Epsom Derby Odds - Benvenuto Cellini Heads £2m Classic

Simon Lewis

Editor

Last updated: 33 minutes ago

Simon Lewis 33 minutes ago

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Benvenuto Cellini heads the odds after claiming three wins in four races.
Item, Pierre Bonnard and Maltese Cross will offer a stiff challenge to the favourite.
The 2026 Epsom Derby takes place at Epsom Downs on Saturday, 6 June 2026 at 5pm SAST.

Benvenuto Cellini leads the odds for the Epsom Derby (Getty Images).

The 2026 Betfred Derby takes place at Epsom Downs on Saturday, June 6, with the famous Group 1 race scheduled for 5pm SAST. Run over 1m4f, the Derby remains Britain’s most prestigious Flat race and the middle leg of the traditional Triple Crown, coming after the 2000 Guineas and before the St Leger.

This year’s running carries extra weight for punters and connections, with the prize fund boosted to £2 million. The winner will collect £1 million, while prize money will be paid down to 10th place, making the Derby one of the richest races in the UK in 2026.

An historic race

First run in 1780, the Derby is often called the “Blue Riband” of the turf. Its name has been borrowed around the world, most famously by the Kentucky Derby, but in Britain this remains the original Derby — the race every owner, trainer and jockey wants on the CV.

Benvenuto Cellini heads the betting at around 2/1, with Item next in the market at 7/2 and Pierre Bonnard at 5/1. Maltese Cross is listed at 9/1, followed by James J Braddock at 10/1, Bay Of Brilliance at 12/1, Ancient Egypt at 14/1 and Action at 16/1.

Aidan O’Brien again has a powerful hand as he chases more Derby history. The Ballydoyle trainer won the 2025 Derby with Lambourn, a victory that gave him a record-extending 11th success in the race.

A tough and testing course

For bettors, Epsom is never a simple stamina test. The track’s bends, camber, downhill gradients and undulations tend to favour horses with balance, tactical speed and the ability to travel smoothly.

That makes this year’s market especially interesting. Benvenuto Cellini brings the glamour profile, Item brings unbeaten momentum, and several bigger-priced rivals look capable of improving for the Derby trip. On a course where rhythm and positioning matter as much as raw ability, the favourite may be strong — but the race is far from a formality.

See our early odds here.