KINGSTON, Jamaica - This year's renewal of the world famous Epsom Derby will be run this Saturday, at Epsom Downs in England.
QUICKGALLOP.COM presents for its readers the runners and their odds.
There were no shock absentees from Monday’s five-day declarations for the Derby and the scratching of various less well-fancied colts has led to Paddy Power shortening the Aidan-O’Brien-trained favourite Bolshoi Ballet’s price to 6/4.
His stablemate High Definition has drifted out to 5/1 ahead of the race, having been as short as 7/2 in the lead-up to the latest declaration stage. Ed Dunlop’s John Leeper is the shortest-priced of the home team at 7/1.
Epsom Derby 2021 odds (ante-post)
- Bolshoi Ballet – 6/4
- High Definition – 5/1
- John Leeper – 7/1
- Mac Swiney – 7/1
- Mohaafeth – 9/1
- Hurricane Lane – 10/1
- Third Realm – 12/1
- Van Gogh – 14/1
- Sir Lamorak – 20/1
- One Ruler – 25/1
- Youth Spirit – 25/1
- Adayar – 33/1
- Gear Up – 33/1
- Lone Eagle – 33/1
- The Mediterranean – 33/1
- Southern Lights – 40/1
- Kyprios – 66/1
- Mojo Star – 100/1
- Seattle Sound – 200/1
Epsom Derby 2021 ante-post betting news
A bumper Epsom Derby field of 19 potential runners remains after the five-day declarations, but the one they all have to beat remains Bolshoi Ballet. Aidan O’Brien’s Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial winner is just 6/4 to claim the second colts’ Classic of the 2021 campaign.
Jockey bookings for O’Brien’s five likely entrants have yet to be confirmed, but Ryan Moore is widely expected to opt for the market leader over former ante-post favourite High Definition.
O’Brien has landed the Derby more times than any other trainer, but each of his last three wins have come from runners that weren’t the stable’s first string. There will be many punters having another look at not just High Definition, but Van Gogh, Sir Lamorak, The Mediterranean and Kyprios.
Mac Swiney remains very interesting as the only Grade 1 winner in the field, but doesn’t seem likely to get the soft or heavy ground that has accompanied the standout wins of his up-and-down career to date.
Among the UK-trained entrants there are several horses of great potential, with John Leeper, Mohaafeth, Hurricane Lane and Third Realm all unbeaten in multiple starts this term. None have won above Group 2 level, but then again neither has Bolshoi Ballet.
