable Aidan O’Brien team.

Epsom Derby 2026 shortlist (key contenders):

Item – Epsom Derby 2026 winner tip
Benvenuto Cellini – Derby favourite challenge
Pierre Bonnard – Derby outsider
Maltese Cross – progressive Derby runner

With £1 million on offer to the winner and a place in racing history awaiting, the 2026 Epsom Derby preview promises to be another memorable chapter in the story of Epsom’s greatest race.