Epsom Derby 2026 - Benvenuto Cellini the early favourite at 3.25

Simon Lewis

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Last updated: 31 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 31 minutes ago

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Benvenuto Cellini is pipped to win at odds of 3.25.
Bigger payouts await if Item, Pierre Bonnard or Maltese Cross take the win.
The 2026 Epsom Derby takes place at Epsom Downs on Saturday, 6 June 2026 at 5pm SAST.

Benvenuto Cellini is the favourite to win the Epsom Derby (Getty Images).

Derby Runners Face Epsom’s Ultimate Test

Derby Runners Face Epsom’s Ultimate Test
Hot winner Benvenuto Cellini the early favourite
Positioning vital at Epsom
Epsom Downs early odds

The 2026 Epsom Derby has drawn a 14-runner field for Saturday’s Group 1 Classic at Epsom Downs. The race is run over 1m4f on turf and is open to three-year-old colts and fillies, with geldings excluded.

The Derby is not just about which horse has the best form on paper. Epsom is one of the most unusual tests in world racing, with sweeping bends, a downhill run, a cambered straight and a climb to the line. Horses need stamina, but they also need balance, courage and the ability to handle the track’s changing rhythm.

Hot winner Benvenuto Cellini the early favourite

Benvenuto Cellini is the obvious starting point. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, he comes into the race as favourite after strengthening his Derby claims with victory at Chester. O’Brien has dominated the race in recent years and knows exactly what kind of horse is required for Epsom.

Item is the main danger in the betting stakes. The Andrew Balding-trained colt is unbeaten and earned his Derby place with victory in the Dante Stakes at York, one of the most important trials for the race. If he handles Epsom’s demands, he has the profile of a serious Classic contender.

Pierre Bonnard gives O’Brien another major chance and is prominent in the market, while Maltese Cross brings strong stamina appeal for William Haggas. James J Braddock, Bay Of Brilliance and Ancient Egypt add depth to a field that looks competitive beyond the favourite.

Positioning vital at Epsom

The draw and early position could prove crucial. Epsom can punish horses that become unbalanced or get trapped at the wrong stage of the race, especially as the field sweeps downhill towards Tattenham Corner before straightening for home.

For punters, this is a race to look beyond reputation alone. The winner will need class, but also the temperament and athleticism to cope with Epsom’s unique challenge. In a Derby field packed with trial winners, Ballydoyle firepower and improving three-year-olds, the horse that handles the track best may be the one that delivers.