Check out my 2026 Derby tips as I’ll be putting up 1-2-3 selections for Saturday’s Epsom Classic. See the full race preview and thoughts below.
Derby Tips: Step Up In Trip To Suit Ballydoyle Runner
Aidan O’Brien has a stellar record in the Epsom Derby as you’d expect.
He heads to the Downs this weekend searching for his 12th win in the race and could become the first trainer to win the race four times in a row.
The last three renewals have gone the way of Ballydoyle and I’m hoping that the yard can make history on Saturday.
O’Brien won the race in 2023 with Auguste Rodin, in 2024 with City Of Troy and last year with Lambourn.
You’ll be able to follow the action live on the ITV Racing schedule so see my selection below.
WATCH: City Of Troy Wins 2024 Derby Easily
FLOPPED in the Guineas – SHONE at the DERBY! 🌟
City Of Troy was imperious at Epsom 🥇#ITVRacing | #TheDerby pic.twitter.com/cKUeoV8j5N
— ITV Racing (@itvracing) June 3, 2025
1-2-3 Derby Tips
PIERRE BONNARD was favourite for this race all winter and has always been seen by O’Brien as a Derby type.
I’m not going to read two much into the fact that he hasn’t won this season as he’s always shaped like stepping up to a mile-and-a-half will suit him perfectly.
After winning his maiden over a mile at Dundalk last August, Pierre Bonnard went on to record two impressive wins over 1m2f.
He started his season at Leopardstown in the Ballysax over that same trip and looked like he’d come on for the run.
Next came the Derby Trial at the same track where he was beaten on the line by James J Braddock when looking to have wrapped the race up.
He was just getting on top on the line and finished his race like a horse crying out for further.
The ground was quick that day and this son of Camelot will appreciate any further rain that falls. I’m hoping for some soft in the Epsom going to boost his claims, but if not, I still think he’ll win.
I don’t mind that Ryan Moore rides the favourite, because Christophe Soumillon is just as talented. He won a few big races for O’Brien last season when Moore was injured and I’m expecting more of the same here.
WATCH: Pierre Bonnard Comes Second In Derby Trial
Wow! 😱
𝐉𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐉 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐤 downs the Ballydoyle battalion in the Group Three Cashel Palace Hotel Derby Trial at Leopardstown 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QQqhk4fLn0
— Racing TV (@RacingTV) May 10, 2026
As for those who can follow my selection home, it’s tough but I do think Maltese Cross for William Haggas can be in the front three.
He doesn’t have a sexy profile by any means, but he’s bred for this trip and could get a prominent start from his favourable Derby draw in stall 1.
If he’s up with the leaders at the start of the race then there’s a strong chance he’ll be involved at the finish. I’m taking the son of Sea The Stars to run a big race.
Then Benvenuto Cellini should make the frame. He won well at Chester when last seen but he doesn’t exactly have Derby-winning form behind him.
Although he didn’t beat much at Chester, I do think he’s a good horse and I can see him in the three.
Epsom Derby 1-2-3 Selections
🥇PIERRE BONNARD
🥈MALTESE CROSS
🥉BENVENUTO CELLINI
2026 Epsom Derby Odds
- Benvenuto Cellini 2/1
- Item 4/1
- Pierre Bonnard 9/2
- Maltese Cross 8/1
- Bay Of Brilliance 9/1
- James J Braddock 9/1
- Ancient Egypt 11/1
- Action 12/1
- Christmas Day 20/1
- Balzac 66/1
- Poker 100/1
- Rebel Rocker 100/1
- Alderman 125/1
- A Taste Of Glory 250/1
