RacingBetter News
	Sunday 17th May 2026

Epsom Derby

The UK's premier flat race is just around the corner and here we can preview the Epsom Derby and touch on the latest tips and market movers.

The Derby Trials and how they influence betting

Let's begin by looking at some of the trials we have seen so far in 2026.

2026 Derby Trials

The 2,000 Guineas serves as an interesting guide to the Derby since it is a Classic but it is run over a mile, significantly less than the Derby and the venue is Newmarket which is a different kind of track. More of that later.

The Chester Vase is run over a similar distance to the Derby but again on a very different track. Chester is a unique course where horses need to deal with the virtually circular track and show speed off the final bend. That did not trouble the 2025 winner Lambourn who went on to win the Derby.

The Lingfield trial is always one to keep an eye on as the track is left-handed and similar to Epsom Downs. This year Tom Marquand steered William Haggas' Maltese Cross to victory and he features in the Derby.

Finally, the yet to be run at the time of writing Dante Stakes at York has a strong reputation for providing indicators for the Derby with 11 winners doubling up, the most recent being Desert Crown in 2022.

Punters will know that the trials are really that; they indicate the quality of a horse in decent competition, but they are not necessarily an indicator of the likely winner. Many of the horses will not have faced one another before and the difficult course will not suit all of them.

Top trainers to follow

Many UK and Irish punters will look no further than Aidan O'Brien the Irish maestro who trains out of Ballydoyle. Usually mob-handed O'Brien will be aiming for a fourth successive title after the successes of Auguste Rodin (2023), City Of Troy (2024) and Lambourn (2025).

Charlie Appleby knows how to win the race with success with Masar in 2018 and Adayar three years later. John Gosden has also succeeded when Frankie Dettori rode Golden Horn to success in 2015. Now training with his son Thady, do not rule out the new partnership with their fancied horse Saxon Street.

However, O'Brien has dominated and this year will probably see Benvenuto Cellini go off favourite after his success in the Chester Vase this year. To back it up, he has lots of declared entrants. Keeping an eye on the choices the jockeys make may be key to seeing how their horses are likely to perform. Last year (2025) lead jockey Ryan Moore opted for Delacroix when he could have ridden the winner from the same stable.

How the course influences the race

Epsom is a notoriously tricky course; some jockeys enjoy the challenge, whilst others find it difficult. The track is undulating and although some horses can adapt, 2,000 Guineas winners will find it a tough test of stamina.

The circuit is U-shaped and the Derby begins with an ascent followed with a wide turn at Tattenham Corner where jockeying for position normally begins. The horses then go downhill before encountering a rise to the finish.

Position can be crucial and the undulating course has caught out many a favourite. It is a true test of horsemanship and stamina which is why success in some of the trials is a decent indicator.

Epsom Derby Odds And Finding Value

In 2025 the Jockey Club introduced a 72 hour final declaration limit and in December of that year, they confirmed that will continue. This helps punters as it gives them time to see which horses are taking part, their fitness and gives them space to avoid the ante-post market.

At the time of writing, Benvenuto Cellini heads the market, followed by Constitution River and Maltese Cross. A bunch of horses stand at 12/1 to 20/1 in the market, including Pierre Bonnard, Christmas Day, Bay of Brillance and Saxon Street.

Ante-post betting can be attractive as it offers odds which may shorten on the day but you always run the risk of a withdrawal. Keep an eye on the press for news from stables before choosing your wager. Horses are not robots and can be injured on the gallops or arrive at the event not fully fit.

We have had some long odds winners in the past and a forecast of Adayar at 16/1 and Mojo Star at 50/1 would have been a treat five years ago! You are likely to see a strong favourite but there is plenty of value in the field and you never know which horse will take well to the course and handle the excitement. Remember each-way bets can offer great value if you do not have faith in the favourites.

How to bet on the Derby at betGoodwin

Just go to the sportsbook and choose horse racing from the menu of sports. If you are looking ante-post, and particularly more than three days from the off, remember that final declarations have not been made. If you are thinking of placing a bet prior to that, just go to futures, where you will find a list of odds. Otherwise, you will see odds change as the market develops.

On the right of the screen you will see your betting slip. Simply make your choices and deposit your funds. Make sure you have read the terms and conditions before confirming your wager. If you are placing bets on the card on the day make sure you have a limit, control your bankroll and never chase losses.