Benvenuto Cellini heads the 14 declarations for the Betfred Derby as Aidan O’Brien launches a four-man attack in pursuit of a record-extending 12th success in the Epsom Classic.
The champion of Ballydoyle has proved unbeatable at Surrey Downs in recent years with this year’s contingent attempting to make it four in a row for the Irishman following the respective triumphs of Auguste Rodin (2023), City Of Troy (2024) and Lambourn (2025).
Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini is joined by stablemates Pierre Bonnard, Action and Christmas Day, with Pierre Bonnard of the highest standing although yet to beat this term, the latter pair arriving having finished second and third respectively in the Dante.
The winner at York that day was Item, who is one of two in the race for the Andrew Balding along with A Taste Of Glory, and is regarded by the bookies as the most likely challenger to the Ballydoyle-trained favourite, who has improved his unbeaten record at Knavesmire.
William Haggas’ Maltese cross made it two from two for the year when he edged out Ralph Beckett’s Bay Of Brilliance and will lock horns again at Surrey Downs, with Charlie Johnston’s Ancient Egypt, another British-trained challenger who has impressed in the Newmarket Stakes.
Also heading to Epsom on a high is Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock, who, after taking down the aforementioned Pierre Bonnard at Leopardstown, will be looking to land another telling blow in a race his handler won twice as jockey aboard Camelot (2012) and Australia (2014).
Jane Chapple-Hyam and Faye Bramley will both attempt to become the first female trainer to win the Derby when they saddle Balzac and Rebel Rocker respectively, with the field completed by Karl Burke’s 4.3 million guineas yearling Poker and Richard Hannon’s Alderman, both entering the race as maidens.
Amelia Earhart leads the Oaks field as Precise is taken out
Impressive Cheshire Oaks winner Amelia Earhart will spearhead Aidan O’Brien’s quest for a 12th victory in the Betfred Oaks after the Ballydoyle dealer took out Precise at the final declaration stage.
O’Brien, who first won the race in 1998 with Shahtoush, has the Chester winner leading a three-legged attack as nine were declared for the season’s second filly Classic.
The all-conquering trainer has won the race 11 times and has also swept seven of the last 11 renewals, including with Minnie Hauk in last year’s race.
Cameo, winner of the Lingfield Oaks Trial, and Sugar Island will join Amelia Earhart in Friday’s race and were among four Irish raiders with Joseph O’Brien’s Thundering On – a wide margin winner of the Salsabil Stakes at Navan last time out – completing the quartet.
Ralph Beckett provides three of the home contingent with Wathnan Racing’s A La Prochaine, K Sarra and On Message in a bid to add to his two previous wins in the race with Look Here (2008) and Talent (2013).
While Charlie Johnston’s 1000 Guineas third Venetian Lace adds weight to the home defence, which also includes John and Thady Gosden’s Mussidora winner Legacy Link, to be ridden by Juddmonte’s retained rider Colin Keane.
Amelia Earhart heads the betting after charging to a two-length triumph at Chester last month. Legacy Link and fellow Irish contender Thundering On are second best on the market.