Betfred Derby Festival Saturday Tips: O’Brien can land the big one yet again

We have another excellent eight-race card to look forward to at Epsom on Saturday and the big race of the day is Britain's most famous Flat race, The Derby.

There's also the Group 1 Coronation Cup and the excellent Calandagan is amongst the field. Here are our strongest fancies in all eight races at Epsom, including a Ballydoyle Derby runner. Read on for my Betfred Derby Festival Tips.

13:30 Epsom - Never So Brave @ 5/4

It's very difficult to look past Andrew Balding's NEVER SO BRAVE in this Group 3 contest as he’s a 7f specialist and brings the highest level of form to the table. He won the Group 1 City Of York Stakes last term, having graduated from handicaps, and he can be forgiven for his below-par efforts over a mile. A return to winning ways is anticipated.

14:05 Epsom - Pacific Mission @ 5/1

This doesn't look like the deepest Group 3 of all time and the three-year-old PACIFIC MISSION was a useful juvenile last term and progressed to finish second at the Breeders' Cup in October. Admittedly she was a little disappointing on seasonal debut but Balding's filly is entitled to improve for the run and better is expected here.

14:40 Epsom - Jan Brueghel @ 3/1

Calandagan will be the big favourite here but the softer ground isn't a massive positive for him and St Leger winner JAN BRUEGHEL won't be inconvenienced at all. He actually got the better of Calandagan in this very race last year and if in similar shape here, there’s a good chance he can confirm the form.

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15:15 Epsom - Dream Composer @ 12/1

Tony Carroll's DREAM COMPOSER isn’t getting any younger but he's definitely capable of landing another decent prize or two. He won this race two years ago and is currently on a 5lb lower mark. Winning at Ripon on his first start of 2026, he wasn't beaten far when fourth at Goodwood after that and he should be going close once again.

16:00 Epsom - Benvenuto Cellini @ 2/1

Aidan O'Brien holds the record for most Derby victories for a trainer and has won the last three renewals, with six successes in the last decade. BENVENUTO CELLINI showed promise as a juvenile and won a Group 2 at the Curragh by five lengths. Impressive in the Chester Vase last time out, he looks very well set for a massive run.

16:40 Epsom - Hell Yeah He Did @ 5/1

The lightly-raced HELL YEAH HE DID improved with every start last season and managed to get off the mark when winning a Nottingham maiden at the fourth time of asking. Making his handicap debut here, the handicapper has given him an opening mark of 85 and the three-year-old is entitled to progress.

17:20 Epsom - Elsass @ 5/1

Charlie Johnston landed the German Guineas last weekend and he could also come out on top in this valuable handicap too. ELSASS is unbeaten in two starts so far this season and was particularly impressive at Hamilton last time out. An 8lb rise could prove to be generous and this gelding can complete the hat-trick here.

17:55 Epsom - Fine Interview @ 7/2

Hamad Al Jehani's FINE INTERVIEW has won three of his last four starts and he made the perfect start to the current campaign when winning at Doncaster back in March. A 5lb rise might make life harder but he should be capable of going close once again.