There is a clear favourite ahead of the Epsom Derby this year as Aidan O'Brien seeks out another win
10:38, 07 Jun 2025Updated 11:16, 07 Jun 2025
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This weekend, all eyes will be on Surrey's Epsom Downs Racecourse. The two-day Derby Festival will reach its pinnacle with the Epsom Derby, a race that has been synonymous with prestige and wealth in British flat racing for centuries.
The Derby not only shapes the destinies of future racing legends but also serves as a crucial proving ground for potential stallions. The upcoming event promises to be an intriguing chapter in this storied history.
Aidan O'Brien, who is no stranger to the winner's circle with ten previous Derby victories to his name, is once again a strong contender. His hopefuls include The Lion In Winter, whose odds have lengthened after a disappointing performance in the Dante. Delacroix is another promising entry from O'Brien's stable, having won the Ballysax and Derby Trial, and is likely to be jockey Ryan Moore's mount.
Ruling Court is another horse to watch, attempting to become the first since Camelot in 2012 to clinch both the 2000 Guineas and the Derby. Meanwhile, Pride Of Arras has emerged as a dark horse after an impressive victory in the Dante.
However, with doubts over the staying power of several leading contenders and no clear favourite like last year's sensation City Of Troy, this year's Derby appears to be anyone's race. This unpredictability only adds to the excitement of what promises to be another thrilling instalment of this iconic event.
It promises to be an excellent day of flat racing for horse racing fans and for the bookies so be sure to check out all the exciting new offers.
Who is the favourite to win the Epsom Derby?
Delacroix has emerged as Aidan O'Brien’s leading Derby hope (5/2 favourite with William Hill) following a classic, no-frills route through the Ballysax and Leopardstown trials.
Consistently classy at two, he’s been even more convincing this season, doing everything asked of him with minimal fuss. His campaign has echoes of past Ballydoyle champions, and with Ryan Moore seemingly leaning his way, Delacroix arrives with form, pedigree and stable belief firmly on side.
The Lion In Winter (6/1 various bookmakers) looked a serious Derby contender after his Acomb Stakes win but saw his momentum stall with a lacklustre run in the Dante, where early keenness cost him dearly.
Despite that setback, the son of Sea The Stars has been backed again in the market, hinting that connections haven’t lost faith. With his proven Group-race form and a bounce-back performance potentially on the cards, he remains an intriguing Epsom contender - though stable confidence seems to have shifted elsewhere.
Ruling Court burst into the Derby conversation by winning the 2000 Guineas, a performance that showcased his grit and stamina over the Rowley Mile. He is a best price of 4/1 with various bookmakers.
That run suggested a step up to 1m4f might bring out even more, and while he was turned over by The Lion In Winter as a juvenile, he’s taken significant steps forward this year.
With Triple Crown whispers in the air, this Justify colt could be the one to stay on strongest if Epsom turns into a test.
Pride Of Arras is the dark horse turned serious player, making a sensational seasonal return to win the Dante on his first start in nearly 10 months.
That effort was full of authority and style, marking him out as a rapidly improving colt with the perfect profile for a Derby shock.
From 50/1 outsider to 9/2 third favourite (William Hill), he’s the form horse with momentum and mystery - exactly the type to spring a surprise at Epsom.
Epsom Derby Odds
Here are the odds to win the 2025 Epsom Derby:
- Delacroix - 5/2
- Pride of Arras - 4/1
- Ruling Court - 11/2
- The Lion In winter - 8/1
- Lambourn - 10/1
- Midak - 11/1
- Damysus - 14/1
- Stanhope Gardens - 18/1
- Tennessee Stud - 25/1
- Nightwalker - 33/1
- BAR - 40/1
18+ | Odds subject to change | Gamble Responsibly | Odds supplied by William Hill
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