The 2025 renewal of the Epsom Derby is scheduled to be contested on Saturday, June 7.
Quickgallopja.com begins it coverage of this famous event with a look at the top contenders.
Aidan O’Brien, bidding for an 11th Derby win, leads the way with a strong hand that includes The Lion In Winter, who has drifted in the betting having lost the Dante, and Delacroix, who is expected to be the choice of Ryan Moore having impressed in the Ballysax and Derby Trial ahead of Epsom.
Elsewhere, Ruling Court looks to become the first horse since Camelot (2012) to follow up a 2000 Guineas win with Derby glory, while Pride Of Arras threw his name into the mix with an impressive Dante win.
With stamina questions hanging over several market leaders and no standout superstar like City Of Troy last year, the 2025 Derby is wide open.
Delacroix has emerged as Aidan O'Brien’s leading Derby hope (5/2 favourite with William Hill) following a classic, no-frills route through the Ballysax and Leopardstown trials.
Consistently classy at two, he’s been even more convincing this season, doing everything asked of him with minimal fuss. His campaign has echoes of past Ballydoyle champions, and with Ryan Moore seemingly leaning his way, Delacroix arrives with form, pedigree and stable belief firmly on side.
The Lion In Winter (6/1 various bookmakers) looked a serious Derby contender after his Acomb Stakes win but saw his momentum stall with a lacklustre run in the Dante, where early keenness cost him dearly.
Despite that setback, the son of Sea The Stars has been backed again in the market, hinting that connections haven’t lost faith. With his proven Group-race form and a bounce-back performance potentially on the cards, he remains an intriguing Epsom contender - though stable confidence seems to have shifted elsewhere.
Ruling Court burst into the Derby conversation by winning the 2000 Guineas, a performance that showcased his grit and stamina over the Rowley Mile. He is a best price of 4/1 with various bookmakers.
That run suggested a step up to 1m 4f might bring out even more, and while he was turned over by The Lion In Winter as a juvenile, he’s taken significant steps forward this year.
With Triple Crown whispers in the air, this Justify colt could be the one to stay on strongest if Epsom turns into a test.
Pride Of Arras is the dark horse turned serious player, making a sensational seasonal return to win the Dante on his first start in nearly 10 months.
That effort was full of authority and style, marking him out as a rapidly improving colt with the perfect profile for a Derby shock.
From 50/1 outsider to 9/2 third favourite (William Hill), he’s the form horse with momentum and mystery - exactly the type to spring a surprise at Epsom.
