The Epsom Derby is the richest horse race in Britain, attracting viewers and bettors from around the world.
But before betting on the race, you need to know who’s running. The Epsom Derby is open to 3-year-old colts and fillies, and this year’s field includes some big names.
Here, we look at the form of some of the most likely runners to win in 2024 and consider a few outsiders in the Epsom Derby odds who might surprise a few people in Surrey this June.
Current Runners (Unconfirmed)
With the final Derby field yet to be confirmed, here are the runners we expect to go well at Epsom Downs this June:
City of Troy 7/2*
Trained by A P O’Brien, City of Troy had an incredible start to his career in 2023, with a debut win at Curragh in July. He followed it up with a win in the Class One Superlative Stakes at Newmarket and again in the Native Trail’s Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket, both under Ryan Moore.
Though O’Brien will be disappointed with City of Troy’s ninth-place finish in this year’s 2000 Guineas, he will be hoping that his 3-year-old colt goes the distance in the Epsom Derby at the start of June.
Arabian Crown 4/1*
Jockey William Buick rode Arabian Crown to two Class One victories in 2023, at Salisbury in August and then again at Newmarket in October. He then rode to his third successive Class One victory in the Classic Trial at Sandown in April, showing his brilliant form ahead of the Derby.
Charlie Appleby will look to add to his previous two Derby winners when Arabian Crown takes to the track at Epsom Downs.
Henry Longfellow 8/1*
At 8/1*, the impressive Henry Longfellow is attractively priced ahead of the Derby. Trained by A P O’Brien, Henry Longfellow has three career victories from his first three races, with Ryan Moore in the saddle.
His most impressive win came at the Goffs Vincent O’Brien National Stakes at Curragh, where he cemented his potential as he raced in third before pushing out to run well on the final 110yards. Undoubtedly, Henry Longfellow is one to watch in Surrey.
Diego Velazquez 10/1*
Another A P O’Brien colt with an impressive start to his career, Diego Velazquez, debuted at Curragh with an impressive showing in August 2023. He followed it with victory in the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown, with Ryan Moore in the saddle.
Though many expected more from him than his sixth-place finish in the Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster, he hopes to perform better in the Derby this May.
Ancient Wisdom 11/1*
Charlie Appleby’s Ancient Wisdom has won four of his five races under James Doyle and William Buick. He ran particularly well for his first-place finish in the Class 1 Emirates Autumn Stakes at Newmarket in October, which he then followed up with another impressive win in the Kameko Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster later the same month.
A lot is expected of Ancient Wisdom, and a Derby win is not off the cards.
Los Angeles 16/1*
A P O’Brien’s Los Angeles has two wins from two so far in his fledgling career, and his price of 16/1* is likely to attract each-way bettors. The colt went well under Seamie Heffernan in his debut at Tipperary in September 2023, and he followed it up with a good showing at Saint Cloud the following month, with Christophe Soumillon in the saddle.
God’s Window 20/1*
Trained by J & T Gosden, God’s Window under Kieran Shoemark has two wins from three at the start of his career. His debut win came in the Class Two British EBF 40th Anniversary Maiden Stakes at Doncaster, followed by a third-place finish at the same track in the Kameko Futurity Stakes in October. Whether he has what it takes to win the Derby remains to be seen, but expect him to be in contention.
Capulet 25/1*
Capulet arrived on the scene with an impressive showing in the KPMG Juvenile Stakes at Leopardstown, finishing second to Diego Velazquez, with Seamie Heffernan in the saddle. Capulet, this time under Ryan Moore, finished second in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket, showing his capabilities in a high-profile Class One race.
Illinois 33/1*
Another runner for A P O’Brien, Illinois has one win from three career starts. Under Ryan Moore, the bay colt went particularly well at Leopardstown, finishing third in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax States in April 2024. He could be a good outside bet going into this month’s Derby.
Dallas Star 33/1*
Adrian Murray’s Dallas Star has shown lots of potential in his six outings, with five top-three finishes and a Class One victory. His most impressive performance came in the PW McGrath Memorial Ballysax States at Leopardstown with Seamie Heffernan on board. He romped home with pre-race odds of 50/1, surprising many to stay the course. Could he go well again in the Derby?
Epsom Derby Date and Start Time
The Derby Festival begins on 31st May, with the Epsom Oaks taking centre stage on day one. The Derby will start at 16.30 (GMT) on June 1st, 2024. Note that race times are subject to change.
Epsom Derby FAQs
City of Troy, trained by A P O’Brien, is the favourite for the 2024 Epsom Derby, with ante-post odds of 7/2. Odds are subject to change.
A P O’Brien has the most Epsom Derby wins, with nine runners: Galileo (2001), High Chaparral (2002), Pour Moi (2011), Camelot (2012), Ruler Of The World (2013), Australia (2014), Wings of Eagles (2017), Anthony Van Dyck (2019), Serpentine (2020), and Auguste de Rodin (2023).
Six fillies have won the Derby, but the last filly to do it was Fifinella in 1916.
As 3-year-old horses are close to maturity, the age limit is set to ensure fair competition and to allow different horses to compete in the Triple Crown events every year.
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*Odds correct at the time of writing and subject to change
