Benvenuto Cellini leads the 14 declarations for the Betfred Derby as Aidan O'Brien launches a four-strong assault in search of a record-extending 12th success in the Epsom Classic. The Ballydoyle trainer has won the race three years in a row, with Auguste Rodin, City Of Troy and Lambourn triumphing between 2023 and 2025.
Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini is joined by stablemates Pierre Bonnard, Action and Christmas Day. Pierre Bonnard is highly regarded despite not winning this season, while Action and Christmas Day finished second and third respectively in the Dante Stakes.
The Dante winner, Item, is one of two entries for Andrew Balding alongside A Taste Of Glory. Bookmakers consider Item the main challenger to the Ballydoyle favourite, having extended his unbeaten record at York.
William Haggas' Maltese Cross, unbeaten in two starts this year after beating Ralph Beckett's Bay Of Brilliance, will renew rivalry at Epsom. Charlie Johnston's Ancient Egypt impressed in the Newmarket Stakes. Joseph O'Brien's James J Braddock, who defeated Pierre Bonnard at Leopardstown, also runs; O'Brien won the Derby as a jockey on Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014).
Jane Chapple-Hyam and Faye Bramley aim to become the first female trainer to win the Derby, saddling Balzac and Rebel Rocker respectively. The field is completed by Karl Burke's expensive yearling Poker and Richard Hannon's maiden Alderman.
