The Derby 2026: Unlocking the Secrets of Epsom's Elite
A Race of Pedigree and Potential
As the sun sets on the eve of the Derby 2026, anticipation hangs in the air like a mist over the Epsom Downs. This year's race, a spectacle of equine excellence, promises to be a battle of pedigrees and potential. With a field of 14 runners, each with their own unique story, the Derby is a microcosm of the racing world, where dreams are made and broken in the space of a mile and a half.
Action: The Dark Horse
Aidan O'Brien's Action, with jockey Wayne Lordan, is a fascinating contender. His Timeform rating of 125 and 25-1 odds might not scream 'winner', but his form is intriguing. A half-length second to Hawk Mountain in the Group One Futurity on heavy ground at Doncaster last season is no small feat, especially with the recent rain at Epsom. His second place behind Item in the Dante Stakes at York further cements his credentials. While his dam's side may not scream stamina, Action could surprise us with a step up in trip.
Alderman: The Long Shot
Richard Hannon's Alderman, ridden by Pat Dobbs, is a long shot at 250-1. His steady progress is admirable, but his maiden status at this level raises questions. The last Derby winner without a previous success was Merry Hampton in 1887, a fact that doesn't bode well for Alderman's chances.
Ancient Egypt: The Million-Dollar Colt
Ancient Egypt, trained by Charlie Johnston and ridden by David Egan, is one of two seven-figure yearling colts from the Tattersalls Book 1 sale in October 2024. His pedigree is a page-turner, being by the great Frankel and out of a full sister to a multiple Group One winner. With only one blip on his record, he's a serious contender. His convincing win in the Newmarket Stakes in May and his ease on the track during the gallops morning last week are strong indicators. Plus, his stall has housed 11 winners, including Lambourn last year.
Taste of Glory: The Optimistic Outsider
Ahmad al-Sheikh's runners are a Derby tradition, and Taste of Glory, trained by Andrew Balding and ridden by Jamie Spencer, continues this legacy. A €20k purchase, he follows in the footsteps of Khalifa Sat and Hoo Ya Mal, who both placed second. However, his form suggests he may struggle to replicate their success.
Balzac: The All-Weather Wonder
Jane Chapple-Hyam's Balzac, with jockey Silvestre de Sousa, is an all-weather specialist. His win at Kempton in April is impressive, but his subsequent defeats at Epsom and Lingfield temper expectations. With a poor stall draw and no recent form to suggest a turnaround, Balzac's chances look slim.
Bay of Brilliance: The Lingfield Contender
Ralph Beckett's Bay of Brilliance, ridden by Hector Crouch, impressed at Lingfield, forcing Maltese Cross to dig deep. His seasonal debut against a rival with a run under their belt makes his effort even more noteworthy. While the time wasn't exceptional, the overall impression was of two exceptional colts. A repeat performance could see him in the mix at the finish.
Benvenuto Cellini: The Derby Favorite
Aidan O'Brien's Benvenuto Cellini, with stable No. 1 Ryan Moore, ticks all the boxes of a Derby favorite. His impeccable pedigree, convincing trial win, and O'Brien's record 11 Derby wins make him a force to be reckoned with. However, his third-place finish on heavy ground at Doncaster in October and the recent rain at Epsom might give punters pause. His odds may suggest a clearer advantage than his ratings indicate.
Christmas Day: The Stamina Specialist
Aidan O'Brien's Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan, has a stamina-laden pedigree that could be his secret weapon. His win in the Ballysax Stakes and third-place finish in the Dante at York show his potential. With more rain expected, he could be one to watch, especially if the going gets tough.
Item: The Unbeaten Challenger
Andrew Balding's Item, with jockey Colin Keane, is the only unbeaten runner in the field. His emphatic success in the Dante Stakes at York, despite signs of inexperience, is a testament to his talent. With room for improvement and no issues with the step up in trip, Item could be a serious contender, provided the going doesn't get too heavy.
James J Braddock: The Experienced Campaigner
Joseph O'Brien's James J Braddock, ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle, is a seasoned campaigner. His win at the Curragh on heavy going and his short-head defeat of Pierre Bonnard in the Leopardstown Trial showcase his versatility. While the form at Leopardstown may be questionable, O'Brien's experience as a Derby-winning rider for his father could be a significant advantage.
Maltese Cross: The Lingfield Hero
William Haggas's Maltese Cross, with jockey Tom Marquand, is a Lingfield Trial winner. His three victories by a combined half-length demonstrate his tenacity. His progress with each step up in trip is encouraging, and Haggas's decision to run him is a vote of confidence. Despite a suboptimal stall draw, Maltese Cross could be a dark horse in this race.
Pierre Bonnard: The Promising Contender
Aidan O'Brien's Pierre Bonnard, ridden by Christophe Soumillon, had a promising two-year-old season, including a Group One win in France. While his three-year-old campaign has been shaky, his recent rain-friendly pedigree and Soumillon's booking could make him a wildcard.
Poker: The Expensive Enigma
Karl Burke's Poker, with Rowan Scott, was the most expensive yearling colt in the world at Tattersalls in 2024. However, his form hasn't lived up to his price tag. With no wins from three starts, he's an enigma that might need more time to unlock his potential.
Rebel Rocker: The Underdog
Faye Bramley's Rebel Rocker, ridden by Rob Hornby, is a true underdog story. His owner-breeder, Jennifer Dorey, has shown incredible determination, buying his dam out of a seller and nurturing her into a successful handicapper. While Rebel Rocker needs significant improvement, his story is a reminder that the Derby is a race of dreams, where anything can happen.
