Epsom Derby Runners 2026: A guide to the 14 Classic-chasing colts

The Betfred Derby on Saturday (16:00), the 247th instance of the Classic race, has attracted a field of 14.

I've produced a guide to the Epsom Derby Runners 2026, featuring their odds at time of publishing and a brief assessment of their chances.

Benvenuto Cellini (Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore) @ 2/1

Very useful miler at two, but the son of Frankel looked even better over an extended 1m4f in the Chester Vase last month. Something to prove if conditions become very testing and stall 12 isn't ideal, but otherwise he's got everything going for him. Not at all hard to imagine him providing Aidan O'Brien a record-extending 12th win in the race.

Item (Andrew Balding/Colin Keane) @ 4/1

Another son of Frankel who won the Dante at York last month in good style, justifying significant late support in the market. That was just his third-ever start, and first in 226 days, so there's any amount of improvement to come. Every chance from stall 3.

Pierre Bonnard (Aidan O'Brien/Christophe Soumillon) @ 11/2

Camelot colt was thought of as O'Brien's number one for the Betfred Derby at the start of the season, but things haven't quite gone to plan. That being said, he improved immensely from a poor effort in the Ballysax at Leopardstown to go down by just a head to the reopposing James J Braddock in the Derby Trial over the same course and distance. French jockey Christophe Soumillon takes the ride. Can run a big race out of stall 8.

Maltese Cross (William Haggas/Tom Marquand) @ 9/1

I'm a big fan of this son of Sea The Stars. He's unfortunate not to be unbeaten in four career starts, which includes victory in the Lingfield Derby Trial a month ago. This is his toughest test yet, but he's a hardy type who won't go down easy if he's in contention with a couple of furlongs to go. A danger to all, if able to avoid trouble at the start from the inside stall.

James J Braddock (Joseph O'Brien/Dylan Browne McMonagle) @ 10/1

Beat the aforementioned Pierre Bonnard in a dramatic finish to the Derby Trial at Leopardstown last month, giving the impression there's even more to come over 1m4f. He won a 20-runner maiden at the Curragh last year on heavy ground, so should be fine if the rain comes, but he was done dirty by the draw (stall 13). That aside, there's lots to like. Each-way claims.

Bay Of Brilliance (Ralph Beckett/Hector Crouch) @ 12/1

If like me you give Maltese Cross a chance in the Betfred Derby, you've got to give Ralph Beckett's runner one too. The son of New Bay, who was highly-progressive at two, was just touched off by William Haggas' runner at Lingfield, on his seasonal reappearance. With a run under his belt, there's every chance he'll reverse that form - and that could be enough to see him involved at the finish.

Ancient Egypt (Charlie Johnston/David Egan) @ 14/1

Amo Racing-owned Frankel colt sprung a bit of a surprise in a Listed race at Newmarket on Betfred 1000 Guineas day, beating the 95-rated My Love Is King, whose form ties in very closely with Maltese Cross, by a couple of lengths. He's open to further improvement as he takes another step up in trip, and makes significant each-way appeal from the winning-most stall (10).

Action (Aidan O'Brien/Wayne Lordan) @ 18/1

O'Brien's second-string was runner-up to the aforementioned Item in the Dante last time out. His form behind Hawk Mountain and in front of stablemate Benvenuto Cellini in the Futurity Trophy on heavy ground at Doncaster at two is very smart - as is his third behind subsequent Betfred 2000 Guineas hero Bow Echo in the Royal Lodge. Not ruled out, although his record of just one win from six starts is a concern.

Christmas Day (Aidan O'Brien/Ronan Whelan) @ 20/1

Ballysax winner went off 11/4f in the Dante but finished behind Item and Action, which has seen him relegated to bottom of the pile in terms of O'Brien's runners. More is needed and I find it hard to envisage where that improvement will come from. Others appeal more.

Balzac (Jane Chapple-Hyam/Silvestre de Sousa) @ 80/1

Behind Rebel Rocker in one of the trials here at Epsom and then Maltese Cross and Bay Of Brilliance at Lingfield. Loads to find.

Rebel Rocker (Faye Bramley/Rob Hornby) @ 100/1

Interesting contender for a trainer on the rise. Won his sole start at two and then finished runner-up to John & Thady Gosden's Saxon Street in the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom, over 1m2f. Shaped like the extra couple of furlongs will suit, but this is a stiff task and I'm not convinced he's up to it. Each-way claims at best.

Alderman (Richard Hannon/Pat Dobbs) @ 100/1

Record of 0-3 and a rating of just 83. Form behind the exciting Water To Wine at Newbury last time out is fine, but his profile doesn't exactly shout 'Betfred Derby winner'. Far from it.

A Taste Of Glory (Andrew Balding/Jamie Spencer) @ 150/1

Well-beaten by Bay Of Brilliance, twice, Pierre Bonnard and Maltese Cross already. Hard to advise.

Poker (Karl Burke/Rowan Scott) @ 150/1

Cost a staggering 4.3m guineas but he's 0-3 and rated just 80. The training performance of all training performances is required.

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